Cranberry Orange Cookies

Cranberry Orange Cookies

Strawberry Jargarita

Strawberry Jargarita

Prepration Time
  • 5–10 minutes
Total Time
  • 10 minutes
Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita

Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita

Prepration Time
  • 10 minutes
Total Time
  • 10 minutes
Orange Creamsicle Margarita

Orange Creamsicle Margarita

Prepration Time
  • 5 minutes
Total Time
  • 5 minutes
Cherry Margarita

Italian Cherry Margarita

Prepration Time
  • 5 minutes
Total Time
  • 5 minutes
Prepration Time
  • 10–12 minutes
Total Time
  • 30–40 minutes
Serving
  • 24 cookies

Ingradients

  • 2½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup (1½ sticks / 170g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp fresh orange zest (from 1 medium orange)
  • 1 tbsp fresh orange juice (optional, for moisture)
  • 1 cup (120g) dried cranberries (unsweetened or sweetened)
  • Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Directions

  1. Preheat Oven:

    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

  2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

    • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

  3. Cream Butter & Sugar:

    • In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar with a mixer for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.

  4. Add Wet Ingredients:

    • Beat in egg, vanilla, orange zest, and orange juice (if using) until smooth and creamy.

  5. Combine:

    • Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing on low until just combined.
    • Fold in dried cranberries (and nuts, if using). Do not overmix.

  6. Scoop & Shape:

    • Scoop dough by the tablespoon and roll into balls.
    • Optional: Roll in coarse sugar for a sparkling finish.
    • Place 2 inches apart on baking sheets.

  7. Bake:

    • Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and centers are set.
    • Do not overbake — they firm up as they cool.

  8. Cool & Store:

    • Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
    • Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Pros:

  1. Bright, Fresh Flavor: Orange zest adds a vibrant, citrusy kick.
  2. Tangy-Sweet Balance: Cranberries cut the sweetness — not overly sugary.
  3. Soft & Chewy Texture: Tender crumb with chewy cranberries.
  4. Festive & Gift-Ready: Beautiful on holiday trays or in tins.
  5. Freezer-Friendly: Dough or baked cookies freeze well.

Cons:

  1. High in Sugar (8g per cookie): Especially if glazed — not ideal for diabetics.
  2. Low in Protein & Fiber: Not a balanced snack on its own.
  3. Contains Saturated Fat (3.5g): From butter — best in moderation.
  4. Gluten & Dairy Present: Not suitable for gluten-sensitive or lactose-intolerant individuals.
  5. Dried Cranberries Often Contain Added Sugar: Check labels for unsweetened versions.

Suitability for Aged People (65+ years)

✅ Generally Suitable — With Care:

  • Soft Texture: Easy to chew, even with dentures.
  • Bright Flavor: Citrus zest can stimulate appetite.
  • Mildly Tart: Cranberries may support urinary and heart health.

🔹 Recommendations for Seniors:

  • Serve in small portions (1–2 cookies) to manage sugar intake.
  • Pair with tea or warm milk for easier swallowing.
  • Use unsweetened dried cranberries to reduce sugar.
  • Avoid if managing GERD (citrus may trigger symptoms).

Who Should Avoid or Modify This Recipe?

Condition
Reason
Suggested Modification
Diabetes
High sugar (8g+ with glaze); causes blood glucose spikes.
Use sugar-free cranberries and low-glycemic glaze.
Heart Disease
Saturated fat from butter.
Use plant-based butter (in moderation).
Lactose Intolerance
Butter contains dairy.
Use dairy-free butter alternative.
Gluten Sensitivity
Contains all-purpose flour.
Use certified gluten-free flour blend.
GERD / Acid Reflux
Orange zest and juice may trigger heartburn.
Reduce or omit zest; use lemon instead.
Kidney Stones (Oxalate)
Cranberries are moderately high in oxalates.
Limit portion or avoid if prone to stones.
Obesity / Weight Loss
High in calories and sugar for a snack.
Limit to 1 cookie occasionally; offer fruit instead.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrient
Amount
% Daily Value
Calories
120
Total Fat
6g
8%
Saturated Fat
3.5g
18%
Trans Fat
0.2g
Cholesterol
20mg
7%
Sodium
55mg
2%
Total Carbohydrate
16g
6%
Dietary Fiber
0g
0%
Total Sugars
8g
Protein
1g
2%
Vitamin A
70 IU
1%
Vitamin C
1mg
1%
Calcium
15mg
1%
Iron
0.9mg
5%
Potassium
30mg
1%