Cranberry Cookies: A Festive Treat for Every Occasion
The holidays are just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a batch of warm, delicious cranberry cookies? This recipe is easy to follow, produces amazing results, and is perfect for sharing with friends and family. Let's dive into the ingredients and steps to create these delightful treats!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies. Adjust as needed for your baking needs.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter is key for a smooth and creamy dough. Don't melt it!
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor profile. Pure vanilla extract is recommended for the best results.
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The base of your cookie dough. Make sure to measure it accurately.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent, making the cookies light and fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- 1 cup dried cranberries: The star of the show! Choose your favorite type of dried cranberries for the perfect burst of tartness.
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions:
Follow these simple steps to bake perfectly delicious cranberry cookies:
1. Cream Together the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is best done using an electric mixer, but you can also do it by hand if you're feeling ambitious!
2. Incorporate the Egg and Vanilla:
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is thoroughly mixed.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the dry ingredients evenly.
4. Gradually Add the Dry Ingredients to the Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
5. Stir in the Cranberries:
Gently fold in the dried cranberries. Don't be too rough, as you want to avoid crushing the cranberries.
6. Shape and Bake the Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on ungreased baking sheets. Slightly flatten each ball with a fork.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
7. Cool and Enjoy:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Cranberry Cookies:
- Chill the Dough: For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Add Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts would be a delicious addition to these cookies.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the sugar slightly.
- Storage: Store your cranberry cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Enjoy your homemade cranberry cookies! They're the perfect treat for any occasion, and guaranteed to impress your friends and family. Remember to share your baking creations on social media and tag us! Happy baking!
