Lemon Cranberry Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly balance sweetness and tartness. The bright flavor of lemon combined with chewy dried cranberries makes these cookies stand out. They are easy to make, perfect for sharing, and are sure to brighten up any gathering. With simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time!
How to make Lemon Cranberry Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until well combined.
- Fold in the dried cranberries.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
How to serve Lemon Cranberry Cookies
These cookies are best served warm, straight from the oven. You can enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee. They also make for lovely gifts when wrapped in a decorative box or bag. For a special treat, drizzle some icing over the top.
How to store Lemon Cranberry Cookies
To keep your Lemon Cranberry Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure to place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Tips to make Lemon Cranberry Cookies
- Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for better mixing.
- For a more intense lemon flavor, add extra lemon zest.
- Don’t overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients; it should just be combined.
- For extra sweetness, consider adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top after baking.
Variation
If you want to try something different, you can swap dried cranberries for dried cherries or raisins. Adding chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, can also give the cookies a nice crunch.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries?
Fresh cranberries are too tart for these cookies. It’s best to use dried cranberries for the right balance of flavor.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour mix to make these cookies gluten-free.
How can I make the cookies thicker?
If you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This will help them hold their shape in the oven.
Lemon Cranberry Cookies
Delightful cookies featuring a bright citrus flavor combined with chewy dried cranberries, perfect for sharing.
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until well combined.
- Fold in the dried cranberries.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
For an extra lemony flavor, add more lemon zest. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian