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Holiday Cranberry Swirl Cookies

Holiday Cranberry Swirl Cookies

Holiday Cranberry Swirl Cookies

Introduction

Welcome to this delightful recipe for Holiday Cranberry Swirl Cookies. These cookies are perfect for the festive season, with their beautiful swirls of tart cranberry and sweet cookie dough. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or just want to enjoy a tasty treat at home, these cookies are sure to impress.

Ingredients

To make these delicious Holiday Cranberry Swirl Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

For the cookie dough:

– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

– 1 cup granulated sugar

– 2 large eggs

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 3 cups all-purpose flour

– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

– 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the cranberry swirl:

– 1 cup fresh cranberries

– 1/2 cup granulated sugar

– 1/4 cup water

– 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch

Steps

Follow these steps to create your Holiday Cranberry Swirl Cookies:

Step 1: Prepare the cranberry swirl mixture

In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Step 2: Make the cookie dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.

Step 3: Swirl the cookie dough

Divide the cookie dough in half. Roll out one half into a rectangle shape on a floured surface. Spread half of the cranberry swirl mixture evenly over the dough. Roll up the dough tightly, jelly-roll style. Repeat with the remaining dough and cranberry mixture.

Wrap the dough rolls in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.

Step 4: Bake the cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Remove the chilled dough rolls from the refrigerator and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Variations

If you want to add a twist to your Holiday Cranberry Swirl Cookies, here are some variations you can try:

  • Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the cranberry swirl mixture for a warm and cozy flavor.
  • Replace the cranberries with raspberries or blueberries for a different fruity twist.
  • Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of sweetness.

Tips

Here are a few tips to ensure your Holiday Cranberry Swirl Cookies turn out perfectly:

  • Make sure the butter is softened, but not melted, for the cookie dough.
  • Refrigerating the dough rolls before slicing and baking will help the cookies hold their shape and prevent spreading.
  • Don’t overmix the cookie dough. Mix until just combined to avoid tough cookies.
  • Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the cranberry swirl mixture by adding more or less sugar, according to your taste.

Conclusion

There you have it – a wonderful recipe for Holiday Cranberry Swirl Cookies. These cookies are a delightful combination of tart cranberries and sweet cookie dough, perfect for any holiday occasion. Enjoy the festive flavors and share the joy with your loved ones!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking.

2. How long do these cookies stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container, these cookies can stay fresh for up to 1 week.

3. Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. When ready to bake, let the dough thaw in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and baking.

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