Name: Cranberry Orange Icebox Cookies
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 220 min
Ingredients: 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature); 2/3 cup granulated sugar (plus more for rolling); 1 large egg (at room temperature); 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled); 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 Tablespoons orange juice; 1 teaspoon orange zest; 3/4 cup dried cranberries (very finely chopped (such as Craisins)); 1 cup coarse sugar (optional, for rolling); 1 cup confectioners’ sugar (sifted); 2 Tablespoons orange juice; orange zest (optional)

Introduction to Cranberry Orange Icebox Cookies

When it comes to indulging your sweet tooth, homemade cookies are a delightful experience that transcends store-bought options. Imagine the aroma of freshly baked treats filling your kitchen, bringing everyone together for a warm, cozy moment. Cranberry Orange Icebox Cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. With a unique combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange, these cookies add a refreshing twist to traditional flavors that you won't find in a package.

Why Homemade Cookies are a Must-Try?

There’s something magical about baking cookies at home. Not only do you have control over the quality of ingredients, but you also get to personalize the recipe to your taste. Did you know that the average person eats about 300 cookies each year? If you’re going to have cookies, why not try making them yourself?

By making Cranberry Orange Icebox Cookies, you’ll impress your friends and family with your kitchen skills while enjoying the satisfaction of creating something from scratch. Plus, the convenience of icebox cookies means you can prepare the dough in advance and slice it fresh whenever a craving hits. Homemade cookies help foster connections in our busy lives, making them a deserved treat.

Ready to roll up your sleeves and whip up a batch of these delectable cookies? Your taste buds are in for a treat!

Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Icebox Cookies

Baking these delightful Cranberry Orange Icebox Cookies is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a joy as you gather your ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need.

Essential Ingredients List

To create these scrumptious cookies, ensure you have the following essentials:

Unsalted butter: ¾ cup, softened to room temperature for that creamy texture.
Granulated sugar: ⅔ cup to sweeten the dough perfectly.
Egg: 1 large egg, at room temperature helps in binding.
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract for rich flavor.
All-purpose flour: 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons, spooned and leveled for accurate measurements.
Salt: ¼ teaspoon to enhance the sweetness.
Orange juice: 2 tablespoons for zest and moisture.
Orange zest: About 1 teaspoon for that fresh citrus kick.
Dried cranberries: ¾ cup, finely chopped for added sweetness and chewy texture.

Optional Ingredients for Added Flair

For those looking to elevate their cookies, consider these optional ingredients:

Coarse sugar: For rolling, gives a delightful crunch and sparkle.
Additional orange zest: To sprinkle on top for an extra pop of flavor and color in the icing.

Whether you’re looking to indulge in homemade cookies or impress guests at your next gathering, these ingredients are simple yet essential for making Cranberry Orange Icebox Cookies a standout treat!

Step-by-step Preparation of Cranberry Orange Icebox Cookies

Creating Cranberry Orange Icebox Cookies is a delightful way to indulge in seasonal flavors. Follow this step-by-step guide, and you’ll have a batch of delicious cookies to share (or keep!) in no time.

Creaming the butter and sugar

Start by ensuring your unsalted butter is softened to room temperature. This step is crucial because it allows for optimal creaming, which results in a light and airy cookie. In a large bowl, use a handheld mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat the butter and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes until creamy and combined. Scraping the sides of the bowl as needed is vital; it keeps everything well-mixed. If you're new to this technique, check out a helpful tutorial on how to cream butter and sugar.

Adding eggs and vanilla

Once your butter and sugar are well-creamed, it's time to introduce the egg and pure vanilla extract. Add them to the mixture and beat an additional minute on high speed until fully incorporated. This step not only enhances flavor but also helps to bind your dough together.

Incorporating dry ingredients

Next, we’ll add the dry ingredients to your Cranberry Orange Icebox Cookies mixture. Gradually beat in the all-purpose flour and salt on low speed. Once combined, you can add the orange juice, orange zest, and finely chopped dried cranberries. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky, making it smell wonderfully vibrant and fresh as you mix!

Shaping and chilling the dough

Now comes a fun part! Flour your work surface lightly and turn the dough out. Cut it in half and roll each half into a log shape about 7 to 8 inches long and around 2.5 inches in diameter. Wrap these logs tightly in plastic wrap and place them in the fridge for at least 3 hours (up to 5 days!). Chilling is essential; it firms up the dough, enhancing the flavor and making it easier to slice later.

Baking the cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. If you want to add a little flair, roll the logs in coarse sugar before slicing. Cut each log into 12 equal cookies and place them on the prepared sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 13-15 minutes until they are lightly golden around the edges. After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Preparing the icing

While your cookies cool, mix the confectioners’ sugar and orange juice to make the icing. Drizzle it over the cooled cookies for that perfect finishing touch. Don’t hesitate to sprinkle a little more orange zest on top while the icing is still wet for an extra burst of flavor. The icing will set in about 30-60 minutes, allowing you to store or transport your sumptuous cookies easily.

