As the holiday season approaches, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home. Enter the Cranberry Orange Snowstar Cookies – a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of winter festivities. These buttery shortbread cookies, infused with the bright flavor of fresh orange zest and dotted with tart, chewy dried cranberries, are not just a feast for your taste buds but also a visual delight. Their whimsical snowstar shapes make them ideal for holiday gifting or serving at family gatherings. You’ll find that these cookies are not only easy to make, but they also invite everyone to share warm moments together.
Imagine a cozy afternoon where you gather around the kitchen, rolling out the dough and cutting it into adorable snowflake shapes. With each bite, you’ll be reminded of the holiday spirit, the sweetness of the cranberries, and the zesty brightness of oranges. Plus, they are simple enough to whip up on a whim, ensuring that your cookie jar is always filled with love and cheer. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or a cozy tea break, these cookies will bring warmth and joy to any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Snowstar Cookies
- Bright and festive flavors of fresh orange zest combined with tart cranberries.
- Buttery shortbread texture that melts in your mouth.
- Visually appealing star shapes perfect for holiday celebrations.
- Simple ingredients that you likely have in your pantry.
- Versatile enough for gifting or enjoying during quiet cozy moments.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the fun of baking your Cranberry Orange Snowstar Cookies, it’s essential to prepare your workspace and gather all necessary tools. Start with a clean kitchen counter where you can roll out the dough comfortably. You’ll need a mixing bowl to cream the butter and sugar, and either an electric mixer or a whisk will work perfectly. A rubber spatula will aid in folding the cranberries into the dough without crushing them.
For cutting the cookies into snowstar shapes, a snowstar cookie cutter is crucial. It’s also wise to have parchment paper on hand, both for lining your baking sheets and for rolling out the dough. A baking sheet and a cooling rack will ensure that your cookies bake evenly and cool properly. With all your tools ready, you’ll be set to create a festive batch of cookies.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh orange zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup dried cranberries
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cream the Butter
Begin by placing the softened unsalted butter in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat the butter until it becomes soft and fluffy, which typically takes about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial because it creates an airy base, giving your cookies a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 2: Mix the Sweetness
Once the butter is fluffy, add in the powdered sugar, fresh orange zest, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix everything together until it’s fully combined. The addition of orange zest not only adds flavor but also infuses a beautiful fragrance that will elevate your cookie experience.
Step 3: Incorporate the Flour
Gradually add in the all-purpose flour, mixing until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix at this stage as it can result in denser cookies. The goal is to have a soft dough that holds together without crumbling.
Step 4: Fold in the Cranberries
Gently fold the dried cranberries into the dough using a rubber spatula. This careful motion ensures that the cranberries are evenly distributed without breaking them apart, maintaining their juicy integrity.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
To help the cookies maintain their shape, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is essential, as it firms up the butter in the dough, preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Step 6: Roll and Cut the Cookies
Once chilled, lay out two sheets of parchment paper. Place the dough between them and roll it out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Using a snowstar cookie cutter, cut the dough into star shapes and place them on a parchment-lined baking tray. After cutting, chill the cookies in the fridge for another 10–15 minutes to ensure they keep their shape during baking.
Step 7: Baking Time
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Once preheated, take the chilled cookies out of the refrigerator and bake them for 12–14 minutes. You want to watch for the edges turning lightly golden – this is your cue that they are ready. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a cooling rack before handling them further.
Step 8: Optional Dusting
After they’ve cooled, feel free to sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for that delightful snow-dusted finish. This extra touch makes them even more festive and appealing!
Variations
- Protein: Add in some chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty twist that complements the cranberries and oranges beautifully.
- Vegetables: For a more complex flavor, include a teaspoon of finely grated carrot to add moisture and a touch of earthy sweetness.
- Spices: Enhance the flavors with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg, which pairs well with the zest and cranberries.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature to help in creaming effectively.
- Feel free to change the size of your cookie cutter for different cookie sizes or shapes to suit your occasion.
- If you love a strong orange flavor, increase the orange zest by an additional half tablespoon.
- Make sure to chill the cookies after cutting to retain their shapes during baking.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a warm cup of tea or hot chocolate for an inviting treat during chilly days.
- Package them in decorative tins as heartfelt gifts for friends and family during the holiday season.
Tips
- If you find the dough too soft to handle, chilling it for an additional 15 minutes can help.
- Experiment with other dried fruits like cherries or blueberries to switch up the taste profile of your cookies.
- Keep an eye on the oven, as baking times can vary slightly based on your oven’s calibration.
- Storing cookies in an airtight container will keep them fresh for up to a week, perfect for enjoying all season long!
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling)
- Cook Time: 12–14 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 140 kcal per cookie
- Protein: 1 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
FAQs
Can I use other types of dried fruits?
Absolutely! Feel free to replace dried cranberries with other dried fruits like apricots or cherries for a unique flavor.
How should I store the cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough for up to three months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before rolling it out.
How can I make these cookies vegan?
To make these cookies vegan, substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter alternative and ensure your powdered sugar does not contain any bone char.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these Cranberry Orange Snowstar Cookies are not just a holiday treat; they are a symbol of warmth, joy, and celebration. With their delightful flavors and beautiful presentation, they are sure to become a cherished part of your festive traditions. Whether you are baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, these cookies will bring smiles and sweetness to any gathering. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the magic of baking these delicious cookies. Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments or try out some of the variations mentioned – your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Cranberry Orange Snowstar Cookies
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
A delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of winter festivities.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh orange zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup dried cranberries
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by placing the softened unsalted butter in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat the butter until it becomes soft and fluffy, which typically takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Once the butter is fluffy, add in the powdered sugar, fresh orange zest, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix everything together until it’s fully combined.
- Gradually add in the all-purpose flour, mixing until just incorporated.
- Gently fold the dried cranberries into the dough using a rubber spatula.
- To help the cookies maintain their shape, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Once chilled, lay out two sheets of parchment paper. Place the dough between them and roll it out to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and bake the cookies for 12–14 minutes.
- After they’ve cooled, feel free to sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for that delightful snow-dusted finish.
Notes
Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature to help in creaming effectively.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Protein: 1 g