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Best Kid-Approved Cranberry Orange Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies

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These easy sugar cookies are packed with tart cranberries and bright orange zest, making them a perfect last-minute holiday treat. They’re simple enough to make with kids and always a crowd-pleaser at bake sales and Thanksgiving gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries, roughly chopped
  • Zest of 1 large orange (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice (for glaze)
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest (for glaze garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  2. In a stand mixer or large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light, fluffy, and pale. Scrape down sides.
  3. Add egg, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice. Beat on low until just combined (mixture may look slightly curdled).
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture on low speed, mixing just until no streaks of flour remain.
  5. Gently fold in chopped cranberries and orange zest with a rubber spatula until evenly distributed.
  6. Cover dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (essential for preventing spreading).
  7. Scoop rounded tablespoons (about 1.5 tablespoons each) of dough and roll into balls. Place on prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are set and very lightly golden. Centers should still look soft and puffy. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
  9. For glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons orange juice. Add more juice if needed for thinner consistency. Drizzle over cooled cookies and sprinkle with extra orange zest. Let set for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Chilling the dough is non-negotiable to prevent spreading. For best flavor, use fresh cranberries and fresh orange zest. Cookies stay soft for up to 5 days in an airtight container. Unbaked dough balls can be frozen for up to 3 months. For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter sticks. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend with xanthan gum.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry orange sugar cookies, Thanksgiving cookies, kid-friendly cookies, easy holiday cookies, bake sale cookies

Find it online: https://platebelle.com/best-kid-approved-cranberry-orange-thanksgiving-sugar-cookies/