Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (62.5 g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 ¾ cups (219 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (64 g) cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup (65 g) dried cranberries, chopped
Instructions
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer, add softened butter and confectioners’ sugar. Beat on medium speed until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, ensuring the sugar is well incorporated into the butter.
- Add Flavorings: Mix in the vanilla extract and orange zest until fully combined, giving the dough a fragrant citrus aroma.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and kosher salt evenly.
- Incorporate the Dry Mixture: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, one cup at a time, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in Cranberries: Gently fold the chopped dried cranberries into the dough by hand to evenly distribute them without breaking their shape.
- Shape the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and roll it into a 6-inch log, about 3 inches in diameter. Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and seal the ends.
- Chill the Dough: Place the wrapped dough in the refrigerator and chill for 1 hour or until firm enough to slice easily.
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Slice the Cookies: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and place it on a cutting board. Slice the log into ¼-inch thick cookies and arrange them on the prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned, indicating they are perfectly baked and still tender inside.
- Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
- Chilling the dough is crucial to maintain the cookie shape and achieve the perfect crumbly texture.
- Use parchment paper to prevent cookies from sticking and for easier cleanup.
- Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For extra zest flavor, sprinkle a small amount of additional orange zest on top of cookies before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
