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Cozy Cranberry Orange Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies

cranberry orange sugar cookies - featured image
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These buttery sugar cookies are studded with tart cranberries and bright orange zest, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. They’re quick to make, require no chilling, and are ideal for Thanksgiving or any holiday gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped (or ¾ cup dried cranberries, rehydrated)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice (for glaze)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Zest the orange to get 2 tablespoons of zest. Set the orange aside for the glaze.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  4. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  5. Beat in egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest on low speed until just combined.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients in three additions, mixing on low until just combined. Do not overmix.
  7. Fold in the chopped cranberries using a rubber spatula until evenly distributed.
  8. Scoop rounded balls of dough (about 1.5 tablespoons each) onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
  9. Bake one sheet at a time for 10-12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and centers are set but soft.
  10. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  11. For the glaze: whisk together powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons orange juice, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
  12. Drizzle glaze over cooled cookies. Let set for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature butter and egg. If using dried cranberries, rehydrate in warm water for 10 minutes and drain. For a stronger orange flavor, rub zest into sugar before creaming. Bake one sheet at a time for even browning. Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Unglazed cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry orange sugar cookies, Thanksgiving cookies, holiday cookies, easy sugar cookies, cranberry cookies

Find it online: https://bakebelle.com/cozy-cranberry-orange-thanksgiving-sugar-cookies/