Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies

These Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that everyone will love. Their super soft texture and delicate crunch make them the perfect addition to any gathering, be it a holiday celebration or a cozy family get-together. With the sweet-tart flavor of cranberries and the simplicity of sugar cookies, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these cookies up in no time.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Christmas, a birthday party, or just a weekend treat, these cookies fit right in.
• Deliciously Soft Texture: Enjoy the heavenly softness combined with a light crunch on the outside.
• Versatile Flavor Profile: The sweet and tart balance of cranberries satisfies any sweet tooth.
• Great for Sharing: With 48 cookies per batch, they’re perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience seamless, gather these essential tools before you begin. Having the right equipment ensures that your Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies come out perfectly every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Ensure you have enough space to thoroughly combine all your ingredients without spilling.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect cookie consistency.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet helps distribute heat evenly, resulting in perfectly baked cookies.
• Parchment paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment prevents sticking and makes clean-up easier.

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 from the start.

Step 2: Prepare Craisins

In a saucepan, combine Craisins and 1 cup of water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until all of the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, combine flour and baking soda. Mix well to ensure even distribution.

Step 4: Cream Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together sugar, Crisco, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the dough.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Add the cooled Craisins and flour mixture alternately into the wet mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Shape the dough into small balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Roll each ball in sugar until lightly coated.

Step 7: Bake

Place the shaped balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until edges are slightly browned. Enjoy your delicious Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies!

How to Serve Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies

These soft cranberry sugar cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate your serving experience with a few creative ideas. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, here are some great ways to serve these cookies.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair these cookies with cold milk for a classic treat that brings out the sweetness of the cranberries.

On a Festive Platter

• Arrange cookies on a decorative platter for holiday gatherings. Add some festive garnishes like green mint leaves for a pop of color.

With Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these cookies alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea. The flavors of both complement each other beautifully.

As Part of a Dessert Table

• Include these cookies in your dessert spread at parties, along with other sweets. They add variety and appeal to your selection.

Gift-Wrapped for Friends

• Package cookies in decorative bags or boxes as thoughtful gifts during the holidays. A personal touch can make them even more special.

How to Perfect Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies

To achieve the perfect soft cranberry sugar cookies, consider these handy tips for better results.

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the batter mix more evenly, resulting in softer cookies.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined ensures tender cookies without toughening them.
• Chill your dough: If time allows, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can enhance texture and minimize spreading.
• Monitor baking time closely: Each oven is different, so keep an eye on the edges to prevent overbaking.
• Experiment with spices: Adding cinnamon or nutmeg can give your cookies an extra layer of flavor.
• Store properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain their softness longer.

Best Side Dishes for Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies

These soft cranberry sugar cookies pair well with several side dishes that enhance their flavor. Consider including some of these delightful options during your next gathering.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream
   A scoop of vanilla ice cream provides a creamy contrast to the sweet tartness of the cookies.

2. Fruit Salad
   A fresh fruit salad adds brightness and balance, making it a refreshing side dish.

3. Cheese Platter
   Offer an assortment of cheeses that complement sweet flavors. Soft cheeses work especially well.

4. Hot Cocoa
   Serve warm hot cocoa as a cozy beverage pairing that enhances the sweetness of the cookies.

5. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit as a lighter option that still feels indulgent next to your cookies.

6. Nut Mix
   Provide a bowl of mixed nuts for crunch and saltiness that contrasts nicely with sweet treats.

7. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
   These elegant treats offer a luxurious touch and balance sweetness with their rich flavor.

8. Mini Cheesecakes
   Bite-sized cheesecakes serve as another sweet option that guests will love alongside the cranberry cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking soft cranberry sugar cookies can be delightful but also tricky. Here are some common mistakes to watch for:

• Using too much flour – When measuring flour, use a spoon to lift it into the cup and level it off. Packing flour can lead to dry cookies.
• Not chilling the dough – If you skip chilling the dough, your cookies may spread too much while baking. Chill for at least 30 minutes to ensure they hold their shape.
• Overmixing the batter – Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for soft and tender results.
• Skipping the sugar coating – Rolling the cookie balls in sugar adds a delightful crunch and sweetness. Don’t skip this step!
• Not preheating the oven – Always preheat your oven before baking cookies. This ensures they bake evenly and have the right texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store soft cranberry sugar cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be stored for up to three months in the freezer.

Reheating Soft Cranberry Sugar Cookies

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave – Heat each cookie for 10-15 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop – Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making soft cranberry sugar cookies:

How do I make my soft cranberry sugar cookies softer?

To keep your cookies soft, avoid overbaking them. Remove them from the oven when they just start to brown at the edges.

Can I substitute fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Yes, but you may need to adjust the sugar since fresh cranberries are tart. Consider adding extra sugar to balance the flavors.

What if I don’t have Crisco?

You can replace Crisco with an equal amount of unsalted butter or margarine for similar results.

How can I customize my soft cranberry sugar cookies?

Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or orange zest for extra flavor! Experiment with different mix-ins based on your preference.

Final Thoughts

These soft cranberry sugar cookies are not only easy to make but also versatile enough for various occasions. With their sweet cranberry flavor and delightful texture, they make a perfect treat during holidays or any time of year. Don’t hesitate to customize them with your favorite mix-ins!