Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies - Gluten Free Cooking Guide

These Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. With their tender texture and sweet cranberry flavor, they bring comfort and joy to gatherings, holidays, or just a cozy evening at home. You’ll love how easy they are to make, and their unique sweetness makes them stand out among traditional cookies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweetened cranberries and sugar creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will adore.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can create these delightful cookies.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or an afternoon snack, these cookies fit right in.
Makes Plenty: This recipe yields 48 cookies, so there’s enough to share with family and friends.
Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as is or add your favorite nuts or spices for a personal twist.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into baking these cookies, gather your tools to ensure everything goes smoothly. Having the right equipment can make all the difference in your baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowls
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Baking sheet
Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy base for baking the cookies evenly across your oven.
Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier, giving you perfectly baked cookies without hassle.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

10 oz. Craisins or other sweetened (dried cranberry)
1 1/2 cup sugar (plus extra for rolling)
1 cup Crisco
2 eggs
3 1/2 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla

How to Make Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cookies bake evenly once placed inside.

Step 2: Prepare the Craisins

Combine Craisins and 1 cup of water in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until all of the liquid has been absorbed. Once done, remove from heat and let cool.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine flour and baking soda. Stir well to ensure they are fully mixed before adding them to the wet ingredients.

Step 4: Create the Cookie Batter

In another bowl, mix together sugar, Crisco, eggs, and vanilla. Blend until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the cooled Craisins and the dry flour mixture alternately into the wet mixture. Stir well after each addition until everything is evenly combined.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Shape your cookie dough into small balls about 1 1/2 inches in size. Roll each ball in extra sugar until thinly coated.

Step 7: Bake Your Cookies

Place the cookie balls on your baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the edges are slightly browned.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies!

How to Serve Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies

Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that can be served in many ways. Whether at a holiday gathering or a casual afternoon tea, these cookies are sure to impress. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With a Glass of Milk

A classic pairing! The rich creaminess of milk complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.

Alongside Fresh Fruit

Serve with slices of fresh apples or pears for a refreshing contrast to the cookies’ sweetness.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

Arrange your Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies on a platter with other assorted cookies and treats for an inviting dessert display.

With Whipped Cream

Top each cookie with a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent touch that enhances the flavor.

Paired with Tea or Coffee

Enjoy these cookies with your favorite cup of tea or coffee for a cozy snack time experience.

How to Perfect Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies

Creating the perfect batch of Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies takes some attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out soft and delicious every time.

Use room temperature ingredients – Let your Crisco and eggs sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing; this helps create a smoother batter.
Do not overmix – Mix until just combined when adding the flour mixture; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Chill the dough – If time allows, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking; chilled dough prevents spreading and results in thicker cookies.
Check baking time carefully – Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; remove them from the oven when edges are slightly browned for optimal softness.

Best Side Dishes for Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies

Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies can be complemented by various side dishes. These additions will enhance your dessert table and provide delightful contrasts in flavor and texture.

Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with warm cookies, creating a deliciously melty treat.
Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies, making it a perfect light side dish.
Cheese Platter – Include mild cheeses like brie or cream cheese with crackers; their richness pairs well with the sweet cranberry flavors.
Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit in cups for a healthy, complementary side that offers crunch and tang.
Chocolate Fondue – Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip their cookies into warm chocolate for an extra indulgent experience.
Chai Tea – Serve alongside spiced chai tea that enhances the cookie flavors while providing warmth and comfort.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking soft cranberry sugar cookies can be simple, but some common pitfalls may lead to disappointing results. Here are a few mistakes to steer clear of:

Using stale ingredients – Always check the freshness of your baking powder, sugar, and flour. Stale ingredients can affect the texture and flavor of your cookies.
Skipping the cooling step – Allowing your Craisins to cool before mixing is crucial. Skipping this step can result in a runny dough that won’t hold its shape.
Not measuring accurately – Baking is a science. Use proper measuring cups and spoons for accurate quantities, or your cookie texture could be off.
Overmixing the dough – Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the desired soft texture.
Ignoring oven temperature – Ensure your oven is preheated to 350°F. An incorrect temperature can cause uneven baking.
Not rolling in sugar – Rolling the cookie balls in sugar gives them a delightful crunch. Skipping this step can result in softer cookies without contrast.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store your cookies in an airtight container.
They will last for up to one week in the refrigerator.
Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies

You can freeze these cookies for up to three months.
Wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap or place them in freezer-safe bags.
Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies

Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes for a fresh taste.
Microwave – Heat on low power for 10-15 seconds at a time, checking often so they don’t become hard.
Stovetop – Place cookies in a covered skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about soft cranberry sugar cookies that might help you out!

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Yes, you can use fresh cranberries, but you’ll need to adjust the sweetness since they are more tart than dried cranberries.

How do I make my cookies even softer?

To enhance softness, try adding an extra egg yolk or substituting part of the flour with cornstarch for a lighter texture.

How long do these soft cranberry sugar cookies stay fresh?

When stored correctly, they will stay fresh for about one week at room temperature and up to three months if frozen.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated if you prefer them chilled.

Can I customize this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or even orange zest for different flavors and textures.

Final Thoughts

These soft cranberry sugar cookies are perfect for any occasion with their delightful mix of flavors and textures. They’re easy to make, customizable, and sure to impress family and friends. Try adding different spices or toppings based on your preferences!