Name: Cranberry Orange Icebox Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 3 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 2/3 cup (133g) granulated sugar, plus more for rolling; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 2 cups + 2 Tablespoons (265g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 Tablespoons (30ml) orange juice; 1 teaspoon orange zest; 3/4 cup (100g) very finely chopped dried cranberries (such as Craisins); Optional: coarse sugar for rolling, such as sparkling sugar; 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted; 2 Tablespoons (30ml) orange juice; Optional: more orange zest for garnish

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If you are searching for a vibrant and flavorful treat that captures the essence of winter’s best flavors, this Cranberry Orange Icebox Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These cookies blend tart, finely chopped dried cranberries with bright, zesty orange in a tender, buttery dough that chills to perfection before baking. The recipe is simple, but each ingredient plays a starring role, creating a cookie that’s as festive and beautiful as it is delicious. With a subtle glaze of orange icing on top, these icebox cookies offer a delightful balance of citrus brightness and cranberry sweetness that will keep you reaching for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a cooling rack filled with round cookies that are light beige in color with small dark red pieces inside, likely dried cranberries, and tiny orange specks, possibly zest. Each cookie is topped with thin white icing drizzled in diagonal lines. The rack is placed on a white marbled surface. Near the rack, there are a few whole dark red cranberries and a small white bowl filled with more dried cranberries. A pale cloth is partially visible at the bottom left corner. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Creating these Cranberry Orange Icebox Cookies Recipe is a breeze thanks to a handful of simple ingredients, each chosen to bring a unique texture, taste, or burst of color. Whether it’s the freshness of orange zest or the buttery richness of softened butter, these essentials work in harmony to create a delightful cookie experience.

Unsalted butter (3/4 cup, softened): Provides the creamy, rich base that makes these cookies tender and flavorful.
Granulated sugar (2/3 cup plus extra for rolling): Sweetens the dough and helps achieve that light crunch on the cookie’s surface.
Large egg (1, room temperature): Binds ingredients and adds moisture for a soft texture.
Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and depth of flavor subtly but beautifully.
All-purpose flour (2 cups + 2 tablespoons): The structural foundation, spooned and leveled for perfect consistency.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and highlights the other flavors.
Orange juice (2 tablespoons): Adds juicy citrus brightness that permeates the dough.
Orange zest (1 teaspoon): Provides fragrant, intense orange aroma and flavor bursts.
Dried cranberries, very finely chopped (3/4 cup): Bring tartness and color, complementing the orange perfectly.
Coarse sugar for rolling (optional): Creates a sparkling, crunchy coating for added texture and visual appeal.
Confectioners’ sugar (1 cup): For the smooth orange icing that dresses these cookies with a sweet citrus finish.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Icebox Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Begin by beating together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is creamy and light, which usually takes about three minutes. This step is crucial because creaming the butter properly incorporates air into the dough, resulting in tender cookies with a delicate crumb.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, blend in the room temperature egg and vanilla extract on high speed. Scrape the bowl as needed to ensure everything is smoothly combined. This addition binds the dough and lends a subtle richness that complements the bright citrus and tart cranberries.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Mix in the all-purpose flour and salt on a low speed until just combined. Over-mixing at this stage can lead to tough cookies, so be gentle. The flour provides structure, and the salt balances the sweet and tart tones perfectly.

Step 4: Stir in Orange and Cranberries

Finally, beat in the fresh orange juice, fragrant orange zest, and finely chopped dried cranberries. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky. These elements bring an irresistible citrus tang and a chewy, fruity texture to the cookies.

Step 5: Shape and Chill the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, divide it in half, and roll each half into a log about 7 to 8 inches long and 2.5 inches in diameter. Wrap the logs tightly in plastic wrap and chill them for at least three hours, preferably overnight. This chilling step is mandatory and helps the flavors meld while firming the dough for easy slicing.

Step 6: Slice and Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats. If you want a sparkling sugar coating, roll the chilled logs in coarse sugar at this point—it clings better than when dough is freshly mixed. Slice each log into 12 equal pieces and arrange them a couple of inches apart on the baking sheets.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until the edges are just lightly browned and the cookies still look tender. Let them cool a few minutes on the sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures they finish setting nicely without overbaking.