Enjoy the journey of making these Cranberry Orange Icebox Cookies! They’re perfect for sharing, gifting, or even just enjoying with a good cup of tea. Happy baking!

Variations on Cranberry Orange Icebox Cookies

Cranberry Orange Cookie with Chocolate Drizzle

Elevate your Cranberry Orange Icebox Cookies with a delightful twist by adding a chocolate drizzle. Simply melt some dark or white chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for a beautiful finish and an irresistible flavor combination. This not only adds a touch of elegance but also complements the tart cranberries and zesty orange perfectly. If you're curious about different chocolate varieties and their melting methods, check out this guide on how to melt chocolate.

Vegan Cranberry Orange Icebox Cookies

For a plant-based alternative that doesn't skimp on flavor, try making vegan cranberry orange icebox cookies. Substitute butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter spread, and replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water). This variation ensures everyone can enjoy these delicious cookies while staying mindful of dietary choices. If you're looking for more vegan baking tips, the Minimalist Baker is a great resource!

Baking Tips and Notes for Cranberry Orange Icebox Cookies

Proper Chilling Techniques

To ensure your Cranberry Orange Icebox Cookies have the right texture, proper chilling is essential. After mixing your dough, shape it into logs and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 3 hours, but overnight is ideal to enhance the flavor. This also makes slicing easier. If you want to prep ahead, dough logs can be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw them in the fridge before baking.

Keeping the Cookies Fresh

Once baked, let your cookies cool completely before storage. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer freshness, consider freezing the cookies. Even decorated with icing, they’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer. This allows you to enjoy the deliciousness of Cranberry Orange Icebox Cookies any time!

Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Orange Icebox Cookies

Pairing with Beverages

Enjoying Cranberry Orange Icebox Cookies is a delightful experience, especially when paired with the right beverages. For a refreshing twist, consider serving them with herbal tea or a fruity iced tea. The citrus notes in the cookies beautifully complement the floral flavors of tea. If you're in the mood for something warmer, a rich hot chocolate creates a cozy, indulgent treat.

Packaging as Gifts

These cookies make for a thoughtful gift! Consider placing them in a decorative tin or a clear cellophane bag tied with a festive ribbon. Adding a handwritten note with serving suggestions or pairing ideas can elevate the gift, making it a personal touch. Not only do they taste fantastic, but they also present beautifully! For more inspiration on gifting cookies, check out this guide on packaging treats.

Time Breakdown for Cranberry Orange Icebox Cookies

Preparation time

Gathering your ingredients and mixing everything together will take about 15 minutes. It’s the perfect opportunity to get into the holiday spirit as the scents of butter and orange fill the air!

Chilling time

You’ll want to let your Cranberry Orange Icebox Cookies chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, but if you can wait, overnight is even better. This helps develop the flavors beautifully.

Baking time

Once chilled, the cookies bake for about 13 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they’re just lightly browned around the edges for the perfect texture!

Total time

In total, you’re looking at about 3 to 5 days of waiting for the flavor to develop plus a quick 15 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of baking. This means you can plan ahead and make these delightful cookies in advance for any gathering!

Feel free to check out more great tips on making icebox cookies in this helpful guide. Enjoy baking!

Nutritional Facts for Cranberry Orange Icebox Cookies

Calories per cookie

Each Cranberry Orange Icebox Cookie contains approximately 120 calories. This makes them a delightful treat that's easy to enjoy without overindulging.

Sugar content

These cookies boast a moderate sugar content of about 8 grams per cookie. The natural sweetness from the dried cranberries combined with the granulated sugar adds just the right amount of flavor.

Fiber details

With the inclusion of dried cranberries, you gain a bit of a health boost! Each cookie offers around 0.5 grams of dietary fiber, which is a small yet beneficial addition to your snack.

These nutritional insights can help you enjoy your cookies mindfully. If you're interested in enhancing the fiber content, consider adding some oats or nuts to the dough. Remember, balance is all about moderation, so savor each bite!

FAQs about Cranberry Orange Icebox Cookies

How to store icebox cookies?
To keep your Cranberry Orange Icebox Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll remain delicious for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them for an extra layer of freshness.

Can I freeze cookie dough?
Absolutely! Freezing the Cranberry Orange Icebox Cookies dough is a great way to prepare in advance. Wrap the logs tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. You can keep the dough in the freezer for up to three months. Just remember to thaw the logs in the refrigerator overnight before baking!

What if I don’t have dried cranberries?
No worries! If you don’t have dried cranberries on hand, you can substitute them with other dried fruits, such as chopped apricots or cherries. Just make sure to chop them finely so they blend well into the dough. Get creative, and let your taste buds guide you!

Celebrate Homemade Goodness!

In conclusion, the Cranberry Orange Icebox Cookies are more than just a treat—they're a delightful way to celebrate homemade goodness. Their vibrant flavors bring warmth and joy to any gathering, making them perfect for sharing with friends and family. So why not whip up a batch today and indulge in a cookie experience like no other? Enjoy every bite!