These Cranberry Orange Slice-and-Bake Cookies are a testament to the joy of baking during the holiday season. With their vibrant colors and burst of fruity flavors, they’re sure to become a festive favorite in your home. The perfect combination of tangy cranberries and zesty orange, these cookies are not just a treat for the taste buds but a feast for the senses. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, these cookies are a delightful celebration of the simple pleasures of homemade treats.
Here are five tips for making these cookies:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Before you start mixing the dough, make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth and uniform texture in the dough. Softened butter creams more easily with sugar, resulting in a better incorporation of ingredients and a softer cookie texture.
- Chill the Dough Thoroughly: After shaping the dough into logs, resist the temptation to skip the chilling step. Refrigerate the logs for at least 3 hours or overnight. Chilled dough is easier to slice, holds its shape during baking, and results in a chewier texture. This step also allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the overall taste of the cookies.
- Use Fresh Orange Zest: The zest of an orange adds a burst of citrusy flavor to the cookies. Make sure to use fresh orange zest for the best results. The oils in the zest contribute to the aromatic quality of the cookies, making them even more enticing.
- Uniform Slicing for Even Baking: When slicing the chilled dough into rounds, aim for uniform thickness. This ensures that all cookies bake evenly, with consistent texture and doneness. Using a sharp knife and cutting with a gentle, even motion helps achieve this.
- Adjust Baking Time Carefully: Keep a close eye on the cookies while baking, especially during the last few minutes. Oven temperatures can vary, so it’s crucial to adjust the baking time accordingly. The cookies are done when the edges turn golden. Remember that they will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet, so don’t overbake if you want that perfect balance of crisp edges and chewy centers.
Equipment you may need to make this recipe:
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Sifter or Fine-Mesh Strainer
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
- Silicone Spatula
- Baking Sheets
- Cooling Rack
Cranberry Orange Slice & Bake Cookies
These Cranberry Orange Slice-and-Bake Cookies are a testament to the joy of baking during the holiday season. With their vibrant colors and burst of fruity flavors, they're sure to become a festive favorite in your home. Whether you're sharing them with loved ones or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, these cookies are a delightful celebration of the simple pleasures of homemade treats. Happy baking!
Ingredients
- 225 g butter room temperature
- 150 g sugar
- 55 g powdered sugar
- 2 oranges zested
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 egg yolks
- 320 g flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 50 g dried cranberries chopped
Instructions
- Beat the butter, sugar, orange zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Mix in the egg yolks. Mix in the flour and salt until just combined.
- Mix in the cranberries.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll each portion into a log that is about 1¾ inches in diameter. Wrap each in plastic wrap and place in the fridge for at least 3 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 350℉ (175℃).
- Slice the log into about ⅓ inch circles. Place them on a parchment lined baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 10 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden.