Cranberry Orange Biscuits are a delightful treat that perfectly combine the tartness of cranberries with the refreshing zest of oranges. These biscuits make a wonderful snack for any time of the day, whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or as a sweet pick-me-up after dinner. The aroma of orange zest filling your kitchen is simply irresistible, and once baked, these biscuits offer a beautiful balance of chewy cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a sweet orange glaze that makes them utterly delicious. Let’s dive into how to make these mouth-watering goodies!
What Goes into This Cranberry Orange Biscuit Delight
- 3/4 cup (170g) butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) white sugar
- 1 cup (220g) packed brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest (for glaze)
- 3 tablespoons orange juice (for glaze)
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) confectioners’ sugar
Step-by-Step Cranberry Orange Biscuits Recipe
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Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the biscuits will bake evenly.
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Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer until it’s smooth and fluffy.
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Add Egg and Vanilla: Once the butter and sugars are well combined, add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture. Beat until everything is blended perfectly.
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Mix in Citrus Goodness: Stir in the grated orange zest and orange juice until well combined for a burst of flavour.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
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Fold in the Cranberries and Nuts: Gently fold in the dried cranberries and chopped pecans (if using) into the dough.
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Scoop the Dough: Using a spoon, drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto ungreased cookie sheets, leaving a bit of space between each biscuit.
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Bake the Biscuits: Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges start turning golden brown.
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Cool Down: Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on wire racks.
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Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the glaze ingredients—grated orange zest, orange juice, and confectioners’ sugar—until smooth. Drizzle it over the cooled cookies and let it set.
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Biscuits
These delightful biscuits are perfect for serving alongside your morning tea or coffee. Want to impress your guests? Serve them on a beautiful platter with a few sprigs of fresh mint for colour. They also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
Helpful Tricks for Cranberry Orange Biscuits
- Make it Moist: Make sure your butter is at room temperature so that it creams well with the sugars, resulting in a moist and tender biscuit.
- Add Spice: For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
- Storage Tips: Store your biscuits in an airtight container to keep them fresh for several days, or freeze for longer storage.
Cranberry Orange Biscuits: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh cranberries, but they are much tartier. You might want to add a bit more sugar to balance the flavours.
How do I know when my biscuits are done?
Look for golden edges. The centres might look a little soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
Can I skip the glaze?
Absolutely! The biscuits are delicious on their own, but the glaze adds a lovely finishing touch.
Get ready to treat yourself to these delightful Cranberry Orange Biscuits. They are sure to brighten up your day, bringing a bit of citrus sunshine into your home. Happy baking!