Cranberry Orange Snowstar Cookies
Get ready to delight your taste buds with these festive Cranberry Orange Snowstar Cookies! These deliciously soft cookies combine the tangy flavor of cranberries with the bright zest of orange, creating a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just want a sweet snack at home, these cookies will surely impress!
Why make this recipe?
Cranberry Orange Snowstar Cookies are not only delicious but also easy to make! They offer a burst of flavor with every bite and can be decorated to add a festive flair to your baking. Plus, they can be enjoyed fresh or stored for later, making them a convenient choice for your cookie jar.
How to prepare Cranberry Orange Snowstar Cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
- 1/2 tsp baking soda 🥄
- 1/2 tsp salt 🧂
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar 🍬
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 🍂
- 1 large egg 🥚
- 1 tsp vanilla extract 🍦
- 1 tbsp orange zest (about 1 orange) 🍊
- 1 cup dried cranberries (optional for added flavor) 🍒
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 🔥
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This will be your dry mixture. 🍽️
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. 🥄
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing well until combined. 🥚🍦
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. 🍪
- Fold in the orange zest and dried cranberries, if using. 🍊🍒
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. 🌌
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. 🍪⏳
How to serve Cranberry Orange Snowstar Cookies
Serve these delightful cookies on a festive platter or in a decorative tin. They make a lovely addition to any holiday dessert table and are perfect for sharing with friends and family!
How to store Cranberry Orange Snowstar Cookies
Store your Cranberry Orange Snowstar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking! 🥶
Tips for preparing Cranberry Orange Snowstar Cookies
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing. 🧈
- For a more intense orange flavor, add additional orange zest.
- Try using fresh cranberries for a tart twist, though you may need to adjust the sugar. 🍒
- Decorate with a drizzle of icing or sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a festive look! 🎉
Variations
- Swap the cranberries for other dried fruits like cherries or apricots.
- Substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version. 🌾
FAQs
Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time, chill it in the refrigerator, and bake the cookies later.
Q: Are these cookies suitable for freezing?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the baked cookies or the dough itself.
Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
A: Yes, you can use fresh cranberries, but you may need to reduce the sugar in the recipe for balance.
Now you’re all set to create these tasty Cranberry Orange Snowstar Cookies! Happy baking! 🍪✨