Description
Delightful Cranberry Lemon Cookies blend zesty citrus with tart berries in a perfect seasonal treat. Crisp edges, tender centers, and a sparkling sugar coating make these cookies irresistible for holiday gatherings and cozy winter moments.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Base:
- 2 ¼ cups (290g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
- 1 ½ cups (150g) fresh cranberries, diced
Glaze:
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Craft a fragrant lemon-sugar base by massaging lemon zest into granulated sugar until it releases an aromatic essence. This technique helps infuse deep citrus notes throughout the cookie mixture.
- Cream the lemon-sugar blend with softened butter using an electric mixer, whipping until the texture becomes light and airy, approximately 3-5 minutes to incorporate maximum volume.
- Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, ensuring thorough integration of wet ingredients for a consistent, smooth foundation.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, gently stirring with a low-speed mixer to prevent overmixing and maintain a delicate cookie texture.
- Carefully introduce diced cranberries into the dough, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture to ensure balanced flavor in each bite.
- Wrap the prepared dough and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing the ingredients to rest and firm up, which enhances the cookie’s structural integrity and flavor development.
- Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
- Shape the chilled dough into uniform tablespoon-sized balls, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow proper spreading during baking.
- Bake the cookies until their edges turn a delicate golden hue, typically requiring 13-15 minutes of oven time.
- Allow the freshly baked cookies to rest momentarily on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
- Prepare a smooth lemon glaze by whisking powdered sugar and lemon juice until achieving a silky, pourable consistency.
- Once cookies have completely cooled, elegantly drizzle the lemon glaze across the surface, creating an enticing visual and flavor finish.
- permit the glaze to set fully before serving, allowing it to create a delicate, crystalline coating.
Notes
- Zest Technique: Rubbing lemon zest into sugar releases essential oils, intensifying the citrus flavor and creating a more aromatic base for the cookies.
- Butter Tip: Ensure butter is softened at room temperature but not melted, which helps create a light, fluffy texture when creamed with sugar.
- Cranberry Distribution: Gently fold dried cranberries into the dough to prevent breaking them and ensure even spread throughout the cookies.
- Chilling Magic: Refrigerating the dough helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in perfectly shaped cookies with crisp edges.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the cookie’s delicate texture.
- Storage Hack: These cookies stay fresh for 3-4 days in an airtight container, keeping their soft texture and bright lemon flavor.
- Make-Ahead Option: Cookie dough can be prepared and refrigerated up to 2 days in advance, making party prep easier and more convenient.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg