Easy Vegan Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Ready to bite into a burst of citrusy goodness with a satisfyingly chewy center? These Vegan Cranberry Orange Cookies are about to become your new favorite treat, and the best part? They’re incredibly easy to make!

Why You’ll Love It

• The delightful combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange creates an irresistible flavor profile.
• These cookies have a perfect balance of soft chewiness on the inside and a slightly crisp edge.
• They’re completely vegan, making them a great choice for everyone to enjoy.
• The recipe is straightforward and requires minimal equipment, perfect for a quick baking session.
• These cookies are festive enough for holiday gatherings yet simple enough for an everyday sweet treat.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

What sets these cookies apart is the generous amount of fresh orange zest used in the dough. It infuses the entire cookie with a bright, citrusy aroma and flavor that really elevates the classic cranberry cookie. The combination of orange zest and orange juice ensures that every bite is packed with flavor and moisture, while the addition of dried cranberries provides a lovely chewy texture that is often missing from many vegan cookies.

Ingredient List

• 1 cup (240ml) vegan butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Zest of 2 large oranges (about 2 tablespoons)
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups (180g) dried cranberries
• Fresh Orange Juice: Adds moisture and enhances the orange flavor, making each bite extra juicy.
• Dried Cranberries: Provide a great chewy texture and a lovely tartness to balance the sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened vegan butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice. Beat until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Gently fold in the dried cranberries.
7. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers may still look slightly soft.
9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional Toppings/Variations

Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Here are a few ideas:

• Orange Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar with a little bit of orange juice until you reach your desired consistency, and drizzle over the cooled cookies.
• Chopped Nuts: Add ¼ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for added crunch and flavor.
• White Chocolate Chips: Fold ½ cup of vegan white chocolate chips into the dough for extra sweetness.

Expert Tips

• Make sure your vegan butter is properly softened but not melted, for optimal texture.
• Don’t overmix the dough. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour and result in tough cookies.
• For perfectly round cookies, gently press the dough balls slightly before baking.
• Avoid overbaking these cookies. They should be slightly soft in the center when removed from the oven.
• Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before enjoying for the best texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I substitute fresh cranberries for dried cranberries? Fresh cranberries can be used, but they will add extra moisture to the dough. You might need to add a little more flour to compensate. Consider chopping them into smaller pieces first.
• Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes, the dough can be made a day ahead, wrapped in plastic wrap, and stored in the fridge. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before scooping and baking.
• How do I store the cookies? Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Can I use other types of citrus? Yes! You can substitute the orange zest and juice with lemon or grapefruit for a different flavor profile.
• Can I make these gluten-free? You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. However, keep in mind that this may affect the final texture.

Variations and Customization Options

Want to switch things up? Here are some ideas to personalize your cookies:

• Spice it Up: Add ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warmer flavor.
• Chocolate Swirl: Melt vegan chocolate and drizzle it over the cookies once they are cooled.
• Almond Extract: Add ½ teaspoon of almond extract for a unique nutty twist.
• Different Dried Fruit: Swap out cranberries with dried cherries, blueberries, or apricots.

Serving Suggestions

These Vegan Cranberry Orange Cookies are wonderful on their own, paired with a glass of plant-based milk, or alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee. They are also a delightful addition to holiday dessert platters or as a thoughtful homemade gift. Serve them up at your next brunch, gathering, or whenever you need a little sweet treat to brighten your day.

Conclusion

These Vegan Cranberry Orange Cookies are a delightful combination of tart, sweet, and citrusy flavors, wrapped up in a soft and chewy cookie. Easy to make, these are perfect for any time you need a special treat. So, go ahead, preheat that oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these amazing cookies! Don’t forget to share your pictures and tag me – I’d love to see your creations! Happy baking!