Cranberry-Orange Delight Cookies with Zesty Frosting
These Cranberry-Orange Delight Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the tartness of fresh or frozen cranberries with the bright, citrusy notes of orange. A favorite from the Betty Crocker Special Edition Fall Baking, 2004, this recipe is perfect for any season, especially during the fall and winter holidays. The combination of both granulated and brown sugars gives these cookies a rich flavor, while the zesty frosting adds a sweet-tart finish that's sure to be loved by family and friends. With an easy preparation process and the option to make a large batch, these cookies are perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a sweet indulgence at home.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
granulated sugar
1 cup (none)
brown sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
unsalted butter
1 cup (softened)
orange zest
1 teaspoon (minced)
orange juice
2 tablespoons (none)
egg
1 (none)
all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups (none)
baking soda
1/2 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
fresh cranberries (or frozen)
2 cups (none)
nuts
1/2 cup (chopped (optional))
powdered sugar
1 1/2 cups (none)
orange zest (for frosting)
1/2 teaspoon (minced)
orange juice (for frosting)
2-3 tablespoons (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare several cookie sheets by spraying them with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream together granulated sugar, brown sugar, unsalted butter, minced orange zest, fresh orange juice, and egg until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
4
Gently fold in the cranberries and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
5
Using a rounded tablespoon, drop cookie dough onto the prepared cookie sheets, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges and bottoms of the cookies turn a light golden brown.
7
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the cookie sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which should take about 30 minutes.
8
For the frosting, in a small bowl, mix together powdered sugar, minced orange zest, and orange juice until smooth and spreadable.
9
Once the cookies have cooled, generously frost each cookie with the orange icing and enjoy your delicious treats!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cranberry-Orange Delight Cookies?
These are delightful treats that combine the tartness of fresh or frozen cranberries with bright, citrusy orange notes, topped with a zesty frosting.
What is the recommended oven temperature for these cookies?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How should I prepare the cookie sheets?
Prepare several cookie sheets by spraying them with cooking spray to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, this recipe works perfectly with either 2 cups of fresh or frozen cranberries.
What type of butter should be used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of unsalted butter that has been softened.
Does the brown sugar need to be packed?
Yes, use 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar for the dough.
What ingredients are used to make the zesty frosting?
The frosting consists of 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon minced orange zest, and 2-3 tablespoons of orange juice.
How long should the cookies bake?
Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes.
How do I know when the cookies are finished baking?
The cookies are done when the edges and bottoms turn a light golden brown.
What is the best way to mix the wet ingredients?
Use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream together sugars, butter, orange zest, juice, and egg until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Are nuts required in this recipe?
Nuts are optional. You can add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts if desired.
How much orange zest is needed for the dough?
You will need 1 teaspoon of minced orange zest for the cookie dough.
How far apart should the dough be placed on the cookie sheet?
Space the rounded tablespoons of dough about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
How long do the cookies need to cool before frosting?
They should cool on the sheet for a few minutes, then on a wire rack for about 30 minutes until completely cool.
What kind of flour is required?
The recipe specifies 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour.
How many eggs are in this recipe?
This recipe requires 1 egg.
Where did this recipe originate?
This recipe is a favorite from the Betty Crocker Special Edition Fall Baking, 2004.
What is the flavor profile of these cookies?
They have a rich flavor from granulated and brown sugars, tartness from cranberries, and a bright citrus finish from orange juice and zest.
Can I use an electric mixer for the whole process?
An electric mixer is recommended for creaming the wet ingredients, but you should gently fold in the cranberries and nuts by hand.
How much baking soda is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
Is salt included in the dough?
Yes, include 1/2 teaspoon of salt with the dry ingredients.
How do you make the orange icing smooth?
Mix the powdered sugar, minced orange zest, and orange juice in a small bowl until the consistency is smooth and spreadable.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Common tags include cookies, cranberry, orange, frosted, dessert, holiday, and fall recipes.
How much orange juice goes into the cookie dough?
The cookie dough requires 2 tablespoons of orange juice.
Is this a good recipe for holiday gatherings?
Yes, it is specifically noted as being perfect for sharing at gatherings during the fall and winter holidays.
What type of cookies are these?
These are categorized as drop cookies because the dough is dropped by the tablespoon onto the baking sheet.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 14 total ingredients, including those for the frosting.
Can I make these cookies without the frosting?
Yes, though the zesty frosting is intended to provide a sweet-tart finish to the cookie.
Should the orange zest be minced?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the orange zest for both the dough and the frosting should be minced.
How do I incorporate the dry ingredients?
Gradually stir the flour, baking soda, and salt into the wet mixture until just combined.