Cranberry Orange Walnut Delight Cookies
Indulge in the harmonious blend of sweet and tangy with these delightful Cranberry Orange Walnut Delight Cookies. Infused with the bright zest of fresh oranges and studded with tart dried cranberries, each cookie offers a burst of flavor complemented by the rich nuttiness of walnuts. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy afternoon treat, these cookies are not only delicious but also packed with whole grain goodness. Your taste buds will thank you for trying this unique combination that transforms a fruity classic into a wonderfully satisfying cookie!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole wheat pastry flour
1 1/2 cups (measured)
baking powder
1 teaspoon (sifted)
baking soda
1 teaspoon (sifted)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (measured)
chopped walnuts
1 cup (chopped)
dried cranberries
1/2 cup (chopped)
sugar
1 cup and 3 tablespoons (divided)
smooth unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup (measured)
canola oil
1/4 cup (measured)
freshly grated orange zest
1 tablespoon (zested)
orange juice
3 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat pastry flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
2
Fold in the chopped walnuts and dried cranberries, ensuring that the fruits and nuts are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
3
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of sugar, the smooth unsweetened applesauce, canola oil, freshly grated orange zest, and orange juice until the mixture is smooth and fully integrated.
4
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix the dough.
5
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up.
6
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat.
7
In a small, shallow dish, pour the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar. Using floured hands, scoop the chilled dough and roll it into balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
8
Coat each ball lightly in the sugar, then place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
9
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are just barely golden brown around the edges.
10
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 1 minute before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cranberry Orange Walnut Delight Cookies?
These cookies are a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy flavors, featuring fresh orange zest, tart dried cranberries, and rich, crunchy walnuts.
What type of flour is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of whole wheat pastry flour, which adds whole grain goodness while maintaining a light texture.
How much sugar is required for these cookies?
You will need a total of 1 cup and 3 tablespoons of sugar, which is divided between the dough and the coating.
Can I substitute the applesauce?
While the recipe specifies smooth unsweetened applesauce for moisture and texture, you could potentially use other fruit purees, though it may alter the final flavor profile.
What is the purpose of refrigerating the dough?
Refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld and helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll into balls.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking the cookies.
How long do these cookies need to bake?
Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are just barely golden brown around the edges.
How do I prepare the baking sheet?
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.
What size should the cookie dough balls be?
The dough should be rolled into balls approximately 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
Do I need to coat the cookies in sugar before baking?
Yes, each ball of dough should be lightly coated in the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar before being placed on the baking sheet.
How much orange zest and juice is needed?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of freshly grated orange zest and 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice.
How many ingredients are in this cookie recipe?
There are a total of 11 ingredients, including the leavening agents and flavorings.
How should the cookies be cooled?
Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 1 minute before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Can I use a different type of nut besides walnuts?
While walnuts provide a specific rich nuttiness, you could likely substitute pecans or almonds if preferred.
What are the leavening agents used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 1 teaspoon of baking soda to help the cookies rise.
Is salt necessary in this sweet recipe?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt is included to balance the sweetness and enhance the other flavors.
Are these cookies suitable for holiday baking?
Yes, the combination of cranberry, orange, and walnut makes them a perfect treat for holiday gatherings.
What kind of oil should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of canola oil, which provides a neutral flavor and necessary moisture.
Should the orange juice be fresh?
The recipe specifies freshly squeezed orange juice for the best bright, citrus flavor.
How should I prepare the walnuts and cranberries?
The walnuts should be chopped, and the dried cranberries are also added to the mixture to ensure even distribution.
Can I use regular whole wheat flour?
Whole wheat pastry flour is recommended because it is more finely ground than regular whole wheat flour, resulting in a more tender cookie.
How do I mix the wet and dry ingredients?
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients, pour in the wet mixture, and stir gently until just combined.
What should I do if the dough is too sticky to roll?
Using floured hands can help manage the dough if it feels slightly sticky while rolling it into balls.
How far apart should the cookies be placed on the baking sheet?
Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow for spreading.
Is the orange zest measured before or after grating?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of freshly grated orange zest, typically measured after zesting.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
The recipe specifically uses dried cranberries, which are sweeter and have less moisture than fresh ones. Fresh cranberries might change the texture and tartness significantly.
Are these cookies vegan?
Based on the ingredients list (oil, applesauce, flour, fruit, nuts), these cookies do not contain eggs or dairy, making them vegan-friendly.
What is the texture of these cookies?
They are satisfying cookies that offer a burst of flavor with the rich nuttiness of walnuts and whole grain goodness.
How much applesauce is needed?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of smooth unsweetened applesauce as a binder and moisture source.
Should I sift any of the dry ingredients?
The recipe suggests that the baking powder and baking soda be sifted for better integration.