Add a burst of festive flavor to your cookie repertoire with these Frosted Cranberry Drop Cookies. Packed with tart cranberries and topped with a sweet frosting, these cookies are a delightful treat for the holiday season. Share the joy of homemade goodness with family and friends by following this easy and delicious recipe.
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped 🍒
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), optional
For the Frosting:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a sep arate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Cranberries and Nuts:
- Gently fold in the chopped cranberries and nuts (if using). This adds a festive touch and texture to the cookies.
- Drop Cookies onto Baking Sheets:
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake to Golden Brown:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. The centers should still be slightly soft.
- Cool Cookies:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Frosting:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Frost the Cookies:
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, frost them with the prepared frosting. You can drizzle or spread the frosting according to your preference.
- Let Frosting Set:
- Allow the frosting to set before storing the cookies. This ensures a beautiful finish.
Enjoy the festive spirit with these Frosted Cranberry Drop Cookies, which combine the tangy burst of cranberries with the sweet indulgence of frosting. These cookies, ideal for holiday parties or as a thoughtful gift, capture the essence of the season. Share the joy of freshly baked goodies with your loved ones. 🍪🍒🎄✨