Cranberry-Orange Spice Cookies

Happy Thanksgiving Day WLOW readers!  I know you already have the turkey day under control, so it’s time to think ahead to Christmas and that means cookies.  I love Christmas cookies and this year, while we have our favorites in this house, I decided I wanted to find some new recipes to try.

One day I was checking out at Kohl’s and saw this book called Holiday Cheer that caught my eye and was only $5 (and I think the money went to a good cause).  Anyway I brought it home and was pleased to find some great cookie recipes.  First up are these Cranberry-Orange Spice Cookies.

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Cranberry-Orange Spice Cookies

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 14 minutes

Total Time 24 minutes

Author Deb Attinella {Cooking on the Front Burner}

Ingredients

Dough:

• 2 3/4 cups flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup butter NO substitutions
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cookies:

• Basic dough above
• 1/2 cup finely chopped craisins
• 1/4 cup finely chopped crystallized ginger
• 2 teaspoon grated fresh orange peel
• 2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 3 tablespoons green sugar crystals
• 3 tablespoons red sugar crystals

Instructions

1. Start making dough by combining the flour, baking soda and salt
2. In a large bowl mix on medium speed the butter and sugar for 1 minute until creamy.
3. Add egg and vanilla; beat until well mixed.
4. Reduce speed to low and add in flour gradually along with the craisins, ginger, orange peel and pumpkin pie spice
5. Form into ball then on a lightly floured surface divide dough in half and shape each into a 10? squared off log (I used 2 rulers to help form)
6. Wrap each in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 10 hours (or 2 in freezer)
7. Preheat oven to 350 and line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
8. Place the green crystals on a piece of wax paper then unwrap one log and roll/pat crystals onto log.
9. Cut log into 1/4? thick slices and bake for 14-16 minutes (until golden)
10. Cool on wire rack
11. Repeat with red crystals with other log.
12. These need to be stored in a tight container room temp for one week or can be frozen up to 3 months.

I’m not one usually to brag but we loved these!  The flavors of the cranberry, orange and ginger were a perfect combination.  They are kinda like potato chips – can’t just eat one!

Besides making these for yourself (because I think you really need to!),  make an extra batch to bring as a hostess gift, teacher gift or for that someone special in your life.

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!