Sparkling Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies Recipe: Sweet Holiday Magic

Sweet holiday baking takes a magical turn with these sparkling sugarplum cranberry cookies that blend festive charm and delightful flavors.

Tart cranberries dance through soft, buttery dough with surprising brightness.

Delicate sugary crystals catch the light, making each cookie shimmer like winter’s first snowfall.

The recipe combines classic comfort with unexpected elegance.

Festive gatherings become more special when you serve these enchanting treats.

Bakers of all skill levels can create these delectable cookies that promise to delight every sweet tooth.

Prepare to spread some delicious holiday cheer with every delightful bite.

Pro Advice for Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies

• Allow frozen cranberries to thaw gradually for maximum juice and flavor release, preventing potential texture issues.
• Blend cranberries until ultra-smooth for consistent color and taste throughout the cookie dough.
• Roll cookies generously in sugar before baking to create a delightful sparkling, crisp exterior.
• Refrigerating dough helps prevent spreading and ensures cookies maintain a perfect round shape during baking.

Sugarplum Cranberry Cookie Styles to Try

• Gluten-Free Cranberry Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Berry Cookies: Swap butter for coconut oil and use plant-based egg substitute to create a dairy-free treat.
• Low-Sugar Option: Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener and adding extra spices like cinnamon for flavor depth.
• Nutty Cranberry Crunch: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough for added texture and nutty richness.

Serving Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies with Cheer

• Holiday Cookie Platter Pairing: Arrange cookies on a festive ceramic plate with sprigs of fresh rosemary and mint for elegant winter presentation.
• Festive Gifting Strategy: Package cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with sparkling ribbon, perfect for holiday hostess gifts or cookie exchanges.
• Dessert Companion Delight: Serve alongside warm mulled wine or creamy eggnog to enhance the cranberry's tart flavor and create a cozy seasonal experience.
• Brunch Dessert Accent: Crumble cookies over vanilla yogurt or pair with morning coffee for a delightful breakfast treat that feels special and indulgent.

Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies – Save Some

• Store cookies in an airtight container layered with parchment paper for up to 5 days. Keep them in the coolest part of your refrigerator to maintain freshness.
• Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for 2-3 months without losing texture or flavor.
• Remove from container and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Cookies will soften and regain their delicate texture.
• Warm cookies briefly in microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in preheated oven at 300F for 2-3 minutes to restore just-baked warmth and crispness.

FAQs

• How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Chill the dough thoroughly before baking. Cold dough helps cookies maintain their shape and prevents excessive spreading in the oven.

• Can I use fresh cranberries instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh cranberries work perfectly. Just ensure they are ripe and blend them with orange juice and zest to create the same puree consistency as frozen berries.

• What is the purpose of rolling cookies in sugar before baking?

Rolling the cookies in sugar creates a delightful crispy exterior and adds a sweet, sparkling finish that enhances the cookie’s texture and appearance.

• How can I tell if the cookies are done baking?

Look for lightly golden edges and a set center. The cookies will continue to firm up slightly after removing them from the oven, so avoid overbaking.

Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies – Holiday Magic

• Sparkling sugarplum cranberry cookies deliver a delightful winter-themed treat that combines tart cranberries with sweet sugar, creating a perfect holiday bite.
• Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make these cookies accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced home cooks.
• Soft, tender cookies with a beautiful pink hue and sugary coating will wow guests at potlucks, family gatherings, and seasonal celebrations.
• Perfect for Christmas parties, gift-giving, or enjoying with afternoon tea, these cookies bring festive cheer to any occasion with their bright, tangy flavor profile.

Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies – Ingredient Essentials

• Frozen Cranberries: Fresh berries that will be transformed into a vibrant puree for the cookie's distinctive flavor.
• Butter: A rich, creamy base that ensures a tender and moist cookie texture.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a golden, crisp exterior.
• Flour: The essential structure and foundation for the cookie's delicate form.

