There’s something incredibly cozy about baking cookies, especially when the air is crisp and the days are shorter. Sparkling Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies are just the treat to brighten those chilly afternoons. Imagine the sweet-tart burst of cranberries, paired with a touch of zesty orange. Each bite is like a hug in cookie form, transporting you to a winter wonderland.
These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or snuggling up with family on a weekend. They’re easy enough for busy parents to whip up before school or as a special treat after dinner. When you take them out of the oven, the smell fills the house, drawing everyone to the kitchen. It’s moments like these that create lasting memories.
Plus, these cookies are not only delicious but also simple to make! You’ll feel accomplished as you see your little ones help out, measuring ingredients, or rolling dough into balls. It’s a heartwarming way to spend time together and introduce them to the joy of baking.
how to make Sparkling Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies
Baking cookies can seem overwhelming at times, but with this recipe, we’ll take it step by step. You’ll find that the process is just as delightful as the finished product. Let’s gather our ingredients and get started!
Ingredients
– 1 1/2 cups frozen cranberries
– 1 teaspoon orange zest
– 1/4 cup orange juice (divided)
– 2/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2/3 cup granulated sugar
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder (aluminum-free)
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup Craisins (dried cranberries)
These simple, fresh ingredients come together to create a magical combination. The cranberries provide a beautiful color and tang, while the orange brings brightness to every bite.
Directions
1. First, allow the frozen cranberries to thaw completely. You can leave them out at room temperature for about an hour or thaw them in the microwave on low power. This will make them easier to blend.
2. Once thawed, blend the cranberries with 2 tablespoons of orange juice and the orange zest until smooth. This fragrant mixture is the heart of our cookies!
3. In a mixer, whip the room temperature butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This might take about 3-4 minutes. It’s a delightful fluffy cloud of sweetness!
4. Add the cranberry mixture to the butter and mix well. The color transforms into a beautiful pinkish hue, welcoming the season into your kitchen.
5. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently stir this dry mixture into the wet mixture. Be cautious not to overmix; you want to keep your cookies tender.
6. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to scoop.
7. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
8. Scoop the chilled dough into small balls, about a tablespoon each. Roll them in sparkling sugar for that added sweetness and crunch, then place them on the baking sheets.
9. Bake for 8-10 minutes until they are lightly golden around the edges. The sweet smell will fill your home, creating an irresistible aroma.
10. Allow the cookies to cool on wire racks. This is the hardest part—waiting for them to cool! But trust me, it’s worth it.
how to serve Sparkling Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies
Serving these cookies can be just as fun as making them! They are perfect for a warm winter afternoon snack. Pair them with a steaming cup of tea or a glass of milk. You might even want to serve them alongside a cozy bowl of hot soup for a delightful lunch.
If you’re hosting a brunch, don’t hesitate to set these out for your guests. Their festive appearance will surely make them the star of the table. Arrange them on a beautiful platter, perhaps with some additional fresh cranberries and sprigs of rosemary for decoration.
For family gatherings, make a plate of these cookies to share with loved ones. Nothing beats the sound of laughter mixed with the crunch of delicious cookies—a true celebration of togetherness.
how to store Sparkling Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies
Storing your cookies properly will ensure they stay fresh and delightful. Once the cookies have completely cooled, place them in an airtight container. You can layer them between sheets of parchment paper to keep them from sticking together.
These cookies can last for about a week at room temperature. If you need to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Simply layer them in a container with parchment paper and pop them in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature, and they’ll taste just as good as fresh-baked.
tips to make Sparkling Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies
- Don’t Skip the Chilling: Chilling the dough is essential. It helps the cookies hold their shape while baking and improves the flavor. While you wait, this is a great time to catch up with family or put on your favorite holiday movie.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best results, use fresh cranberries when you can. If they’re in season, the burst of flavor they provide is unbeatable. If not, frozen works just fine, but always check for quality.
- Experiment with Decorations: Feel free to get creative with toppings. Swapping out sparkling sugar for a bit of simple glaze or adding chopped nuts can change the game! Just like with family traditions, it’s always fun to add your unique twist.
variation
If you want to try something a little different, consider adding white chocolate chips or nuts like pecans or walnuts to the dough. The rich creaminess of white chocolate pairs beautifully with the tart cranberries, making each bite a delightful surprise. You could also try using lemon zest instead of orange for a slightly different flavor profile.
Pro Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. This is key for getting that beautiful, fluffy consistency when creaming with sugar. If it’s too hard, it won’t blend properly; if it’s too soft, the cookies may spread too much when they bake.
- Watch the Oven: Every oven is different! Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They can go from perfectly golden to too dark quicker than you’d think. If your oven runs hot, you might want to check them a minute or two early.
- Right Baking Sheets: Use light-colored baking sheets rather than dark. Dark sheets can cause the bottoms of cookies to brown too quickly. With parchment paper, you’ll ensure even baking and make it easy to remove the cookies once done.
Serving Ideas
- Cookie Gift Bags: These cookies make great gifts! Package them in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon. They’re a lovely gesture for neighbors, teachers, or friends, especially during the festive season.
- Kids’ Baking Party: Host a fun baking party for kids. Let them decorate their cookies with icing, sprinkles, or even chocolate drizzle. This is a great way to keep them engaged and create festive memories together.
- Holiday Cookie Exchange: Organize a cookie exchange with friends and family. Everyone brings their favorite cookies, and you get to enjoy a variety! Your Sparkling Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies will surely stand out and be a hit among the crowd.
FAQs
- Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time and chill it overnight. Just give it a little time to come back to temperature before scooping. - Do these cookies freeze well?
Yes! They freeze nicely. Just ensure they are completely cooled before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. - Can I use fresh cranberries?
Yes, fresh cranberries work wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure to chop them a little if they are large! - What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough seems too sticky after chilling, try adding a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s manageable.
Quick Recap
Baking Sparkling Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies is a joyful experience perfect for any time of the year. With their vibrant color and delightful taste, these cookies are sure to win hearts. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just for a cozy night with the family, they’ll light up your kitchen with warmth.
So why not bake this weekend? You’ll be glad you did! Gather your ingredients, invite a friend or two, and let the magic of baking unfold in your home. The memories you create will be just as sweet as the cookies themselves.
Sparkling Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies
Ingredients
For the cookie dough
- 1.5 cups frozen cranberries Thaw before mixing
- 1 teaspoon orange zest Freshly grated for best flavor
- 1/4 cup orange juice Divided, use 2 tablespoons in the mixture
- 2/3 cup unsalted butter Softened to room temperature
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder Aluminum-free
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup Craisins (dried cranberries)
Instructions
Preparation
- Thaw the frozen cranberries completely.
- Blend the cranberries with 2 tablespoons of orange juice and the orange zest until smooth.
- In a mixer, whip the room temperature butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add the cranberry mixture to the butter and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently stir this dry mixture into the wet mixture.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop the chilled dough into small balls (about a tablespoon each). Roll them in sparkling sugar and place them on the baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until they are lightly golden around the edges.
- Allow the cookies to cool on wire racks.