Orange Cranberry Almond Cookies

These delightful cookies combine the tangy brightness of orange zest with the chewy sweetness of dried cranberries and the crisp nuttiness of roasted almonds, perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time20

Cook Time14

Total Time34

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Almond Cookies, Baking, Easy Cookie Recipe, holiday baking, Orange Cranberry Cookies

Servings: 24 cookies

Calories: 150kcal

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature Provides a creamy texture.
3/4 cup granulated sugar Adds sweetness and helps achieve the perfect cookie structure.
1 large egg Acts as a binding agent.
1 tsp vanilla extract Infuses a warm, fragrant note.
2 tbsp freshly grated orange zest Enhances the citrus flavor.

Dry Ingredients

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour The foundation of the cookie.
1/2 tsp salt Balances the sweetness.

Add-ins

3/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped Adds chewy texture and tangy sweetness.
3/4 cup sliced or chopped roasted almonds Contributes a crunchy element.
2 tbsp coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling) Creates a sparkling crunch on top.
1/2 cup powdered sugar + 2 tsp orange juice (optional, for glaze) Adds an optional sweet and tangy drizzle.

Instructions

Preparation

Cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes.
Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and freshly grated orange zest, blending until fully combined.
Gently fold in the all-purpose flour and salt until the dough just comes together, being careful not to overmix.
Fold in the chopped dried cranberries and roasted almonds.
Roll the dough into a log about 2 inches wide, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

Baking

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar if desired.
Bake for about 12–14 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
For an optional glaze, drizzle cooled cookies with a mixture of powdered sugar and orange juice and allow to set before serving.

Notes

Ensure butter and egg are at room temperature for better mixing. Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week and freeze for longer storage. Customize your nuts or add chocolate chips for variations.