• Orange Juice, Orange Zest: Bright citrus elements that complement the cranberry's tartness.
• Dried Cranberries: Chewy fruit pieces that add extra bursts of cranberry flavor throughout the cookie.

• Baking Powder, Salt: Key ingredients that help the cookies rise and balance the overall taste profile.

Equipment for Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies

• Blender: Essential for creating smooth cranberry puree.
• Electric mixer: Perfect for creaming butter and whipping wet ingredients.
• Measuring cups: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Mixing bowl: Needed for combining dry and wet ingredients.
• Baking sheet: Provides surface for baking cookies.
• Zester or grater: Helps remove orange zest.
• Spatula: Useful for scraping and mixing ingredients.
• Cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly after baking.

How to Make Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies

Step 1: Awaken Cranberries

Gently remove frozen cranberries from the freezer and let them rest at room temperature.

Allow the berries to transform from icy crystals to soft, plump jewels ready for magic.

This process takes several hours or can happen peacefully overnight.

Step 2: Create Vibrant Puree

Toss thawed cranberries into a blender with fresh orange juice and zest.

Pulse until the mixture becomes a smooth, vibrant crimson sauce.

Carefully measure out your desired puree amount.

Step 3: Whip Butter Into Clouds

Grab your mixer and transform butter and sugar into a billowy, pale landscape.

Beat until the mixture looks light, fluffy, and almost cloud-like in texture.

Step 4: Marry Wet Ingredients

Pour the cranberry puree into the butter mixture.

Blend thoroughly until the liquid completely merges with the butter, creating a harmonious, smooth base.

Step 5: Introduce Dry Components

Gently fold in flour, baking powder, and salt using low mixer speed.

Sprinkle dried cranberries throughout the dough, distributing them evenly for bursts of flavor.

Step 6: Chill And Rest

Cover the dough and nestle it into the refrigerator.

Let it firm up and develop deeper flavors for at least 30 minutes.

Step 7: Shape Sweet Morsels

Roll the chilled dough into delicate spheres.

Dance each ball through a sparkling layer of sugar, coating them completely.

Step 8: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the cookies into a preheated oven.

Bake until the edges turn a gentle golden hue, typically 8-10 minutes.

Watch carefully to capture that perfect moment of doneness.

Sparkling Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sparkling sugarplum cranberry cookies blend festive winter magic with sweet-tart charm. Holiday bakers will discover a delightful treat that melts in your mouth and brings seasonal joy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup unsalted butter
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups frozen cranberries
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Garnish:

• Extra sugar for rolling

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Instructions

1. Gently thaw frozen cranberries at room temperature until completely soft and release their vibrant juices, allowing several hours or overnight for optimal texture.
2. Create a luscious cranberry puree by blending thawed berries with orange juice and zest until silky smooth, precisely measuring 2/3 cup of the mixture.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes airy, pale, and voluminous, developing a light, whipped consistency.
4. Incorporate the cranberry puree into the butter mixture, whipping thoroughly to ensure complete integration and a uniform, glossy texture.
5. Gradually fold in flour, baking powder, and salt at low speed, maintaining a gentle mixing technique. Delicately fold in dried cranberries for additional burst of flavor.
6. Encase the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing it to firm and develop a more concentrated flavor profile.
7. Carefully shape the chilled dough into uniform spheres, then delicately roll each ball in granulated sugar for a sparkling, sweet exterior.
8. Preheat oven to 400°F and bake cookies for 8-10 minutes, watching for lightly golden edges that signal perfect doneness and a delicate, crisp texture.

Notes

• Ensure Cranberries are Perfectly Thawed by letting them sit at room temperature, which prevents excess moisture and maintains cookie texture.
• Create Smooth Puree by blending cranberries completely, removing any large chunks that might disrupt the cookie’s delicate structure.
• Avoid Overmixing when adding dry ingredients to preserve the cookies’ tender crumb and prevent tough, dense results.
• Experiment with Dietary Alternatives by substituting gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly version or using plant-based butter for a vegan adaptation.

• Prep Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg