Cranberry cookies recipe (2024)

by Roxana 26 Comments

Sweet and soft, these nutty cranberry cookies are a family favorite. Make them for friends and family, for your next cookie exchange or bake and freeze getting them out when the cravings strike.
Cranberry cookies recipe (1)The first sign of fall and I stock on fresh cranberries. Although easily available frozen year round, I prefer to buy them fresh and hand pick the ones that I want to pick and use throughout the winter. Most of them are used around the holidays, mostly at Thanksgiving since I could eat cranberry sauce spread on a slice of bread but some make their way into my baked goodies.

I have make the well know cranberry bliss bars so many times my family begged for me to try a new recipe. Just before Thanksgiving I stumbled upon a recipe for nutty cranberry cookies in an old issue of Taste of Home magazine.

Cranberry cookies recipe (2)

We’re just two weeks away from Christmas and I know all over the country cookie exchange are taking place. If you still are undecided what to make for friends and family, you should consider these cranberry cookies.

I have made them just before Thanksgiving for the Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap and since then I have made them 2 more times. Yes! 3 times in less than 3 weeks. That should give you an idea how good they are.

Plus, the recipe comes together in a jiffy! And a whole batch makes almost 5 dozens! Isn’t that awesome! You don’t have to make lots of different cookies (although I always do)!

Cranberry cookies recipe (3)

3 dozens of these cranberry cookies were sent toMonica of The Modern Mrs Blog,Jess of Jessbuckley Blog andSuzanne of KoKocooks

In return I received a dozen ofCranberry White Chocolate Chip Nutella Cookies from Diethood, 1 dozen ofChocolate Covered Cherry Cookies from CenterCutCook and 1 dozen of Salted S’mores Cookies from Stellina Sweets

Cranberry cookies recipe

Yields 5 dozens

Sweet and soft, these nutty cranberry cookies are a family favorite. Make them for friends and family, for your next cookie exchange or bake and freeze getting them out when the cravings strike.

15 minPrep Time

15 minCook Time

1 hrTotal Time

Cranberry cookies recipe (4)Save Recipe

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Ingredients

  • 11 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2-1/2 cups halved fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup finely chopped walnuts

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven at 350°F. Line a couple of cookie sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the egg and milk. Stir to combine. Scrape the sides of the mixing bowl with a spatula.
  4. Combine the flour with the baking powder and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in the cranberries and walnuts.
  5. With a medium size ice-cream scoop, drop cookie dough on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire racks to cool.

7.6.8

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Roxana Yawgel http://atreatsaffair.com/ All images and content are copyright protected. Please do not use my images without prior permission. If you want to republish this recipe, please re-write the recipe in your own words, or simply link back to this post for the recipe. Thank you.

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Happy baking,

Roxana

Cranberry cookies recipe (11)

About Roxana

Roxana has a passion for all things food, a sweet tooth that can’t be tamed and a severe case of the wanderlust
With an audience in search for real food and no fuss recipes, I make midweek meals exciting sharing approachable recipes, both sweet and savory, that taste completely sinful.

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Comments

  1. Cranberry cookies recipe (15)Emily @ Life on Food says

    This is the second time I have seen fresh cranberries in cookies. I really need to try some since I love cranberries. This cookie looks great. I wish I could have gotten your cookie delivery.

    Reply

  2. Cranberry cookies recipe (17)Hilda says

    Roxanna, how far apart should be put the cookies on the sheet? does this one spread a lot? I will try this tonight!

    Reply

  3. Cranberry cookies recipe (20)Sherry says

    These cookies are beautiful - a great change from so much chocolate & peppermint!! What recipe do you use for Cranberry Bliss Bars. I didn't find one on your site. Thanks.

    Reply

    • Cranberry cookies recipe (21)Roxana says

      Hi Sherry, I don't have a recipe for cranberry bliss bars on my blog. I make the one from Lori's blog http://www.recipegirl.com/2011/11/14/cranberry-bliss-bars/Happy baking, Roxana

      Reply

  4. Cranberry cookies recipe (22)Staci says

    These cookies look delicious! They are so different and I am so excited to bake them! Thank you so much for the recipe! I will refer all of my friends to your blog :)

    Reply

  5. Cranberry cookies recipe (23)Staci says

    These cookies sound amazing! I can not wait to try the recipe and tell all my friends about it! Thank you for the delicious recipe!

