Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Cranberry Orange Icebox Cookies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 107 reviews
  • Author: Lauren
  • Prep Time: 3 hr 30 min
  • Cook Time: 14 min
  • Total Time: 3 hr 44 min
  • Yield: 24 cookies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Cranberry Orange Icebox Cookies are buttery, soft shortbread-like treats bursting with chewy dried cranberries and zesty orange flavor. Rolled in sugar and chilled before baking, these cookies deliver the perfect texture and a bright citrus glaze that adds a delightful finishing touch. Ideal for festive occasions or everyday snacking, they bring a beautiful balance of sweetness and tartness in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 2/3 cup (133g) granulated sugar, plus more for rolling
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups + 2 Tablespoons (265g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 Tablespoons (30ml) orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 3/4 cup (100g) very finely chopped dried cranberries (such as Craisins)
  • Optional: coarse sugar for rolling, such as sparkling sugar

Orange Glaze

  • 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
  • 2 Tablespoons (30ml) orange juice
  • Optional: more orange zest for topping

Instructions

  1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl using a handheld mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed until combined and creamy, about 3 minutes. This step ensures a light and tender texture in the cookies.
  2. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract on high speed. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to fully incorporate all ingredients, continuing to beat until completely combined.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour and salt and beat on low speed until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cookies.
  4. Incorporate Flavorings: Beat in the orange juice, orange zest, and very finely chopped dried cranberries until just combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
  5. Shape Dough Logs: Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface; with floured hands, divide the dough in half. Roll or shape each half into a log about 7 to 8 inches long and approximately 2.5 inches in diameter. Measurements do not need to be exact.
  6. Chill Dough: Wrap the dough logs tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours and up to 5 days. Chilling is mandatory to firm up the dough and allow flavors to meld. Overnight chilling enhances the orange flavor.
  7. Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  8. Roll Logs in Sugar: Pour enough coarse sugar on a plate to cover it. Remove dough from refrigerator and roll each log in the coarse sugar, pressing the dough lightly to ensure the sugar sticks. This step adds a sparkling sweet crust.
  9. Slice Cookies: Slice each sugar-coated log into 12 equally thick cookies and arrange them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
  10. Bake: Bake the cookies for 13–15 minutes or until the edges are very lightly browned, signaling they are perfectly done but still tender.
  11. Cool Cookies: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  12. Make and Add Glaze: Whisk together confectioners’ sugar and orange juice until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over cooled cookies. Optionally, sprinkle with additional orange zest while the glaze is still wet for extra citrus aroma and visual appeal. Allow glaze to set for 30–60 minutes before storing or serving.
  13. Storage: Store cookies covered at room temperature for up to one week, maintaining their freshness and flavor.

Notes

  • Enjoy a buttery shortbread-like cookie flecked with chewy dried cranberries and fragrant orange zest.
  • Drizzle on an easy 2-ingredient orange glaze for a flavorful finishing touch that elevates the cookies.
  • Chilling the dough overnight enhances the orange flavor and improves texture.
  • Using a citrus juicer and zester will make preparation easier and more flavorful.
  • Coating the dough logs in sugar after chilling is easier since the dough is less sticky.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 60mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

Find it online: https://tastyrates.com/cranberry-orange-icebox-cookies-recipe/