Cranberry Charms
Cranberry Charms are delightful cookies combining tart cranberries with warm spices, perfect for festive occasions or everyday treats for those who enjoy a fruity, spiced baked good.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided ⓘ
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar ⓘ
- 1 cup vegetable shortening ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/2 cup buttermilk ⓘ
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine cranberries and 3/4 cup granulated sugar; set aside for 30 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar, vegetable shortening, light brown sugar, and eggs until blended.
- In a separate bowl, stir together all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Add dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk and vanilla to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in orange peel, oats, nuts, and 1 cup of the cranberry-sugar mixture.
- Drop batter by tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto a greased baking sheet.
- Top cookies with remaining chopped cranberries.
- Bake at 400°F for 10 minutes or until cookies are brown around the edges.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Ensure that the cranberries are coarsely chopped to maintain texture in the cookies. If you prefer a sweeter cookie, increase the sugar slightly, but be mindful of the added sweetness from the cranberries.
Serving Suggestions
These Cranberry Charms are delightful served warm with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They also complement a cheese platter beautifully, making them a versatile choice for holiday gatherings. For a unique dessert experience, try them alongside a slice of Cheesecake Lemon.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Cranberry Charms in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through, restoring their original texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Charms contains roughly 1251 calories, with 17g protein, 180g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (66% of the Daily Value), calcium (63% of the Daily Value), and protein (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries in this recipe. However, it's best to thaw them and drain any excess moisture before mixing them in. This will help maintain the texture of the cookies and prevent them from becoming too soggy.
What can I substitute for vegetable shortening?
If you prefer not to use vegetable shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil. Keep in mind that using butter may give the cookies a richer flavor, while coconut oil adds a subtle hint of coconut.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
To make the Cranberry Charms more festive, consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture. You could also drizzle them with Dipping Frosting For Cupcakes after baking for a sweet finish. Adding a hint of orange zest can elevate the flavor and enhance their holiday appeal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).