    Reply

  6. Cranberry cookies recipe (24)Suthira says

    I baked cranberries cookies, twiced this week. They are delicious, loved them !! I used a 1 Tbs measuring spoon to scoop the cookies and only got about 4 dozen instead of 5 dozen as mentioned in the recipe, not sure why ? May be I didn't beat butter and sugar long enough or .....?

    Reply

    • Cranberry cookies recipe (25)Roxana says

      Hi Suthira, I don't think the difference is in the creaming of the butter and sugar. It may have something to do with the cookie dough scup I used. Maybe 1 tbsp holds more cook dough than my scoop. I will have to check it out next time I make cookies

      Reply

  7. Cranberry cookies recipe (26)Thais says

    This looks amazing! I want to make them for my holiday party but I was thinking about freezing the dough to bake at the day of the party? Have you tried to do this? Do you think it will be ok? Thanks!!

    Reply

    • Cranberry cookies recipe (27)Roxana says

      Hi Thais, I have not tried freezing this particular cookie dough, but I have tried with lots of other recipes, I'm sure this will work just as well. If you give it a try, please come back and let us know how it went.Thanks, Roxana

      Reply

  8. Cranberry cookies recipe (28)Cheryl Tinsley says

    I couldn't resist trying this recipe. So, I'm making a batch, now and I'm just about half-way, there. The timer just went off!! Can't wait to try them.

    Reply

  9. Cranberry cookies recipe (29)Ivana says

    Dear Roxana, Thank you for this wonderful recipe! I was thinking about including them in my Christmas cookie list for this year, and I was planning on making these tomorrow. Do you think it is too early? How long can these cookies stay fresh?

    Reply

    • Cranberry cookies recipe (30)Roxana says

      Hi Ivana, If you're planning on making these cookies and keep them for 8-9 days until Christmas day, you can do so by placing the cookies, once baked in a air-tight box (preferably a tin box) OR you can freeze the cookie dough and bake the day before Christmas if you have the time.

      Reply

  10. Cranberry cookies recipe (32)Ioana says

    Hey, they really look delicious. I wanted something to cook with my mother but how much sugar is "a cup"? because I think it's a little too much sugar. Thanks!

    Reply

  11. Cranberry cookies recipe (34)Tammy says

    These cookies are great.....zested half an orange in the dough and made an orange glaze and drizzled the cookies.....just for a change up ?

    Reply

  12. Cranberry cookies recipe (35)Colleen says

    I made these 2 months ago and they were FABULOUS! I want to make them again, but cranberry season is over and I can't get fresh cranberries at my local grocery stores. Can I substitute dried cranberries and still get the same yummy cookie?

    Reply

    • Cranberry cookies recipe (36)Roxana says

      Hi Colleen, You can use frozen cranberries. Most grocery store carry them in the frozen isle, near the frozen berries and other fruit. Roxana

      Reply

  13. Cranberry cookies recipe (37)Esther says

    I made these for a Christmas cookie exchange. I love how they are not overly sweet. Next time I would make a candied orange to top them with...even without that they are delicious though, I just think it would be a nice addition.. Thank you for the recipe.

    Reply

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Cranberry cookies recipe (2024)

FAQs

Are fresh or dried cranberries better for baking? ›

Yes, dried cranberries work well in baked goods; however there is a ¼ cup difference in measurement. If a recipe calls for one cup of fresh or frozen cranberries, use ¾ cup of sweetened dried cranberries. You can also rehydrate dried cranberries using water or cranberry juice for a more plump texture.

Should you chop cranberries before baking? ›

How to Use Fresh Cranberries in Baking
  1. How to prepare fresh cranberries for baking. There's really not much you need to do to prepare fresh cranberries for baking. ...
  2. Should you chop cranberries before baking? You definitely don't need to! ...
  3. Do I need to cook cranberries before baking? Nope!

