Frosted Cranberry Drop Cookies

Frosted Cranberry Drop Cookies

Frosted Cranberry Drop Cookies with Orange Zest and White Chocolate Drizzle

These delightful Frosted Cranberry Drop Cookies are perfect for the holiday season! The combination of tart cranberries, a hint of orange zest, and a sweet vanilla frosting topped with a drizzle of white chocolate makes these cookies both festive and delicious.


Did You Know?
The secret to a unique cranberry cookie lies in the balance between tart and sweet. Dried cranberries bring a burst of flavor, while a touch of orange zest adds freshness. The white chocolate drizzle gives these cookies an elegant finish and adds a hint of sweetness that perfectly complements the tartness of the cranberries.


Yield
Approximately 24 cookies


Ingredients

Cookies:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup canned cranberry jelly
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest
1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped

Frosting:
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk or water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

White Chocolate Drizzle:
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
1 teaspoon butter or coconut oil

Instructions

Prepare the Cookie Dough:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a stand mixer, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the cranberry jelly, egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest, mixing until combined. Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped dried cranberries.


Shape and Bake the Cookies:
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Lightly flatten each dough ball with the bottom of a glass. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.


Prepare the Frosting:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or water), and vanilla extract until smooth. Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a thin layer of frosting over each one.


Add the White Chocolate Drizzle:
In a double boiler over simmering water, combine the white chocolate chips and butter or (coconut oil). Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. Remove from heat. Using a spoon or a piping bag, drizzle the melted white chocolate over the frosted cookies. Allow the white chocolate to set before serving.


Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
Calories: 120, Protein: 1g, Carbohydrates: 18g, Fiber: 1g, Net Carbohydrates: 17g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 15mg, Sodium: 40mg, Sugars: 12g


Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money

  1. Choose Fresh Cranberries or Dried: Dried cranberries are perfect for this recipe, but if fresh cranberries are available, you can use them chopped for an extra tart flavor.
  2. Experiment with Zest: Orange zest adds a lovely citrus note, but you can substitute lemon zest if you prefer a more tangy flavor.
  3. Add Extra Texture: Chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, would add a delightful crunch to these cookies.
  4. Use Parchment Paper: For even baking and easy cleanup, line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
  5. Adjust Frosting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the amount of frosting or skip the white chocolate drizzle.
  6. Make Ahead for Easy Serving: These cookies freeze well before frosting, so you can prepare them in advance and decorate just before serving.
  7. Try Other Drizzles: Dark chocolate also works beautifully as a drizzle if you’d like a richer flavor.
  8. Control Drizzle Thickness: Use a piping bag for a finer drizzle or a spoon for a more rustic look.
  9. Keep in an Airtight Container: These cookies stay fresh for up to a week in an airtight container, making them ideal for holiday gifts.
  10. Serve with Coffee or Tea: These cookies pair perfectly with a hot beverage, enhancing the experience with every bite.

Let’s Learn About the Flavor Boosting Ingredients
Dried cranberries add a beautiful tartness and chewy texture to these cookies, balancing out the sweetness of the frosting. Orange zest brightens the flavor, bringing a refreshing citrus hint, while the white chocolate drizzle provides a touch of creamy sweetness and an elegant finish. Together, these ingredients create a festive and flavorful treat perfect for holiday gatherings.