The festive season is the perfect time to indulge in some delightful baking, and nothing says holiday cheer quite like cranberry cookies. Bursting with tart cranberries and a hint of sweetness, these cookies are a hit with home bakers, health-conscious eaters, and festive season cooks alike. Let's get started on making these delectable treats!
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to whip up a batch of cranberry cookies:
- 1 cup dried cranberries (unsweetened for a healthier option)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (can substitute with gluten-free flour)
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened (use coconut oil for a vegan option)
- ½ cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar for a healthier alternative)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (or flax egg for a vegan version)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional add-ins: white chocolate chips, chopped nuts
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Add in the egg (or flax egg) and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 4: Fold in the Cranberries
Gently fold in the dried cranberries. If you're adding white chocolate chips or nuts, now's the time to mix those in as well.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball of dough with the back of a spoon to ensure even baking.
Step 6: Bake
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to set as they cool.
Step 7: Cool
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Customization Tips
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour.
- Vegan: Use coconut oil instead of butter and a flax egg in place of a regular egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water).
- Personal Touches: Add ½ cup of white chocolate chips or chopped nuts to enhance the flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips
- Serving: These cranberry cookies pair perfectly with a cup of hot cocoa or your favorite holiday tea.
- Storage: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer freshness, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months.
Conclusion
There you have it—a simple yet delicious cranberry cookie recipe that’s perfect for the festive season. We hope you enjoy baking (and eating) these delightful treats as much as we do. Don't forget to share your own cranberry cookie creations on social media and tag us! Happy baking!
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