Description
A delightful drop cookie recipe featuring tart cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and a sweet vanilla frosting, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup whole milk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons orange juice
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
2-1/2 cups chopped fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup chopped walnuts
For the Frosting:
1/3 cup butter, softened
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 to 4 tablespoons hot water
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Beat in the large egg and orange juice until well combined.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 6: Gently fold in the chopped fresh or frozen cranberries and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
Step 8: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: While cookies cool, prepare the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat 1/3 cup softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the confectioners' sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of hot water, beating until smooth and spreadable. Add more hot water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if a thinner consistency is desired.
Step 10: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous amount of frosting on each cookie. Allow the frosting to set slightly before serving or storing.
Notes
For best results, ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature. Freshly chopped cranberries offer the best texture and flavor, but frozen work perfectly well. If you don't have orange juice, a teaspoon of orange zest can be added for a similar brightening effect.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg