Frosted Cranberry Sugar Cookies Recipe

Frosted Cranberry Sugar Cookies

Introduction

Welcome to our delicious recipe for Frosted Cranberry Sugar Cookies. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or simply as a sweet treat for yourself. They are soft, chewy, and bursting with the flavors of cranberries and sugar. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making these delightful cookies.

Ingredients

To make these Frosted Cranberry Sugar Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

For the cookies:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

– 1/4 teaspoon salt

– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

– 1 cup granulated sugar

– 1 large egg

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 1/2 cup dried cranberries

– 1/4 cup cranberry juice

For the frosting:

– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

– 2 cups powdered sugar

– 2 tablespoons milk

– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps

Follow these steps to make your own Frosted Cranberry Sugar Cookies:

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Combine dry ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream butter and sugar

In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add egg and vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 5: Mix in cranberries and juice

Stir in the dried cranberries and cranberry juice.

Step 6: Gradually add dry ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 7: Shape the dough

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.

Step 8: Bake the cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 9: Cool on a wire rack

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Prepare the frosting

In a medium-sized bowl, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Step 11: Frost the cookies

Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous amount of frosting on top of each cookie.

Step 12: Enjoy!

Your Frosted Cranberry Sugar Cookies are now ready to be enjoyed. Serve them with a cup of hot cocoa or share them with friends and family.

Variations

If you want to add some extra flair to your Frosted Cranberry Sugar Cookies, here are a few variations you can try:

– Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the cookie dough for a warm and cozy flavor.

– Drizzle melted white chocolate over the frosted cookies for an elegant touch.

– Swap out the dried cranberries for dried cherries or blueberries for a different twist.

– Mix in some chopped nuts, such as pecans or almonds, for added crunch.

Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Frosted Cranberry Sugar Cookies turn out perfectly:

– Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This will help create a soft and tender cookie texture.

– Don’t overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

– If you prefer a tangier flavor, you can add a splash of lemon juice to the frosting.

– Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Conclusion

These Frosted Cranberry Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth. With their soft and chewy texture and burst of cranberry flavor, they are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for yourself or sharing them with loved ones, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Enjoy!

FAQs

Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries?

A: While fresh cranberries can be used, they may add more tartness to the cookies. If you prefer a sweeter taste, it is recommended to stick with dried cranberries.

Q: Can I freeze the cookies?

A: Yes, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.