Cranberry Orange Soft Pillow Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how light and fluffy these cookies turn out—like little bakery-style pillows. The cream cheese adds richness, the orange zest gives them a citrusy punch, and the cranberries bring in that perfect tart-sweet contrast. They’re festive enough for holiday trays but simple enough for everyday baking. Plus, they’re rolled in sugar before baking for that delicate sparkle and sweet crunch on the outside.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 tbsp fresh orange juice

• 1 tsp orange zest

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp salt

• ¾ cup dried cranberries, chopped

Sugar Coating:

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line my baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, I cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.

3. I beat in the egg, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and well combined.

4. In a separate bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

5. I gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.

6. I gently fold in the chopped cranberries, being careful not to overmix.

7. I scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Then, I coat each ball lightly in sugar.

8. I place the dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

9. I bake them for 10–12 minutes—just until they’re set but still soft and pale on top.

10. I let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 24 cookies.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Total time: 27 minutes

Variations

• I sometimes add a handful of chopped white chocolate chips for a creamy contrast.

• For even more citrus flavor, I double the orange zest.

• I’ve swapped the cranberries for chopped dried cherries or golden raisins when I want a different twist.

• For a more festive finish, I drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and fresh orange juice once the cookies are cooled.

• A pinch of cinnamon or cardamom in the dough adds a warm, spiced touch that’s great in colder months.

storage/reheating

I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They stay soft and tender. For longer storage, I freeze the cookies (without glaze) for up to 2 months and thaw at room temperature before serving. I don’t recommend reheating them—they’re best enjoyed as-is.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

I prefer dried cranberries for this recipe because they keep the dough from getting too wet. If I use fresh, I chop them small and pat them dry thoroughly.

How do I keep the cookies soft?

I store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread inside—it helps maintain moisture and keeps the cookies soft for days.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I chill the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. It helps the flavors develop and makes the dough easier to handle.

What’s the best way to zest an orange?

I use a fine grater or microplane and make sure to only grate the colorful outer skin—not the bitter white pith underneath.

Can I freeze the dough?

Absolutely. I roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. When I’m ready to bake, I coat them in sugar and bake straight from frozen—just add 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

These Cranberry Orange Soft Pillow Cookies are everything I want in a holiday cookie—bright, flavorful, and melt-in-your-mouth soft. They’re easy to make, beautiful to serve, and always a hit with friends and family. Whether I’m baking a batch for a cookie exchange or just to enjoy with a cup of tea, these little pillows of citrus and cranberry are always a win.

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