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Orange Cranberry Almond Cookies on a baking sheet, ready to enjoy
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Orange Cranberry Almond Cookies

These delightful and aromatic cookies blend the flavors of citrus, tart cranberries, and crunchy almonds, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time14 minutes
Total Time2 hours 24 minutes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Almond, Baking, Cookies, Cranberry, Orange
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

Cookie Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature Soft and creamy, perfect for providing a rich base.
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar Adds sweetness while aiding in crumb structure.
  • 1 large egg Helps bind the ingredients together.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract Enhances the flavor and aroma.
  • 2 tbsp freshly grated orange zest Offers a zesty aroma.
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour Forms the foundation of the cookies.
  • 1/2 tsp salt Enhances sweetness and rounds out flavors.
  • 3/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped Provides tartness and chewy texture.
  • 3/4 cup sliced or chopped roasted almonds Adds crunch and nutty flavors.
  • 2 tbsp coarse sugar Optional for sprinkling.

Orange Glaze

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar Sweetens the glaze.
  • 2 tsp orange juice Infuses citrus flavor.

Instructions

Preparation

  • In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
  • Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest until fully combined.
  • Add the all-purpose flour and salt, stirring gently until the dough comes together. Fold in the dried cranberries and chopped almonds.
  • Roll the dough into a log, approximately 2 inches wide, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

Baking

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) during the last 20 minutes of chilling.
  • Slice the chilled dough into rounds, about 1/4-inch thick, and arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
  • Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
  • Allow cookies to cool for about 5 minutes on the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Glazing

  • Whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice to make the glaze.
  • Drizzle the glaze over cooled cookies and let set before serving.

Notes

To elevate your cookies, ensure your butter is at room temperature, try different nuts, and don't skip the chilling step to prevent spreading.