Cranberry Orange Sandwich Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the bright, zesty flavor of orange with the tart sweetness of cranberries, all nestled between two buttery, tender cookies. These sandwich cookies are perfect for the holiday season, tea parties, or as a special dessert for any occasion. The cranberry filling, infused with a hint of orange zest, perfectly complements the soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, creating a harmonious blend of flavors in every bite. Whether you’re sharing them with friends and family or indulging on your own, these cookies are sure to bring a burst of festive flavor to your day.
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
For the Cranberry Orange Filling:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup orange juice (preferably fresh)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the cookie dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest until well combined.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the cookies: Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your hand.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the cranberry filling: In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the orange zest and vanilla extract. Let the filling cool completely before using.
- Assemble the cookies: Once the cookies and filling are cool, spread a generous amount of the cranberry orange filling on the bottom of one cookie, then top with another cookie to create a sandwich. Repeat with the remaining cookies.
- Serve: Enjoy the Cranberry Orange Sandwich Cookies immediately, or store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
Cranberry Orange Sandwich Cookies are a perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a bright citrusy note that makes them a standout treat. Whether for the holidays or just because, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite!
