Name: Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 oz. Craisins (sweetened dried cranberries); 1 1/2 cups sugar (plus extra for rolling); 1 cup Crisco; 2 eggs; 3 1/2 cups flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp vanilla

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These Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. With their soft and chewy interior and a delicate crunch on the outside, they bring warmth and joy to your gatherings. Whether it’s a festive holiday celebration or a cozy family get-together, these cookies are sure to delight everyone. Plus, their unique flavor from sweetened cranberries makes them stand out from typical sugar cookies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweetened cranberries and vanilla creates a delightful taste that everyone will enjoy.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these up in no time—perfect for beginner bakers!
Versatile Treat: Ideal for holidays, parties, or just as an afternoon snack, these cookies fit any occasion.
Makes a Lot: This recipe yields 48 cookies, making it great for sharing with friends and family.
Customizable: Feel free to add your own twist with nuts or chocolate chips if desired!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience. Having everything ready will make it easier to follow along with the recipe.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowls
Measuring cups
Baking sheets
Parchment paper
Saucepan
Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess.
Baking sheets: Provide a sturdy surface for cookies to bake evenly.
Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup easier.

Ingredients

To make these delectable Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies, you’ll need the following 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 your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Craisins

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

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine flour and baking soda. Set this mixture aside for later use.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together sugar, Crisco, eggs, and vanilla. Stir until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the cooled Craisins and flour mixture into the wet mixture alternately. Stir well after each addition until fully incorporated.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Take small portions of dough (about 1 1/2 inches in size) and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in sugar until lightly coated.

Step 7: Bake

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

Now you have delicious Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies

Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you are hosting a holiday gathering or just want to indulge yourself, here are some creative serving suggestions.

Pair with Hot Beverages

Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee perfectly complement the sweetness of the cookies.
Tea: A warm cup of herbal or black tea provides a soothing experience alongside these cookies.
Hot Chocolate: Enjoying these cookies with hot chocolate creates a wonderfully indulgent treat.

Create a Dessert Platter

Mix with Other Cookies: Combine with different types of cookies for variety on your dessert table.
Add Fresh Fruit: Serve with slices of fresh fruit like apples or pears for a refreshing contrast.
Include Dips: Consider adding chocolate or caramel dips for extra flavor.

Garnish for Special Occasions

Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds elegance to your cookie presentation.
Decorate with Sprinkles: Festive sprinkles can make these cookies more visually appealing, especially for holidays.

How to Perfect Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies

To achieve the ultimate soft texture and flavor in your Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies, consider these helpful tips.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your Crisco and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies soft and tender.
Chill the Dough If Needed: If your dough is too sticky, chilling it for 20-30 minutes can make rolling easier.
Adjust Baking Time Carefully: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be slightly browned on the edges but still soft in the center.
Experiment with Add-ins: Consider adding chopped nuts or white chocolate chips for added flavor and texture if desired.

Best Side Dishes for Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies

When serving Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies, pairing them with delightful side dishes can enhance the experience. Here are some great options to consider.

Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses pairs well with the sweetness of the cookies, offering a savory contrast.
Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad brings brightness and complements the flavors of cranberry nicely.
Yogurt Parfait: Layering yogurt with granola and berries creates a tasty and healthy side option.
Nut Mix: A mix of roasted nuts adds crunch and balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Set up an ice cream bar where guests can create their own sundaes using these cookies as toppings.
Chocolate Fondue: Offering melted chocolate for dipping enhances indulgence and excitement at any gathering.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies can be a delightful experience, but avoiding common mistakes will enhance your cookies’ texture and flavor.

Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can lead to uneven mixing. Make sure your Crisco and eggs are at room temperature for better results.
Not measuring flour correctly: Too much or too little flour can affect the cookie’s softness. Use the spoon-and-level method to accurately measure your flour.
Overmixing the dough: This can make cookies tough rather than soft. Mix just until combined to keep them tender.
Ignoring oven temperature: An incorrect oven temperature can lead to overbaking. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking conditions.
Skipping the cooling step: Not letting Craisins cool properly before adding them can affect the dough consistency. Always allow them to cool completely.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies

Wrap cookies tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer bag.
They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality.

Reheating Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes until soft.
Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 10-15 seconds until warm, but avoid overheating.
Stovetop: Place in a covered skillet over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies that you may find helpful.

Can I substitute fresh cranberries for dried cranberries?

You can use fresh cranberries, but they may require additional sugar due to their tartness.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking; this helps maintain shape during baking.

What is the best way to store Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze them for longer storage.

Can I add other flavors to the Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies?

Absolutely! Consider adding orange zest or almond extract for additional flavor variations.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

When stored properly, they remain fresh for up to a week at room temperature or three months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies are not just delicious; they are also versatile, making them perfect for any occasion. You can easily customize this recipe by adding nuts or different spices. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delightful flavors and textures that come together in each bite!