Light and flavorful slice and bake cranberry-orange cookies with chocolate chunks throughout. A fun cookie with a festive burst of flavor. A must make for holiday parties and cookie exchanges!

I’m not quite sure how this happened but can you believe that Christmas is basically two weeks away already?! I swear it was just Thanksgiving. I mean… it kind of was. They said it’s a shorter season between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year and it definitely feels it. I thought I was ready, but now I’m questioning that. Let’s call it nearly or almost ready. I’m close to being ready for sure, but not there yet. The idea of wrapping everything is the most daunting part. I wish magical elves would appear overnight and do it for me. Or a twitch of my nose and it’d be done even faster, before my eyes. Wishful thinking!

Since I’ve talked about the second Frozen movie twice now, and we finally saw it… it only makes sense to give my thoughts on it… right? I liked it. My kids loved it. One of my kids said she thinks it was possibly better than the first. I’m not so sure about that. The singing didn’t stick with me like the first and was a little odd at times. If you haven’t seen it yet, you’ll understand when you do. Still… it was cute and my kids are already eagerly waiting for it to come out on dvd so they can watch it again. If your kids loved the first movie, this is definitely worth a watch. I haven’t heard from anyone that hasn’t enjoyed it yet.

Every year for as long as I’ve been baking, I’ve been making some version of a cranberry cookie around the holidays. A fun pop of flavor in a sea of traditional cookies. Don’t get me wrong, I adore the classics… snickerdoodles, gingerbread, etc. But there’s something special about a cookie with a fruity twist. Maybe it’s the New England girl in me, having always loved cranberries. But cranberries around the holidays are a must, even in the cookies!

This year I decided to do a mashup of a few cookie favorites and added a chocolate twist to the mix.

These perfect soft and chewy slice and bake cranberry-orange chocolate chunk cookies are an absolute must make this holiday season! Not only do the flavors pair beautifully together, but since they’re a slice and bake cookie (aka ice box cookies) you can prep this dough ahead and bake when you’re ready!

Once sliced and baked, these cookies stack great, making them perfect for gift giving, cookie exchanges or personal storage for the holidays! This recipe makes a generous 4 dozen, which may sound like a lot, but I promise, they’ll disappear in no time. Both chocolate and cranberry lovers will be grabbing for extras.

The key to this recipe is to stir in the chocolate and cranberries by hand, coat the roll generously with extra coarse sanding sugar and do not over-bake. Slightly under-baked would be even better… that is of course, unless you prefer a crisper cookie and then by all means, crisp away!

If you’re looking for a fun and festive cookie, the entire family will love, be sure to add this slice and bake cranberry-orange chocolate chunk cookie recipe to your baking plans this holiday season. You’ll be glad you did!

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Tips tricks and questions answered…

How many will this serve?
As written, this will make 4 dozen: 2 1/2-inch cookies. Too many? Freeze extra or cut the recipe in half. Not enough? Double or increase the recipe as needed.

Can I use dark brown sugar?
Yes! Substitute 1:1 with the light brown sugar. Dark brown will offer a richer flavor. Use whichever brown sugar you have on hand or prefer taste wise.

Help! I can’t find dried cranberries!
Double check with your local grocer. Dried cranberries will typically be stored in the baking aisle or near the raisins and other dried fruit. Alternatively, fresh cranberries can be used. Roughly chop prior to using. Another dried fruit such as cherries may also be used.

Can I use a different sugar to coat?
Yes! You can use turbinado sugar, granulated sugar or sanding sugar. They will each have slightly different finishing results and textures, but will be equally delicious. You can also omit the finishing sugar entirely, if desired.

Does this recipe need to be chilled?
Yes! Do not skip any of the chill stages. It is essential for for the dough to chill properly and firm up to both shape properly and keep it’s shape prior to baking.

How long will these last?
These can easily be stored for a week or longer in an airtight container. Baked cookies may also be frozen.

Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Follow the steps through the first chill and shaping process. Then wrap it well, label with essential info and freeze. Frozen dough will keep for up to a year.

Can I make substitutions to the ingredients?
Yes and no. Baking is a science. This recipe works with the exact measurements listed. Altering one or several of those can cause the recipe to fail. If you’re familiar with baking substitutions, go for it! Outside of any alterations I’ve already mentioned, for specific substitution questions, ask in the comments below.

Light and flavorful slice and bake cranberry-orange chocolate chunk cookie recipe from @bakedbyrachel A fun seasonal cookie with a festive pop of color and flavor!
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Slice and Bake Cranberry-Orange Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 day
Yield: 46
Light and flavorful slice and bake cranberry-orange cookies with chocolate chunks throughout. A fun cookie with a festive burst of flavor. A must make for holiday parties and cookie exchanges!
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Ingredients
 

  • 1 C unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 C granulated sugar
  • 1/4 C light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 Tbsp orange zest
  • 3 C all purpose flour
  • 1 C dried cranberries
  • 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
  • Sanding sugar, optional

Instructions
 

  • Prepare chocolate by roughly chopping. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream together butter and sugars. Mix in one egg at a time and vanilla. Scrape bowl as needed. Mix in salt, baking powder and orange zest, followed by one cup of flour at a time, increasing speed between additions. Stir in dried cranberries and chopped chocolate by hand. For easier shaping, chill dough for 30-60 minutes.
  • Divide dough in half. Shape one half of dough into a log, roughly 10-inches long. Wrap in plastic wrap and tape to secure. Repeat with remaining dough. To prevent flat sides, store dough logs in empty paper towel rolls, cut lengthwise. Chill dough for 12-24 hours.
  • If desired, coat with sanding sugar after chill time. Pour sanding sugar onto a small rimmed tray. Roll dough log in sanding sugar. Re-wrap and chill for an additional 30-60 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Carefully slice 1/4-inch thick slices. Reshape as needed after slicing. Space roughly 1-2-inches apart on a baking sheet lined with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. Chill dough between batches.
  • Bake cookies for 9-11 minutes or until edges begin to turn light golden. Rest cookies on pan for 1 minute before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container for a week or more.

Notes

Recipe yields roughly 4 dozen cookies.
To help maintain a round shape, store wax paper wrapped dough in a cardboard tube.
Examples: wrapping paper roll, paper towel roll cut lengthwise.
An original recipe from Baked by Rachel

Nutrition

Calories: 125kcal, Carbohydrates: 18g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 11mg, Sodium: 32mg, Potassium: 34mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 11g, Vitamin A: 126IU, Vitamin C: 0.2mg, Calcium: 9mg, Iron: 1mg
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: Chocolate, Cookie, Cranberries

More holiday cookies to try:

Light and flavorful slice and bake cranberry-orange chocolate chunk cookie recipe from @bakedbyrachel A fun seasonal cookie with a festive pop of color and flavor!

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