Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies

These Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that brings warmth to any occasion. With their tender texture and sweet, fruity flavor, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, family celebrations, or simply to enjoy with a cup of tea. The unique combination of Craisins adds a lovely burst of tartness that complements the sweetness, making them stand out among typical cookie recipes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Soft Texture: These cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth quality that makes them irresistible.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and steps, you can whip these up quickly even if you’re a beginner baker.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Christmas, birthdays, or just a cozy evening at home, these cookies fit right in.
• Kid-Friendly: Children love the sweet taste and fun rolling in sugar; they can even help with the mixing and shaping!
• Great for Sharing: Bake a batch to share with friends and family; they make fantastic gifts during the holiday season.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Cookie scoop or spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining your ingredients evenly without mess.
• Baking sheet: Provides even heat distribution for perfectly baked cookies.
• Cookie scoop or spoon: Helps shape uniform cookie sizes for consistent baking results.

Ingredients

To prepare your Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cookies

• 10 oz. Craisins or other sweetened (dried cranberry)
• 1 1/2 cup sugar (plus extra for rolling)
• 1 cup Crisco
• 2 eggs
• 3 1/2 cup flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp vanilla

How to Make Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for ensuring even baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Craisins

• Combine the Craisins and 1 cup of water in a saucepan.
• Bring it to a boil over medium heat.
• Reduce to a simmer and cook until all the liquid is absorbed.
• Remove from heat and let cool completely.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl:
* Combine flour and baking soda. Whisk together until mixed well.

Step 4: Cream Together Wet Ingredients

In another large bowl:
* Mix together sugar, Crisco, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Add the cooled Craisins to the wet mixture:
* Gradually add the flour mixture alternately with Craisins into the wet mixture, stirring gently after each addition.

Step 6: Shape Cookies

Using your hands or a cookie scoop:
* Shape the dough into small balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
* Roll each ball in sugar until thinly coated.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Place rolled cookies on an ungreased baking sheet:
* Bake for 10-15 minutes until edges are slightly browned.

Let cool on wire racks before enjoying your delicious Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies!

How to Serve Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies

Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply indulging at home, these cookies can be paired with various accompaniments to elevate your dessert experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• Serve warm cookies with a cold glass of milk for the perfect classic pairing.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Arrange your cookies on a vibrant dessert platter alongside fruits, nuts, and other sweets for a colorful display.

With Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra creamy texture that complements the cookie’s softness.

Alongside Hot Cocoa or Tea

• Pair these cookies with a cup of hot cocoa or your favorite tea for a cozy afternoon treat.

For Special Occasions

• Present them as favors at parties or gatherings; they make delightful gifts when wrapped nicely in cellophane.

With Ice Cream

• Enjoy your cookies warm and crumble them over vanilla ice cream for an indulgent sundae treat.

How to Perfect Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies

To ensure your Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies come out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips. They help enhance flavor and texture while maintaining that soft and chewy bite.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking soda is fresh to get the right rise and texture in each cookie.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep your cookies tender and avoid toughness.

• Chill the Dough: If possible, let the dough chill for about 30 minutes before baking; this helps improve the cookie structure.

• Monitor Baking Time: Bake just until the edges are slightly browned; underbaking slightly will keep them soft.

• Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container to maintain softness and freshness for longer.

• Experiment with Add-ins: Try adding white chocolate chips or nuts for added flavor and texture variations.

Best Side Dishes for Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies

When serving Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies, consider pairing them with side dishes that complement their sweet and tart flavors. Here’s a list of delicious options:

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a light contrast to the rich sweetness of cookies.
2. Cheese Platter: Assorted cheeses like brie or gouda can balance the sweetness with their savory profiles.
3. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious option that pairs well with the cookies.
4. Chocolate Fondue: Dip cookie pieces into warm chocolate fondue for an extra decadent dessert experience.
5. Nut Mix: A bowl of spiced or salted nuts offers a crunchy texture that complements the soft cookies nicely.
6. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over cookies or serve it on the side for dipping to enhance their sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies can be easy, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using stale ingredients – Always check the freshness of your baking soda and flour. Old ingredients can affect the texture and taste.
• Not measuring accurately – Use precise measurements for sugar and flour. A kitchen scale can help ensure consistency in your cookies.
• Overmixing the dough – Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft ones.
• Skipping the chilling step – If you find your dough too sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes. This helps shape better cookies and improves flavor.
• Ignoring bake times – Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. They are done when the edges are slightly browned but the centers are still soft.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Cookies stay fresh for up to 1 week.

Freezing Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies

• Place cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F, warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat individually for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop – Place in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies.

How do I make my Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies even softer?

To achieve extra softness, ensure you don’t overbake them. Remove them from the oven when they are still slightly underdone.

Can I substitute Craisins with fresh cranberries?

Yes, you can use fresh cranberries; however, they will need extra sweetening since they are more tart than dried ones.

How should I store my Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies?

For best results, store them in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze them for longer storage.

What can I add to my Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies?

Feel free to customize by adding nuts like pecans or walnuts, or chocolate chips for additional flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

These Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them with your favorite mix-ins or spices. Give this recipe a try; your taste buds will thank you!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful experience of Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies, a perfect treat for any occasion. These cookies boast a tender texture and a sweet-tart flavor thanks to the juicy Craisins. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays, enjoying family gatherings, or simply treating yourself with a cup of tea, these cookies stand out among typical dessert options. Their easy preparation makes them ideal for both novice and seasoned bakers. Plus, they’re kid-friendly—let little ones help roll the cookie dough in sugar for added fun. Once baked to perfection, these cookies are not just delicious; they make wonderful gifts when shared with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 10 oz. Craisins
• 1 1/2 cups sugar (plus extra for rolling)
• 1 cup Crisco
• 2 eggs
• 3 1/2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp vanilla

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a saucepan, combine Craisins and 1 cup of water; bring to a boil, then simmer until liquid is absorbed. Let cool.
3. Mix flour and baking soda in one bowl; set aside.
4. In a separate bowl, cream together sugar, Crisco, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
5. Gradually combine dry ingredients and cooled Craisins into the wet mixture.
6. Shape dough into small balls (about 1 1/2 inches) and roll in sugar.
7. Place on an ungreased baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes until edges are slightly browned.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg