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Sparkling Cranberry Sugar Cookies

Soft, chewy sugar cookies studded with tart fresh cranberries and rolled in coarse sparkling sugar for a festive, crunchy exterior.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookie Dough
  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.75 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries finely chopped
Coating
  • 0.5 cup coarse sparkling sugar for rolling

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
  3. Cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add egg, vanilla, and orange zest; mix well.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until just combined.
  6. Fold in chopped fresh cranberries.
  7. Scoop dough into balls and roll generously in coarse sparkling sugar.
  8. Place on baking sheets, flatten slightly, and bake 10-12 minutes until edges are set.
  9. Cool on sheet 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.

Notes

Use fresh cranberries for best flavor and moisture. Chill dough if too sticky. Optional orange glaze for extra sweetness.