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A plate showcasing a variety of easy Christmas cookies, artfully decorated with icing and sprinkles.

Festive Cranberry Orange Drop Cookies

These festive cranberry orange drop cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with citrus flavor and the tang of cranberries, perfect for any holiday gathering or a delightful treat.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 11 minutes
Total Time 31 minutes
Servings 24 cookies
Calories 120 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking Sheets
  • Parchment Paper
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Wire Rack

Ingredients
  

Cookies

  • 1 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour
  • ½ teaspoon Baking Soda
  • ¼ teaspoon Salt
  • ½ cup Unsalted Butter (1 stick), softened
  • ½ cup Granulated Sugar
  • ¼ cup Brown Sugar packed
  • 1 large Egg at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1 tablespoon Orange Zest
  • ½ cup Dried Cranberries
  • ¼ cup Chopped Pecans (optional)

For Glaze

  • ½ cup Powdered Sugar
  • 1-2 tablespoons Fresh Orange Juice

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest until well combined.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
  • Gently fold in the dried cranberries and chopped pecans.
  • Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between cookies.
  • Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set.
  • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Once cooled, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Drizzle or spread the glaze over the cooled cookies and let it set before storing.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon to the cookie dough or a small amount of orange liqueur to the glaze. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal mixing and cookie texture. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days or freeze for longer storage.