Are you searching for a delicious and easy recipe to brighten up your holiday baking? Or perhaps you're simply craving a delightful homemade treat that’s both comforting and impressive? Look no further! These cranberry butter cookies are the perfect answer. Bursting with the tart-sweet flavor of cranberries and the melt-in-your-mouth richness of butter, these cookies are guaranteed to become a new family favorite. They're surprisingly simple to make, making them ideal for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros. Get ready to enjoy the delightful aroma and irresistible taste of these homemade cranberry butter cookies!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped (or a mix of cranberries and other dried fruits)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is best achieved using an electric mixer, but you can certainly use a hand mixer or even do it by hand for a great arm workout!
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. A smooth batter is key to evenly distributed cranberries and a consistent cookie texture.
Step 2: Combining Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 3: Adding the Cranberries
Gently fold in the chopped cranberries. Be gentle to prevent crushing the cranberries and to maintain their beautiful texture and vibrant color in your finished cookies.
Step 4: Baking the Cookies
Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. This ensures even baking and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid burning.
Step 5: Cooling and Serving
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breakage and allows the cookies to set properly.
Once cooled, you can enjoy these delightful cranberry butter cookies with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or as a perfect addition to your holiday dessert spread.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar, or a combination of both.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Use different types of dried fruit, such as chopped cherries, raisins, or apricots, or even a combination.
- For a festive twist, add some chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 100-120 Fat: 6-7g Sugar: 7-8g
These cranberry butter cookies are a simple yet sophisticated treat perfect for any occasion. Their delightful flavor and ease of preparation make them an ideal addition to your baking repertoire – enjoy!