Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies

These Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. With their tender texture and sweet cranberry flavor, they can brighten up holiday gatherings or simply satisfy your sweet tooth. This timeless recipe, passed down through generations, combines simplicity with deliciousness, making it a must-try for cookie lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The sweet and tangy cranberries complement the sugary dough, creating a unique taste that everyone will enjoy.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for holidays, parties, or just as an everyday snack, these cookies fit perfectly in any setting.
• Crispy Outside, Soft Inside: Enjoy the delightful contrast of a delicate crunch on the outside while savoring the soft texture within.
• Makes a Large Batch: With 48 cookies in one batch, you’ll have plenty to share or enjoy throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking these delicious cookies, gather your tools. Having everything on hand will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Saucepan

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spills. The different sizes allow you to separate wet and dry mixes easily.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect cookie shape.
• Parchment paper: Using parchment paper can prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 10 oz. Craisins or other sweetened (dried cranberry)
• 1 1/2 cup sugar (plus extra for rolling)
• 1 cup Crisco
• 2 eggs
• 3 1/2 cup flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp vanilla

How to Make Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Craisins

In a saucepan:
1. Combine Craisins and 1 cup of water.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
3. Cook until all the liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl:
* Combine flour and baking soda. Set aside for later use.

Step 4: Cream Wet Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Combine sugar, Crisco, eggs, and vanilla.
2. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the cooled Craisins into the wet mixture:
1. Alternate adding the flour mixture with the Craisins until fully incorporated.
2. Mix well until smooth.

Step 6: Shape Cookies

To prepare for baking:
1. Shape small balls of dough (about 1 ½ inches).
2. Roll each ball in sugar until thinly coated.

Step 7: Bake Your Cookies

On a baking sheet:
1. Place cookie balls spaced apart.
2. Bake in preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes or until edges are slightly browned.

Enjoy your homemade Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies, perfect for sharing with family and friends!

How to Serve Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies

These soft cranberry sugar cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Serving them with the right accompaniments can enhance their flavors and make for a memorable dessert experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing, milk balances the sweetness of the cookies and adds a creamy texture that complements their softness.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Include these cookies on a dessert platter alongside other treats. Their vibrant color will attract attention, and their flavor will appeal to many.

With Fresh Fruit

• Pairing these cookies with fresh fruit, like strawberries or orange slices, adds a refreshing contrast and a splash of color to your serving.

Alongside Coffee or Tea

• The warm flavors of coffee or tea enhance the sweetness of the cookies, making this combination perfect for afternoon snacks or gatherings.

With Ice Cream

• Serve soft cranberry sugar cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent dessert that everyone will love.

How to Perfect Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies

To achieve the ultimate soft texture in your cranberry sugar cookies, keep these tips in mind:

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allow your Crisco and eggs to reach room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter and ensures even baking.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the desired softness.

• Chill the dough if needed: If your dough is too sticky, chilling it for about 30 minutes can make it easier to handle when shaping into balls.

• Bake until lightly golden: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. Remove them from the oven when the edges are just starting to turn golden for that perfect soft texture.

• Store properly: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness. You can also add a slice of bread in the container to help retain moisture.

Best Side Dishes for Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies

Soft cranberry sugar cookies pair well with various side dishes that can elevate your dessert experience. Here’s how you can complement them:

1. Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the sweetness of the cookies while providing essential nutrients.

2. Chocolate Fondue
   Melted chocolate serves as a decadent dip for cookie pieces, enhancing both flavors and textures.

3. Cheese Platter
   Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese; their creaminess contrasts beautifully with the sweet cookie flavors.

4. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a light side dish that pairs nicely with sweet desserts like our cranberry cookies.

5. Nut Mix
   A selection of roasted nuts adds crunch and saltiness, balancing out the sugary taste of the cookies perfectly.

6. Whipped Cream
   A dollop of whipped cream served alongside enhances indulgence, especially when enjoying with berries or ice cream.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies can be easy, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are a few mistakes you should avoid:

• Skipping the cooling step – Letting the Craisins cool after cooking is essential. If added hot, they can alter the dough’s texture and moisture.
• Not measuring flour correctly – Overpacking flour can lead to dense cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method for measuring to ensure accuracy.
• Using old baking soda – Old or expired baking soda might not provide the right leavening. Always check the expiration date for best results.
• Overbaking the cookies – Baking them too long will make them hard instead of soft. Keep an eye on them and remove them when edges are just slightly browned.
• Neglecting to roll in sugar – Rolling the dough balls in sugar not only adds sweetness but also creates a lovely texture. Don’t skip this step!
• Failing to preheat the oven – An unheated oven can affect cookie texture and rise. Ensure your oven is at 350°F before baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week in the fridge.

Freezing Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies

• Place cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F and heat cookies for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave – Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds, just until warm.
• Stovetop – Place cookies in a pan over low heat, covering with a lid for 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies that may help you get started.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Yes, but you should cook fresh cranberries with some sugar to sweeten them before adding them to the dough.

How do I make my cookies softer?

Make sure not to overbake them. Baking just until they are lightly browned will keep them soft.

Can I add other ingredients like nuts or chocolate?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your cookies by adding nuts or even white chocolate chips for extra flavor.

What is the best way to store leftover cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Final Thoughts

These Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies bring a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Their soft texture and sweet cranberry flavor make them irresistible. Feel free to customize your recipe by adding nuts or different flavors, making these cookies versatile and perfect for sharing!