Warm, tangy Lemon Cranberry Cookies are just what you need for a cozy day at home. With their sweet and zesty flavor, these cookies bring comfort and cheer to any table. If you’re looking for a delightful treat that your family will love and that fills your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma, this recipe is just for you!
Why Make This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Whip up a batch in no time!
- Family Favorite: The kids and adults alike will enjoy them.
- Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients keep costs low.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy night in or a holiday gathering, they fit right in.
What really makes these cookies special is their balance of lemon’s brightness and cranberry’s tartness, creating an unforgettable flavor. Baking these cookies not only fills your home with enticing scents but also creates comforting memories shared with loved ones.
Ingredients
For the base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the mix-ins:
- 1 cup dried cranberries
How to Make Lemon Cranberry Cookies
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using a hand mixer until light and fluffy. This helps to incorporate air, making your cookies tender.
- Add the egg and lemon: Stir in the egg, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined. The lemon will add a refreshing zing to every bite.
- Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, blending well. This ensures an even distribution of all ingredients.
- Fold in cranberries: Stir in the dried cranberries gently. They will add a delightful chewy texture and burst of flavor.
- Shape the cookies: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Place the tray in the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are golden. Your kitchen will smell heavenly at this point!
- Cool: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and makes them easier to move without breaking.
How to Serve Lemon Cranberry Cookies
- With a dusting of powdered sugar: A light sprinkle over the warm cookies adds a touch of sweetness and elegance.
- Pair with tea or coffee: These cookies make a perfect companion to your afternoon beverage.
- Serve on a festive platter: Arrange the cookies on a colorful plate for a delightful presentation during holiday gatherings.
How to Store Lemon Cranberry Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to save them for later, you can freeze the cookies. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll last up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds.
Tips to Make Lemon Cranberry Cookies
- Don’t overmix the dough: Gently mix to keep the cookies tender and light.
- Use fresh lemon juice: For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than bottled.
- Chill the dough (optional): If you have time, chilling the dough for an hour can help the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Experiment with add-ins: Try adding white chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor and texture.
Variation
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Less Sugar: Reduce sugar for a lighter cookie, or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones?
Yes, you can use fresh cranberries, but they may make the cookies a bit tart. Just add a little extra sugar to balance the flavor.
How can I keep my cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, and chill your dough before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can scoop the cookie dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until firm, and then transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, just adding a couple more minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
These Lemon Cranberry Cookies are a wonderful way to brighten your day or celebrate special moments with family. With their simple preparation and delightful flavor, they’re sure to become a cherished favorite in your home. We’d love to hear your thoughts! Please leave a comment and star rating below. If you enjoyed this recipe, share it on Pinterest or Facebook! What twist did you try? Let us know below!
Print
Lemon Cranberry Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Warm, tangy Lemon Cranberry Cookies mix sweet and zesty flavors for a comforting treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using a hand mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and stir until well combined.
- In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, blending well.
- Fold in the dried cranberries gently.
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
- Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can experiment with add-ins like white chocolate chips or nuts. Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg