Frosted Cranberry Drop Cookies
Frosted Cranberry Drop Cookies are the perfect blend of sweet and tart, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. With their chewy texture and delightful flavors, these cookies are a must-try, especially during the holiday season. The refreshing burst of cranberries combined with a creamy frosting makes each bite feel like a special gift. You’ll love how easy they are to make, and they’re sure to impress friends and family alike!
What You’ll Need for Frosted Cranberry Drop Cookies
To make these delicious cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (115 g) butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) sugar
- 3/4 cup (150 g) packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) orange juice
- 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 1/2 cups (250 g) chopped fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup (100 g) chopped walnuts
- 1/3 cup (75 g) butter (for frosting)
- 2 cups (240 g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 to 4 tablespoons hot water
Step-by-Step Frosted Cranberry Drop Cookies Recipe
Making Frosted Cranberry Drop Cookies is easier than you might think! Follow these simple steps:
- Cream the Mixture: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar together until smooth.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the milk, egg, and orange juice until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this mixture to the creamed mixture, blending well.
- Stir in Fruits and Nuts: Gently fold the chopped cranberries and walnuts into the dough.
- Drop Cookies on Sheet: Using a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough 2 inches apart onto greased baking sheets.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool Down: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on wire racks.
For the Frosting:
- Brown the Butter: In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter until it turns golden brown, about 5 minutes. Let it cool for 2 minutes.
- Mix the Frosting: Transfer the browned butter to a small bowl. Add the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla. Gradually mix in hot water, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve your desired frosting consistency.
- Frost the Cookies: Spread the frosting over the cooled cookies and enjoy!
How to Serve Frosted Cranberry Drop Cookies
Serving these delightful Frosted Cranberry Drop Cookies is part of the fun! Arrange them on a beautiful platter or in a decorative cookie jar to add some flair. They pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee, making them an ideal snack for afternoon gatherings. If you want to elevate your presentation, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of crushed nuts or extra cranberries on top of the frosting for an added touch.
Helpful Tricks for Frosted Cranberry Drop Cookies
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and chill it in the refrigerator. This will help the cookies hold their shape when baked.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the amount of confectioners’ sugar in the frosting.
- Mix Up the Nuts: Swap out walnuts for pecans or almonds for a different flavor profile.
Frosted Cranberry Drop Cookies: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use dried cranberries, but they will give a different texture and sweetness. Consider reducing sugar if you use sweetened dried cranberries.
How should I store the cookies?
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just thaw before serving.
Can I skip the frosting?
Absolutely! These cookies are tasty on their own, even without frosting. You can also dust them with powdered sugar for a simple touch.
Try making Frosted Cranberry Drop Cookies for your next gathering or as a sweet treat for yourself. They’re sure to be a hit! Enjoy every delicious bite!
Frosted Cranberry Drop Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1/2 cup butter, softened room temperature
- 1 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 1/2 cups chopped fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
For the Frosting
- 1/3 cup butter for frosting, browned
- 2 cups confectioners' sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 to 4 tablespoons hot water for desired consistency
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar together until smooth.
- Mix in the milk, egg, and orange juice until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this mixture to the creamed mixture, blending well.
- Gently fold the chopped cranberries and walnuts into the dough.
- Using a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough 2 inches apart onto greased baking sheets.
Baking
- Place the baking sheets in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on wire racks.
Making the Frosting
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter until it turns golden brown, about 5 minutes. Let it cool for 2 minutes.
- Transfer the browned butter to a small bowl. Add the confectioners' sugar and vanilla. Gradually mix in hot water, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve your desired frosting consistency.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled cookies and enjoy!
