Cranberries add a delightful tang and vibrant color to baked goods, making them a favorite ingredient for cookies. Linda’s Cranberry Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with flavor, making them perfect for the holidays or any time you crave a sweet treat. With a blend of tart cranberries and sweet cookie dough, these cookies are sure to impress your family and friends.
Let’s dive into this simple and delicious recipe!
Total Time Breakdown
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Creaming Butter and Sugars: 5 minutes
- Adding Eggs and Vanilla: 3 minutes
- Combining Dry Ingredients: 5 minutes
- Mixing Ingredients Together: 5 minutes
- Folding in Cranberries and Nuts: 5 minutes
- Scooping Cookies: 5 minutes
- Baking Time: 10-12 minutes
- Cooling Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
Ingredients for Linda’s Cranberry Cookies
You will need the following ingredients to make these tasty cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups fresh or dried cranberries
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 tsp orange zest (optional)
Step-by-Step Directions for Linda’s Cranberry Cookies
1. Prep the Ingredients (10 minutes)
Before starting, gather all your ingredients. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars (5 minutes)
In a large mixing bowl:
- Beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla (3 minutes)
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients (5 minutes)
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
5. Mix Dry Ingredients with Wet Ingredients (5 minutes)
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Be careful not to overmix.
6. Fold in Cranberries and Nuts (5 minutes)
- Gently fold in the cranberries, nuts (if using), and orange zest (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Scoop the Cookies (5 minutes)
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake the Cookies (10-12 minutes)
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Enjoy (5 minutes)
- Once cooled, enjoy your delicious Linda’s Cranberry Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
Serving Suggestions
Linda’s Cranberry Cookies are perfect for:
- Holiday cookie trays
- Office parties
- Gift-giving in decorative tins
- Enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee
Tips for the Best Cranberry Cookies
- Use Fresh Cranberries: If available, fresh cranberries provide a vibrant flavor and color. Dried cranberries work well too but may require less sugar.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Customization: Feel free to add chocolate chips, or substitute nuts for your favorite mix-ins.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes! If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them before mixing into the dough.
2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free cookies, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
3. What’s the best way to freeze these cookies?
Place cooled cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months.
4. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar slightly, but it may affect the texture and sweetness of the cookies.
Linda’s Cranberry Cookies are a delightful combination of sweet and tart flavors that are sure to brighten any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, they make a perfect treat for gatherings, gifts, or just a cozy afternoon snack.
Try this recipe, and bring a taste of joy to your kitchen!