These orange cranberry cookies combine the brightness of citrus with the tartness of cranberries for a cookie that feels both refreshing and indulgent. With a soft, tender texture and a drizzle of sweet orange glaze, they bring a bakery-quality treat to your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with fresh citrus flavor from orange zest and extract.

• Tart cranberries balance sweetness beautifully.

• Soft and tender cookie texture that melts in your mouth.

• Simple glaze adds elegance without fuss.

• Perfect for holidays, gifting, or year-round baking.

Orange Cranberry Cookies

Citrus and cranberries are a classic pairing that feels like a celebration of the seasons. These cookies bring together the lively freshness of orange zest with the tart chewiness of dried cranberries, creating a treat that is as vibrant in flavor as it is beautiful to look at. They are not your average sugar cookie — they are bright, flavorful, and just sweet enough.

The use of cream cheese in the dough is a secret weapon that sets these cookies apart. It adds a subtle tang that complements the cranberries while also giving the cookies a pillowy softness. The result is a cookie that feels rich yet not heavy, a balance that keeps you reaching for another.

One of the most delightful aspects of this recipe is its aroma. As the cookies bake, your kitchen fills with the fragrance of orange peel and vanilla, mingling with the buttery dough. It’s the kind of aroma that instantly feels uplifting, making these cookies as much about the baking experience as the final bite.

The glaze is simple but transformative. Made from powdered sugar and fresh orange juice, it enhances the cookies with a burst of citrus sweetness. When topped with a sprinkle of chopped dried cranberries, each cookie looks like it belongs in a bakery window — glossy, colorful, and inviting.

These cookies also strike the perfect balance between rustic charm and refined presentation. Their rounded, slightly golden tops speak of homemade comfort, while the glaze and cranberry garnish add a polished finish. They’re versatile enough to serve at family gatherings yet special enough for festive holiday platters.

Texture plays a big role in what makes these cookies special. The dough bakes into something soft and tender, with just enough chew from the cranberries to keep things interesting. It’s a delightful contrast that ensures every bite feels satisfying and layered.

The orange flavor shines throughout but never overwhelms. Instead of relying solely on extract, the grated orange peel infuses the dough with natural oils that bring a fresh, bright flavor. This freshness pairs beautifully with the cranberries, creating a cookie that feels both sweet and tangy.

Another wonderful thing about these cookies is how approachable they are. The dough comes together quickly, requires no chilling, and bakes in just about twelve minutes. It’s a recipe you can turn to when you want something special but don’t have hours to spare.

They also store beautifully, maintaining their softness for days when kept in an airtight container. This makes them ideal for baking ahead, whether for holidays, potlucks, or as thoughtful homemade gifts. Their cheerful flavor and presentation ensure they’ll be appreciated wherever they go.

Because the recipe begins with a sugar cookie base, it offers plenty of room for personalization. You could add white chocolate chips for extra sweetness, swap the cranberries for cherries, or even drizzle with dark chocolate instead of glaze. But the original version is so balanced and delicious, it’s hard to improve upon.

When these cookies are plated, their pale golden color contrasts beautifully with the bright red cranberries and glossy glaze. They look festive and inviting, perfect for a holiday dessert spread or simply to brighten up a weekday afternoon with a cup of tea.

Biting into one of these cookies feels like tasting sunshine. The citrus flavor lifts the palate, while the cranberry provides a tart spark of contrast. Combined with the soft, tender texture of the dough, it’s an experience that feels both comforting and refreshing.

The cookies also make a lovely addition to a seasonal baking rotation. While they shine around the winter holidays, their fresh flavor makes them just as suitable for spring and summer gatherings. They carry a versatility that allows them to feel appropriate all year long.

At their heart, these orange cranberry cookies are a reminder that baking can be both simple and elegant. With just a few thoughtful additions, a standard cookie mix is transformed into something that delights the senses and elevates even the most ordinary day.

Servings

Yields: 20 cookies

Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Bake Time: 12 minutes

• Cooling & Glazing Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: About 50 minutes

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 pouch sugar cookie mix

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

• 1/2 cup cream cheese, room temperature

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon grated orange peel

• 1/2 teaspoon orange extract

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• ~2 teaspoons fresh orange juice

• Chopped dried cranberries, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.

2. Beat cookie mix, butter, cream cheese, egg, orange peel, and extract until soft dough forms.

3. Fold in dried cranberries with a spatula.

4. Scoop dough onto prepared sheets with a medium scoop.

5. Bake 12 minutes, until puffed and lightly golden.

6. Cool completely before glazing.

7. Mix powdered sugar with orange juice until spreadable.

8. Spoon glaze over cookies; let it spread naturally.

9. Sprinkle with chopped cranberries for garnish.

10. Let glaze set before serving or storing.

Tips

• Use freshly grated orange zest for the best citrus flavor.

• Don’t overbake — cookies should remain soft and tender.

• Let cookies cool completely before glazing to prevent melting.

• Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.