Slice-and-Bake Vegan Orange Cranberry Cookies
These Slice-and-Bake Vegan Orange Cranberry Cookies are a festive treat that combines vibrant citrus flavors with sweet tart cranberries, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: 130kcal
Ingredients
Cookie Ingredients
- 1 cup vegan butter, softened Make sure it's softened for easier mixing.
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar Regular granulated sugar works best.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Use pure extract for better flavor.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour Sifted before measuring for accuracy.
- 2 tablespoons orange juice Freshly squeezed for best flavor.
- 2 teaspoons orange zest From fresh oranges for enhanced aroma.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped Adds sweetness and tartness.
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar For a sweet drizzle.
- 2 tablespoons orange juice Use freshly squeezed for the glaze.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a mixing bowl, use a handheld mixer to beat the softened vegan butter and granulated sugar together until creamy and light.
- Stir in the pure vanilla extract until well incorporated.
- Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour on low speed until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the orange juice, orange zest, and finely chopped cranberries until the dough is thick and slightly sticky.
- Shape the dough into a 2-inch log, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours or up to 3 days.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Unwrap the chilled dough and slice into 1/4-inch thick cookies. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
Glazing
- Whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice for the glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and allow to set before serving.
Notes
Chill Time is Key: Don't skip the chilling step for flavor development and maintaining shape. Customize your cookies with chopped nuts for extra texture and consider adding colored sugar sprinkles for a festive touch.