Cranberry Orange WinterGlow Crème Cookies
Soft and buttery cookies made with bright orange zest, tart cranberries, and a subtle cream cheese swirl for a rich, winter-perfect treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- Zest of 1 orange about 1 teaspoon
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 6 oz cream cheese softened
- ¾ cup dried cranberries or frozen/chopped fresh cranberries
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- Sanding sugar or powdered sugar for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and orange zest; mix until fully combined and fragrant.
- Whisk flour and baking powder together, then fold into the butter mixture until a soft dough forms.
- Spoon small blobs of cream cheese into the dough and gently swirl, or add a small dollop to each dough portion.
- Gently fold in cranberries and optional white chocolate chips.
- Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets, flatten slightly, and add extra cranberries on top if desired.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set and tops are lightly golden.
- Cool on baking sheet for 4–5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with sugar if desired.
Notes
- Chill dough for 30 minutes for thicker, chewier cookies.
- Use finely grated orange zest for maximum citrus flavor without bitterness.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.