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### **Instructions:**
#### **1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets:**
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.
#### **2. Make the Dough:**
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. This step ensures the dry ingredients are well-combined and will help the cookies rise evenly.
Next, in a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. You can do this with an electric mixer or by hand with a spatula. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the butter mixture and beat until everything is fully incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as that can lead to tough cookies.
#### **3. Add the Cranberries and Orange Zest (Optional):**
Gently fold the chopped cranberries and orange zest (if using) into the cookie dough. The cranberries add a nice tart flavor that perfectly contrasts the sweetness of the sugar cookie base, while the orange zest adds a refreshing citrus note that enhances the overall flavor.
#### **4. Shape the Cookies:**
Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Roll each dough ball in some granulated sugar to coat it lightly. This gives the cookies a sweet, crunchy exterior after baking.
Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading as they bake.
#### **5. Bake the Cookies:**
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, but the centers are still soft. The exact baking time will depend on your oven and the size of your cookies, so keep an eye on them toward the end.
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
#### **6. Prepare the Frosting (Optional):**
For an extra special touch, you can make a simple glaze to drizzle over your cranberry sugar cookies. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, milk, and a pinch of salt until smooth and pourable. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk to achieve your desired consistency.
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies or dip the tops of the cookies into the frosting for a more decadent treat. For an extra pop of color, sprinkle some extra chopped cranberries on top.
#### **7. Enjoy:**
Once your cookies are frosted and set, they’re ready to be enjoyed! These Cranberry Sugar Cookies are perfect for a holiday party, cookie exchange, or just as a sweet snack on a cozy winter afternoon.
### **Why These Cranberry Sugar Cookies Are a Must-Try:**
1. **Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tart:** The sweetness of the sugar cookie combined with the tartness of the cranberries makes for a beautifully balanced cookie that isn’t overly sugary. The cranberries give each bite a burst of flavor, while the sugar cookie base remains soft and buttery.
2. **Festive and Fun:** With their beautiful red cranberry flecks and optional glaze, these cookies are a perfect addition to any holiday cookie platter. They’re vibrant, festive, and sure to impress guests at any gathering.
3. **Soft and Chewy Texture:** These cranberry sugar cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s soft yet chewy. The dough is light and fluffy, making for a perfect bite every time.
4. **Customizable:** This recipe is versatile—feel free to experiment with adding orange zest for a citrusy twist, or even a dash of cinnamon to make it more warm and spicy. You can also use dried cranberries if fresh ones are out of season.
5. **Simple to Make:** Even though these cookies have a bit of extra flair, they’re still simple to make. With only a few ingredients and minimal steps, you’ll have a batch of delicious, festive cookies in no time.
### **Tips for the Best Cranberry Sugar Cookies:**
– **Use Fresh Cranberries for Tartness:** If you want that authentic tart flavor, fresh cranberries are the way to go. However, if they’re out of season, dried cranberries work as a great substitute.
– **Don’t Overbake:** To keep the cookies soft, make sure to remove them from the oven when the edges are just golden. The cookies will continue to set as they cool.
– **Chill the Dough (Optional):** If you prefer a thicker cookie, you can chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling it into balls. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
– **Make the Glaze Your Own:** You can add a little twist to the glaze by infusing it with a bit of orange juice or even a splash of cranberry juice for more flavor.
### **Conclusion:**
These **Cranberry Sugar Cookies** are the perfect way to add some festivity and fun to your cookie repertoire. The tart cranberries balance out the sweetness of the sugar cookies, while the soft texture makes them a joy to bite into. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a family gathering, or just because, these cookies are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. The optional glaze adds a lovely finishing touch, making them even more special. Enjoy the festive season with these irresistible Cranberry Sugar Cookies, and share the joy with your friends and family!
