Chewy Cranberry Orange Cookies

Chewy Cranberry Orange Cookies bring together bright citrus flavor and rich, buttery sweetness in every soft bite. First, the fresh orange zest adds a vibrant aroma. Then, the tart cranberries balance the sweetness perfectly. As a result, these cookies feel both comforting and refined.

While cranberry cookies are often linked to holidays, this version is designed to be timeless. In fact, citrus-based desserts became popular in European baking centuries ago, prized for their ability to enhance richness without heaviness. Today, that same balance makes these cookies ideal year-round.

Additionally, this recipe focuses on chewiness rather than crispness. By chilling the dough and baking just until set, the centers stay tender while the edges remain lightly golden. Meanwhile, the natural acidity of orange juice enhances the overall flavor without overpowering it.

Whether served with tea, coffee, or enjoyed on their own, these cookies deliver bakery-quality results at home. Most importantly, they’re simple, elegant, and endlessly craveable.

Recipe Yield: 22–24 cookies

INGREDIENTS

2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
1 large egg, room temperature
1 Tbsp fresh orange zest
2 Tbsp fresh orange juice
1 cup dried cranberries
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cream butter and sugars:
First, add the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar to a large bowl. Then, cream together until light, fluffy, and pale in color.

2. Add wet ingredients:
Next, mix in the egg until fully incorporated. After that, stir in the orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and fragrant.

3. Combine dry ingredients:
Meanwhile, whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

4. Fold in cranberries:
Gently fold in the dried cranberries. Be careful not to overmix, as this keeps the cookies tender and chewy.

5. Chill the dough:
Then, cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step helps control spreading and improves texture.

6. Bake the cookies:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop 2 Tbsp portions onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing evenly. Bake for 11–13 minutes, until edges are set and centers remain soft.

7. Cool and set:
Finally, allow cookies to cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack to finish setting.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

• Use fresh orange zest: Always zest the orange before juicing. This ensures maximum citrus aroma and a brighter, bakery-style flavor.
• Do not overbake: Although the cookies may appear slightly underdone in the center, they firm up as they cool, keeping them irresistibly chewy.
• Chill for structure: While optional, chilling the dough enhances flavor development and prevents excessive spreading for picture-perfect cookies.