Step 8: Add the Orange Icing

Whisk together confectioners’ sugar and orange juice to create a smooth glaze, then drizzle it over the cooled cookies. Feel free to sprinkle extra orange zest on top while the icing is wet for an extra pop of citrusy color and flavor. The icing sets in about 30 to 60 minutes, allowing for easy storage and stacking afterwards.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Icebox Cookies Recipe

A close-up view of round cookies arranged on a white plate with decorative edges. Each cookie has a pale golden base mixed with small dark red and black bits throughout, likely dried fruit pieces. The cookies are topped with thin, white icing lines drizzled diagonally across the surface. The edges of the cookies have a textured sugary coating that catches the light, giving a slight sparkle. Two bright red whole cranberries sit on the corner of the plate, adding a pop of color. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These cookies shine with a simple drizzle of fresh orange icing and a sprinkle of extra zest. For an added touch, consider fine-tuning the decorative sparkle with a pinch of coarse sugar or even a tiny drizzle of melted white chocolate, which pairs beautifully with the cranberry and orange.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of tea, a rich hot chocolate, or even a crisp glass of sparkling white wine. The tartness of the cranberries and the citrus notes from the orange complement both sweet and savory drinks and can brighten up any snack or dessert table.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting a festive gathering, arrange the cookies on a platter with fresh orange slices and sprigs of rosemary or thyme for a fragrant and visually striking presentation. Layer them in treats boxes or tins as charming gifts, noting how the Cranberry Orange Icebox Cookies Recipe’s colors make them naturally celebratory.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once baked and iced, these cookies stay fresh covered at room temperature for up to one week. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain their tender texture and keep the citrus glaze from drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze both the shaped dough logs and the fully baked cookies. The dough logs freeze well for up to three months—just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and slice before baking. Baked cookies also freeze beautifully, with or without icing, allowing you to plan ahead for holidays or special occasions.

Reheating

If you prefer your cookies slightly warmed, let them come to room temperature first. For a fresh-from-the-oven feel, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes, but keep an eye on them so the icing doesn’t melt too much. Avoid microwaving as it can make the cookies soft and chewy rather than tender and crisp.

FAQs

Can I substitute fresh cranberries for dried cranberries?

Fresh cranberries are much wetter and more tart, so they may alter the dough’s moisture level and texture. Dried cranberries finely chopped provide the ideal balance of tartness and chew without adding extra moisture, making them the best choice for this recipe.

What is the purpose of chilling the dough logs?

Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to slice cleanly into cookies. It also allows the flavors, especially the orange zest and juice, to deepen and meld, giving the cookies a more pronounced and balanced taste.

Can I omit the icing on these cookies?

Absolutely! The cookies themselves are flavorful and tender without icing, but the glaze adds a delightful citrus sweetness and a beautiful finish. If you prefer, you could also dip or drizzle them with melted dark or white chocolate for a delicious variation.

How should I roll the dough logs in sugar?

After chilling, the dough is firm enough to roll gently in coarse sugar so it sticks well. This adds a sparkling, crunchy exterior that contrasts wonderfully with the soft cookie. If you roll the dough before chilling, the sugar won’t adhere properly because the dough is too sticky.

Is this recipe suitable for making ahead during the holidays?

Definitely yes! Both the dough and baked cookies freeze well, making this Cranberry Orange Icebox Cookies Recipe perfect for holiday prep. You can assemble dough logs up to five days in advance or freeze for longer storage, so baking fresh or gifting is stress-free.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend trying the Cranberry Orange Icebox Cookies Recipe enough—this is one of those recipes that feels like a joyful celebration in every bite. The wonderful blend of tart cranberries and bright orange with a buttery, tender cookie base is a real crowd-pleaser. Whether for the holidays or a special everyday treat, these cookies are a charming, inviting way to bring a little citrus sunshine and seasonal sparkle into your kitchen. Grab your ingredients, indulge in the process, and enjoy every delicious slice of these unforgettable icebox cookies.