Sparkling Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies

When it comes to holiday baking or year-round cozy treats, nothing quite matches the charm of Sparkling Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies. These delightful cookies balance the tartness of cranberries with the bright sweetness of orange zest, creating a festive flavor profile that feels both classic and special. Perfect for gifting, sharing with family, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner looking for a fun, seasonal project, these cookies are straightforward, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect balance of sweet and tart: Fresh cranberries and orange zest create a bright, festive flavor.
• Beautiful and festive: Sparkling sugar coating gives the cookies a holiday-ready shimmer.
• Easy to make: Simple steps with accessible ingredients make this recipe beginner-friendly.
• Vegetarian-friendly: No eggs or animal-derived ingredients needed.
• Great for gifting: Wrap them up in a tin or box for a thoughtful homemade present.
• Freezable: Dough or baked cookies can be frozen for later enjoyment.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe yields 24 cookies and is perfect for holiday treats or any sweet craving.

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups frozen cranberries
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 2 tablespoons orange juice (for blending cranberries)
• 2/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder (aluminum-free)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Mix-Ins & Garnish:

• 1/2 cup Craisins (dried cranberries)
• Additional granulated sugar for rolling

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Food processor or blender
• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment-lined baking sheets
• Cooling racks
• Spatula and cookie scoop

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cranberries

Defrost the frozen cranberries at room temperature or warm them slightly until soft. Blend the cranberries with 2 tablespoons of orange juice and 1 teaspoon of orange zest until smooth. Measure out 2/3 cup of this cranberry-orange mixture for the dough.

Tip: Blending the cranberries ensures the flavor infuses evenly throughout the cookies.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together 2/3 cup butter and 2/3 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This aerates the dough, giving cookies a tender texture.

Step 3: Incorporate Cranberry-Orange Mixture

Whip the 2/3 cup cranberry-orange mixture into the creamed butter and sugar until fully combined. The dough will take on a subtle pinkish hue and fragrant citrus aroma.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture to form a smooth cookie dough.

Step 5: Fold in Craisins

Add 1/2 cup dried cranberries (Craisins) to the dough, gently folding until evenly distributed. These chewy bursts complement the tart cranberry flavor beautifully.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Chill the dough in the refrigerator until firm, about 30 minutes. This makes the dough easier to handle and helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.

Step 7: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 8: Shape and Coat Cookies

Scoop portions of dough using a cookie scoop, roll into balls, and coat with granulated sugar for a sparkling finish. Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 9: Bake

Bake for 8–10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Centers may appear soft but will set as the cookies cool.

Step 10: Cool

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. Cool completely before storing or serving.

Tips & Variations

• Frozen vs fresh cranberries: Frozen cranberries work perfectly; fresh cranberries can also be used and should be finely chopped.
• Extra zest: Add more orange zest for an even brighter citrus flavor.
• Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can add extra crunch.
• Sugar alternatives: Swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a richer flavor.
• Colorful holiday cookies: Sprinkle coarse sanding sugar in red or green for a festive touch.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

These cookies are:

• Tart and sweet: Balanced by the cranberry and Craisins.
• Citrusy and aromatic: Orange zest elevates the flavor profile.
• Soft with a slight crunch: Sugar-coated edges give texture contrast.

Suggested pairings:

• Hot tea, coffee, or cocoa for cozy mornings or afternoons.
• Serve alongside a fresh fruit platter for holiday gatherings.

Nutritional Overview (Per Cookie)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	150 kcal
Fat	7 g
Saturated Fat	4 g
Carbohydrates	20 g
Sugar	8 g
Fiber	1 g
Protein	2 g
Sodium	100 mg
Cholesterol	20 mg

Dietary Notes: Vegetarian, nut-free (optional), egg-free.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Chill dough ahead: Dough can be prepared and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to baking time.
• Storing baked cookies: Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of frozen?
Yes! Chop fresh cranberries finely and blend with orange juice and zest.

2. Can I make these cookies vegan?
Substitute butter with vegan butter; ensure sugar is vegan-friendly.

3. Can I reduce sugar?
Yes, you can reduce granulated sugar slightly, but coating in sugar adds texture and sparkle.

4. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough thoroughly before baking and use parchment paper or silicone mats.

5. Can I use dried cherries instead of Craisins?
Absolutely! Dried cherries provide a similar tart-sweet flavor.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time
Prep cranberries & zest	5 minutes
Cream butter & sugar	3 minutes
Mix dough & fold in Craisins	5 minutes
Chill dough	30 minutes
Bake cookies	8–10 minutes
Cool	5 minutes
Total	~45 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a cup of tea or coffee.
• Arrange on a festive holiday platter with other cookies for gifting or parties.
• Sprinkle a little extra sugar or powdered sugar for a sparkling effect.

Ingredient Spotlight

Cranberries

• Provide tartness and bright flavor that balances the sweetness.
• Rich in antioxidants and fiber.
• Frozen cranberries are convenient year-round.

Orange Zest & Juice

• Adds aromatic citrus notes.
• Enhances the flavor of the cranberries and overall cookie.
• Zest from organic oranges is preferred to avoid bitterness.

Pro Baking Tips

• Even cookies: Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform size.
• Don’t overmix: Overmixing flour can lead to tough cookies.
• Chill dough: Firm dough prevents excessive spreading.
• Check early: Oven temperatures vary; start checking at 8 minutes.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Unbaked dough: Freeze in cookie balls on a tray; then transfer to airtight containers.
• Baked cookies: Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Freezing baked cookies: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.

Expanded Conclusion

These Sparkling Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies are the perfect combination of tart cranberries, sweet Craisins, and zesty orange. They are festive, delicious, and simple enough to make any time of year. The chewy texture, bright flavor, and sparkling sugar coating make them a hit for holidays, gifts, or an everyday treat.

Give this recipe a try, and your kitchen will be filled with the aroma of sweet, tart, and citrusy goodness that everyone will love. Bake, share, and enjoy every bite of these delightful cookies!

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