Frosted Cranberry Drop Cookies
Delightful cookies bursting with tangy cranberries and topped with a creamy frosting, perfect for the holiday season.
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: 200kcal
Ingredients
For the cookie dough
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup (113 g) butter, softened
- 1 cup 1 cup (200 g) sugar
- 3/4 cup 3/4 cup (165 g) packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup 1/4 cup (60 ml) whole milk
- 1 large egg 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons (30 ml) orange juice
- 3 cups 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 2-1/2 cups 2-1/2 cups (250 g) chopped fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup 1 cup (125 g) chopped walnuts
For the frosting
- 1/3 cup 1/3 cup (75 g) butter
- 2 cups 2 cups (240 g) confectioners' sugar
- 1-1/2 teaspoons 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 to 4 tablespoons 2 to 4 tablespoons hot water Adjust for desired consistency.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the milk, egg, and orange juice to the creamed mixture. Mix well until everything is fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped cranberries and walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a tablespoon, drop the cookie dough onto greased baking sheets, making sure to space them two inches apart.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on wire racks.
Frosting
- While the cookies are cooling, heat the butter in a saucepan over low heat until it turns golden brown—this will take about 5 minutes.
- Allow it to cool for 2 minutes, then transfer it to a small bowl.
- Add the confectioners' sugar and vanilla extract to the bowl. Gradually beat in hot water, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
Final Touch
- Once the cookies are completely cool, generously frost each one with the creamy mixture.
Notes
These cookies can be arranged on a festive platter or served with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The dough can also be prepared in advance and chilled in the refrigerator for later baking.