Cranberry Drop Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
User Reviews
5
Cranberry Drop Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Description
This recipe produces tender drop cookies that balance sweetness with the tartness of dried cranberries. The dough, formed by creaming softened butter with sugars, is enriched with egg, vanilla, and milk, then combined with flour, baking powder, salt, and cranberries. Spoonfuls are dropped onto a baking sheet and baked until the edges are lightly golden and firm.
The cream cheese frosting blends softened cream cheese and butter with powdered sugar and vanilla, optionally enhanced with cinnamon or orange zest. Once the cookies cool completely, this frosting is spread on top and finished with sprinkles for a decorative touch.
These cookies suit occasions ranging from casual to holiday-themed, delivering moist texture and a balanced flavor profile with tang from the cranberries and richness from the frosting.
The recipe is adapted from Taste of Home, reflecting a classic approach with a few personalized adjustments.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 egg large
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk whole
- ⅔ cup dried cranberries or cherries!
cream cheese frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 4 ounces unsalted butter softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- optional: add in ¼ teaspoon cinnamon or 2 teaspoons freshly grated orange zest
- sugar sprinkles for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat together the butter and sugars until fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Beat in the egg until combined, scraping down the sides as needed. Beat in the vanilla extract and the milk.
- Beat in the dry ingredients until just combined. Stir in the dried cranberries.
- Drop the cookies on to the baking sheet 2 inches apart. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and set. Remove and let cool completely before frosting.
cream cheese frosting
- Beat the cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Beat in the sugar until combined. Beat in the vanilla extract. If desired, add either the cinnamon or the orange zest. Frost the cookies once cooled and sprinkle with sugar sprinkles.
Notes
- Ensure cookies are fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Add optional cinnamon or orange zest to frosting for subtle spicy or citrus notes.
- Use dried cherries as an alternative to cranberries if preferred.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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