Introduction
When winter arrives, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. One delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of the season is Cranberry Orange Soft Winter Star Cookies. These cookies are not only delicious but also bring a festive touch to any holiday gathering or cozy evening by the fireplace.
Combining the tartness of cranberries with the zesty brightness of oranges, these soft and chewy star-shaped cookies are a delightful twist on traditional holiday treats. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to bring warmth and joy to your home during the winter months.
So, roll up your sleeves, preheat the oven, and let’s dive into the world of Cranberry Orange Soft Winter Star Cookies. Get ready to create memories and savor the delightful flavors of the season with every bite!
Before we delve into the recipe details, let’s gather all the essential ingredients needed to make these delectable Cranberry Orange Soft Winter Star Cookies.
Ingredients
To make a batch of Cranberry Orange Soft Winter Star Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to follow the steps to create these delightful Cranberry Orange Soft Winter Star Cookies.
Steps
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
6. Gently fold in the chopped cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies.
8. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Variations
While the classic Cranberry Orange Soft Winter Star Cookies are delightful on their own, you can also experiment with some variations to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas to customize this recipe:
– Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm and cozy flavor.
– Substitute dried cherries or blueberries for the cranberries for a different fruity twist.
– Drizzle a simple orange glaze over the cooled cookies for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Feel free to get creative and make these Cranberry Orange Soft Winter Star Cookies your own!
Tips
1. For a softer cookie, be careful not to overbake. The cookies will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet.
2. Make sure to chop the dried cranberries into small pieces to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
3. If you prefer a more pronounced orange flavor, you can add extra orange zest to the dough.
4. These cookies make a wonderful gift during the holiday season. Package them in a decorative tin or box for a thoughtful homemade present.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cranberry Orange Soft Winter Star Cookies are a delightful treat that embodies the flavors of the season. With the perfect balance of tart cranberries and zesty orange, these soft and chewy cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household.
Whether you’re baking these cookies for a holiday gathering, a cozy night in, or simply to enjoy with a cup of tea, they are bound to bring joy and warmth to all who indulge in them. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a delicious baking adventure with these Cranberry Orange Soft Winter Star Cookies!
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries in this recipe?
A: While dried cranberries work best in this recipe, you can experiment with fresh cranberries. Just be sure to chop them finely and adjust the sweetness accordingly.
Q: How should I store these cookies?
A: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the baked cookies for longer storage.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out and cutting the cookies.
Cranberry Orange Soft Winter Star Cookies
Delightful star-shaped cookies combining the tartness of cranberries with the zesty brightness of oranges, creating a festive treat perfect for the winter season.
Ingredients
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
-
1/2 teaspoon salt
-
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
-
1 cup granulated sugar
-
1 large egg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
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1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
-
Cream together softened butter and sugar in a separate bowl until light and fluffy.
-
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest until well combined.
-
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
-
Gently fold in the chopped cranberries until evenly distributed in the dough.
-
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness and use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies.
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Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden around the edges.
