Cranberry Drops
Cranberry Drops are delightful, bite-sized cookies featuring tart cranberries and crunchy nuts, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons. Their sweet and tangy flavor combination, combined with a tender crumb, makes them a crowd-pleaser for all ages and occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cream butter and sugars together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in milk, orange juice, and egg until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and soda.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Stir in chopped nuts and cranberries until evenly distributed.
- Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow cookies to cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you prefer a nuttier taste, try substituting the nuts with your favorite seeds. You can also use dried cranberries if fresh ones are unavailable. For a more festive touch, add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm spice note.
Serving Suggestions
These cranberry drops are delightful on their own or paired with a scoop of Kansas City Vanilla Ice Cream for a delicious dessert. They also make a lovely addition to holiday cookie platters or as a sweet snack alongside a cup of tea or coffee. Consider serving them with a side of fresh fruit for a balanced treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled cranberry drops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes until they are soft.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Drops contains roughly 1501 calories, with 23g protein, 207g carbohydrates, and 65g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (57% of the Daily Value), protein (46% of the Daily Value), and calcium (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2370mg per serving (103% 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 make these cookies without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal or applesauce. Use 1 tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, or replace it with 1/4 cup of applesauce for a vegan option. This will help maintain moisture and binding in the cookies.
How can I make these cookies less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, try cutting down the sugar by 1/4 cup or substituting some of the sugar with unsweetened applesauce. You can also add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors, making the cranberry drops less sugary while still delicious.
What can I do if I don't have orange juice?
If you don't have orange juice, you can replace it with an equal amount of lemon juice or use a splash of vanilla extract for a different flavor. Additionally, you can use a non-citrus fruit juice like apple or pineapple as an alternative.
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).