Cranberry Orange Holiday Cookies Recipes

Steps:

• 1. *** NOTE *** If you are using frozen cranberries, thaw them completely in a colander before using. Cut them in at least half .. more if you prefer. I don't recommend putting them through a food processor .. they become too tiny.
• 2. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
• 3. In a medium bowl whisk together the flour and baking powder then set aside.
• 4. In another bowl whip the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, orange zest, vanilla and orange juice and mix until everything is well combined.
• 5. Begin adding the flour mixture about 1/3 at a time being careful not to over mix .. just until the flour mixture is incorporated. Fold in the chopped cranberries and the pecans.
• 6. Scoop out dough using a small cookie scoop. Place cookies onto prepared baking sheets about 1/2" apart. These cookies do not spread much at all. .
• 7. I bake mine as they come out of the cookie scoop. But if you prefer you can gently press the dough to flatten it slightly. I suggest you put the dough in the refrigerator between batches for best results.
• 8. Bake for 10 - 12 minutes or until you see the edges turning golden brown. Leave the cookies on the baking sheet for 10 minutes then remove to cooling racks to finish cooling down.
• 9. Once all cookies are baked and cooled, make your glaze. Whisk together the powdered sugar, orange zest and half of the orange juice in a small size bowl or a 2 cup measuring cup. Add more orange juice - in small amounts - until you get the consistency you want for drizzling. Drizzle glaze over each cookie then allow the glaze to set before serving. These keep best in the refrigerator in an airtight container

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• In a large bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg until well blended. Mix in 1 teaspoon orange zest and 2 tablespoons orange juice. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; stir into the orange mixture. Mix in cranberries and if using, walnuts, until evenly distributed. Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Cookies should be spaced at least 2 inches apart.
• Bake for 12 to 14 minutes in the preheated oven, until the edges are golden. Remove from cookie sheets to cool on wire racks.
• In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 teaspoon orange zest, 3 tablespoons orange juice and confectioners' sugar until smooth. Spread over the tops of cooled cookies. Let stand until set.