Get ready to indulge in the festive spirit with our delightful Cranberry Orange Christmas Sandies! These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are the perfect blend of sweet and tart, making them an irresistible treat for your holiday gatherings. With just a hint of zesty orange and chewy dried cranberries, each bite is a burst of flavor that will have your guests coming back for more. Whether you're baking for a holiday party or simply to enjoy with a warm cup of cocoa, these cookies are sure to become a cherished tradition. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that will fill your home with the enchanting aroma of Christmas!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar together until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer on medium speed. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add vanilla extract and orange zest to the butter mixture, mixing until well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped dried cranberries using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, form the dough into small balls (approximately 1-inch in diameter) and place them about
- 5 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, generously dust the cookies with powdered sugar, coating them entirely.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Tips
- Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your unsalted butter is softened to room temperature for the best creaming results. This will help create a light and fluffy texture in your cookies.
- Zest with Care: When zesting the orange, be careful to only take the outer layer of the peel. The white pith underneath can be bitter and affect the flavor of your cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so be gentle!
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can enhance the flavors and help the cookies maintain their shape.
- Watch the Bake Time: Keep a close eye on your cookies while they bake. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center for the perfect texture.
- Dust Generously: For that festive touch, don’t be shy with the powdered sugar dusting! It not only adds sweetness but also gives your cookies a beautiful snowy appearance.
- Storage Tips: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature, with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