What kind of cranberries do you use for baking? ›

Choose. Although cranberries are almost always prepackaged, look for firm, plump berries with a deep red color. Avoid shriveled or soft berries.

How do you soak cranberries for baking? ›

Measure out the amount of cranberries needed for your recipe and pour them into a bowl or a pot. Pour enough hot water over the cranberries to cover them all. Cover your bowl or pot to keep in the heat. Let sit for 20-30 minutes.

Can you use craisins instead of cranberries in baking? ›

Yes, Craisins® Sweetened Dried Cranberries work well in baked goods; however, there is a 1/4 cup (60 mL) difference in measurement. If a recipe calls for one cup of fresh cranberries you should use 3/4 cup (175 mL) of Craisins®. Craisins® should not be used in cooked sauces.

Are dried cranberries too high in sugar? ›

One serving size (or recommended portion) of dried cranberries has nearly 25 grams of added sugar, which is the recommended daily limit for some people. There are some unsweetened versions, but they can be hard to find.

Why should cranberries not be eaten raw? ›

Is it safe to eat cranberries raw? Cranberries are generally considered safe whether they are cooked or raw. However, because of their notoriously bitter, sharp taste, most people prefer not to eat them raw or unsweetened. This bitterness is due to the high tannin content of cranberries.

Can I substitute fresh cranberries for dried cookies? ›

You'll probably want to use about 1 cup of fresh cranberries for every 1/2 cup of dried cranberries called for in the recipe. You can also look for recipes calling for fresh blueberries and use cranberries instead. Since they're similar in size, fresh blueberries and cranberries can be substituted one-for-one.

What takes the bitterness out of cranberries? ›

Add A Splash Of Vinegar

While citrus is a natural pairing for cranberry sauce, bright, savory vinegars like sherry vinegar, balsamic vinegar, and apple cider vinegar play well with the bitter-tart berries. Start with a little, then add more gradually. It's easy to overdo it when in comes to bold vinegars.

Is it better to bake with fresh or frozen cranberries? ›

If cooking your berries into a pie filling, you may need to add additional thickening agents because frozen berries tend to release more liquid than fresh and will lead to a runnier consistency. For best results in your baking, don't defrost the berries before use but instead toss them in flour.

What flavors compliment cranberries? ›

cranberry
  • Thyme (Orange) citrus. grassy. woody. floral.
  • Sage (Common) savory. menthol.
  • Rosemary. savory.
  • Mexican Tarragon. citrus.
  • Zaatar Marjoram. woody. floral.
  • Marigold Flower. citrus. grapefruit. grassy.
  • Epazote. oregano. anise. mint. gasoline.
  • Basil (Purple Ruffles) cinnamon. menthol.

Should you pre cook cranberries before baking? ›

Do you need to cook fresh cranberries before baking? While cranberries should not be eaten as is (they are unpleasantly tart), they do not need to be cooked before they are used in baked goods.

Should I rehydrate cranberries for cookies? ›

Should dried cranberries be soaked before baking? Rehydrating dried fruit before baking is an option to add moisture to the end product, but it isn't necessary in this recipe. If desired, soak in hot water for 15 minutes.

Are dried cranberries the same as fresh cranberries? ›

Both forms of cranberries will offer you the same nutritional benefits and medicinal value. However, dried ones are high in carbs, calories, and sugar than fresh ones, but they still contain most of the essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in fresh ones.

How to substitute fresh cranberries for dried in baking? ›

You'll probably want to use about 1 cup of fresh cranberries for every 1/2 cup of dried cranberries called for in the recipe. You can also look for recipes calling for fresh blueberries and use cranberries instead. Since they're similar in size, fresh blueberries and cranberries can be substituted one-for-one.

Do dried cranberries have the same benefits as fresh? ›

Both forms of cranberries will offer you the same nutritional benefits and medicinal value. However, dried ones are high in carbs, calories, and sugar than fresh ones, but they still contain most of the essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in fresh ones.

Do cranberries sweeten when cooked? ›

Cooking with Fresh Cranberries

When fresh cranberries are cooked, they release all their sweet-tart flavor and the jammy goodness (from natural pectins) that makes cranberry sauces and relishes so popular at Thanksgiving.

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