Introduction
Welcome to this delightful recipe for Soft Cranberry Orange Star Cookies! These cookies are a perfect blend of tangy cranberries and zesty orange, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. The soft texture combined with the burst of fruity flavors will leave you craving for more. Whether you are a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to impress your friends and family. Let’s dive into the details of creating these delicious cookies!
Ingredients
To make these Soft Cranberry Orange Star Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
1. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2. 1 cup granulated sugar
3. 1 egg
4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5. 2 tablespoons fresh orange zest
6. 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
7. 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
8. 1/4 teaspoon salt
9. 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
10. Additional flour for rolling
Make sure to have all the ingredients ready before you start making the cookies to ensure a smooth baking process.
Steps
1. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and fresh orange zest to the mixture, and mix until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
5. Fold in the chopped dried cranberries until evenly distributed in the dough.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
8. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
9. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Variations
There are several ways to customize these Soft Cranberry Orange Star Cookies to suit your preferences:
1. Substitute dried cranberries with dried cherries or blueberries for a different flavor profile.
2. Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of sweetness.
3. Add a sprinkle of orange zest on top of the cookies before baking for a more pronounced orange flavor.
4. Mix in a handful of chopped nuts such as pecans or almonds for added crunch.
Feel free to experiment with different variations to create your unique twist on these delicious cookies!
Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Soft Cranberry Orange Star Cookies turn out perfect every time:
1. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling and cutting to prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
2. Dust the cookie cutter with flour to prevent sticking when cutting out the shapes.
3. Keep an eye on the cookies while baking as they can quickly go from golden brown to burnt.
4. Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their soft texture and flavors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these Soft Cranberry Orange Star Cookies are a delightful treat that will satisfy your sweet cravings with a burst of fruity flavors. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of tea or as a snack on the go, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a batch of these delicious cookies in no time. Give this recipe a try and indulge in the soft, citrusy goodness of these delightful treats!
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries?
A: While fresh cranberries can be used, dried cranberries add a chewy texture and concentrated flavor to the cookies.
Q: How long do these cookies stay fresh?
A: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?
A: Yes, the cookie dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.
Q: Can I omit the orange zest from the recipe?
A: The orange zest adds a bright citrus flavor to the cookies, but you can omit it if you prefer a more subtle taste.
⭐🍊 Soft Cranberry Orange Star Cookies
Delightful and flavorful soft cookies infused with tangy cranberries and zesty orange, perfect for any occasion. These cookies have a soft texture and a burst of fruity flavors that will leave you craving for more.
Ingredients
-
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
-
1 cup granulated sugar
-
1 egg
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
2 tablespoons fresh orange zest
-
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon baking powder
-
1/4 teaspoon salt
-
1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
-
Additional flour for rolling
Directions
-
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
-
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and fresh orange zest to the mixture, and mix until well combined.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
-
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
-
Fold in the chopped dried cranberries until evenly distributed in the dough.
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
-
Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
-
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
-
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
