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–+ servings
Cranberry walnut cookies on a folded red and white towel with dried cranberries and nuts scattered in front, a dish of dried cranberries in the background.
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4 from 2 votes

Cranberry Walnut Cookies

Perfect for the holidays or any time of year, these easy-to-make drop cookies are flavored with dried cranberries, walnuts, and a hint of orange.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Baking
Cuisine: American
Servings: 36 cookies
Author: Lynne Webb

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick) softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar firmly packed
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon table salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice see notes
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 1 cup dried cranberries about 6 ounces
  • 3/4 cup walnuts chopped

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Cream the butter, sugar, and brown sugar together until smooth and well blended (you can use an electric mixer for this).
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Add to the butter mixture and combine until blended.
  • Mix in the milk, orange juice, vanilla, and egg until blended. Stir in the cranberries and chopped walnuts.
  • Drop the dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1-1/2 inches between them. Bake for 10 to 13 minutes until the bottoms and edges are golden.
  • Cool for 5 minutes on the pans, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Notes

ABOUT THE ORANGE JUICE: These cookies get a subtle orange flavor from the orange juice in the dough. If you'd like a stronger orange flavor, add the zest of one orange. If you prefer no orange flavor, replace the juice with an additional 2 tablespoons of milk. 

Storage Tips

Store cookies in containers with tight-fitting lids and place sheets of parchment or wax paper between layers. They should stay fresh at room temperature for 3 to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Recipe Variation: Cinnamon Raisin Cookies with Pecans

You can change the flavor profile of these cookies completely by replacing the cranberries with raisins, substituting more milk for the orange juice, and adding 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough. 
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1pc | Calories: 129 | Total Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 56mg | Carbohydrates: 21g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g | Protein: 2g