Many years ago while flipping through one of the few cookbooks I owned at the time, I came across this recipe and decided on a whim to give it a try. What turned out to be just playing around in the kitchen turned into a yearly Christmas cookie tradition. It’s the Mr’s favorite cookie, so it’s a must. I change up a lot of recipes each year but a few select ones are traditions for one reason or another. This is one of them. It has to be made because it’s special. It’s light while offering the nicest fruity flavor, not over powering at all.

As you might recall, I recently shared a recipe for cranberry swirl cookies. These two cookies have a lot of similarities, very obviously ones even. They both are pinwheel cookies and both have a cranberry filling. The big difference is the overall flavor. The cranberry swirl cookie has a cinnamon cookie with a very tart sweetened fruit filling. The cran-orange cookies are airy, have just the right amount of orange flavor and are then filled with a barely sweetened cranberry nut mixture. With these, you don’t get the strong cranberry punch. Even though I loved the cranberry swirl cookies, because I’m obsessed with cranberries … juice, fruit, craisins and in all kinds of different recipes… this recipe would be perfect for anyone who maybe isn’t quite as obsessed with cranberries as I am. They’re well loved and I promise, as with many other recipes I’ve shared – it will be a crowd favorite. It’s almost a nice palate cleanser.

Don’t be scared away by the design of the cookie. It’s really quite simple. The dough is extremely easy to work with as is the filling. Perhaps you have some leftover pecans from Thanksgiving or a bag of cranberries you’re wondering what to do with… this would be a perfect ingredient to use up both.

These are great for gifting, bringing to the office or a holiday party. Enjoy!

No ratings yet

Cranberry-Orange Pinwheels

Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 48
Soft and chewy homemade cranberry-orange pinwheel cookies. A fun seasonal treat perfect for gifting!

Ingredients
 

  • 1 C cranberries, fresh
  • 1 C pecans
  • 1/4 C light brown sugar
  • 1 C unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 C granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp orange zest, slightly less than one orange
  • 3 C all purpose flour

Instructions
 

  • In a food processor, add cranberries, pecans and brown sugar. Blend until evenly chopped. If you don't have a food process you can try using a blender or simply chop the cranberries and pecans by hand, then mix well in medium bowl. Transfer mixture to a small bowl, set aside.
  • In a large bowl or stand mixer cream butter until light and fluffy. Add sugar, baking powder and salt. Mix just until combined. Scrape sides of bowl as needed.
  • Add orange zest and eggs to wet mixture. Beat just until combined. Scrape sides of bowl. Begin slowly adding in the flour, one large spoonful at a time. Mix until all ingredients are incorporated well into the dough. Transfer mixture to a medium bowl, cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least one hour.
  • When the hour is up and you're ready to continue: you'll need a rolling pin, dough, filling, a spoon or rubber spatula, wax paper and tape. Bring all supplies to your work station. Cut two equal pieces of wax paper at least a foot wide.
  • Add dough to one sheet of wax paper. Form dough into a disc, then place the second sheet of wax paper on top. Begin rolling dough into a large rectangle, roughly 10" wide. Spoon filling onto the center of the rolled out dough. Gently spread cranberry pecan mixture over entire dough, just up to about a half of an inch from the edges.
  • Cut an additional sheet of wax paper, set aside. Begin rolling your dough starting at one of the shorter ends. I like to use the wax paper to help roll the dough, gently pull up and gravity will help to some degree. When you get closer to the other end, place your new sheet of wax paper underneath where it will roll.
  • Wrap dough and secure with tape. Place dough within two large cups or wrap inside of empty paper towel rolls (sliced lengthwise) or something similar. This will help keep it's shape and prevent a flat edge. Transfer dough to the fridge to chill for at least 24 hours.
  • At this point if you wish to freeze one log, do so while wrapped. Transfer wrapped log to a large sealable plastic bag labeled with the type of dough, and any further instructions such as cook temp and time.
  • Preheat oven to 375°F. Prep baking sheets with parchment paper or a silpat. Remove dough log, slice into 1/4 inch pieces. Place 1-2 inches apart. I was easily able to fit 12 pieces onto one sheet without any issues. Bake for 8-10 minutes or just until the very bottom edges are showing the slightest golden color.
  • Let cookies sit on tray for 2-4 minutes before carefully transfering to a cooling rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Nutrition

Calories: 109kcal, Carbohydrates: 14g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 18mg, Sodium: 33mg, Potassium: 24mg, Fiber: 0.5g, Sugar: 8g, Vitamin A: 132IU, Vitamin C: 0.4mg, Calcium: 9mg, Iron: 0.5mg
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. Nutrition information can vary for a variety of reasons. For the most accurate data, use your preferred nutrition calculator with the actual ingredients you used to make this recipe.
Did you make this recipe?I'd love to see it! Snap a picture and tag @bakedbyrachel on Instagram!
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cookie

Adapted from Better Homes and Gardens