Frosted Delight Cranberry Swirl (Print Version)
Soft buttery cookies featuring a tart cranberry swirl and smooth vanilla frosting for a festive flavor combination.
# List of Ingredients:
→ Cookie Dough
01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
→ Cranberry Swirl
08 - 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
09 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
10 - 1 tablespoon orange juice
11 - 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
→ Vanilla Frosting
12 - 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
13 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
14 - 2 tablespoons milk
15 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
16 - Pinch of salt
# Step-by-step Instructions:
01 - Combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and zest in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and mixture thickens, about 7 minutes. Allow to cool completely, then puree until smooth.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. In a separate large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract. Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
03 - Divide dough into two equal portions. Roll each portion between parchment sheets into a 9 by 8-inch rectangle. Spread half of the cranberry mixture evenly over each rectangle, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Carefully roll each into a tight log, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour until firm.
04 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Slice chilled logs into 1/2-inch rounds and place 2 inches apart on prepared sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges turn lightly golden. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
05 - Beat powdered sugar, softened butter, milk, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and spreadable. Once cookies are fully cooled, spread a thin layer of frosting on each cookie.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The cranberry swirl adds a beautiful pop of color and a sweet tart contrast that keeps each bite interesting.
- These cookies stay soft for days and look impressive without requiring any fancy decorating skills.
02 -
- If you skip chilling the dough, the logs will be too soft to slice cleanly and the swirls will smear.
- Let the cranberry mixture cool completely before spreading it, or it will make the dough sticky and hard to roll.
03 -
- Chill the rolled logs on a flat surface in the fridge so they don't flatten on one side.
- Bake one sheet at a time in the center of the oven for the most even browning and perfectly soft centers.