Cranberry Orange Soft Pillow Cookies

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

These ultra-soft cranberry orange cookies are light, fluffy, and full of citrusy cranberry flavor. Perfect for holiday baking, gifting, or cozy winter treats.

Author: Ella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: For best results, don’t overbake—these cookies should remain soft and puffy. Use finely chopped cranberries to distribute the flavor throughout each bite. Perfect for cookie swaps, holiday platters, or afternoon tea. You can freeze the dough balls before baking—just thaw slightly and bake as directed.
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 27 minutes
Category: 24 cookies
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Cookie Dough:

1/2 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

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

3/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped

Sugar Coating:

1/4 cup granulated sugar

Optional Glaze (not included in main recipe):

Powdered sugar

Fresh orange juice (for drizzling)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, cream butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy.

Beat in egg, orange juice, zest, and vanilla until smooth.

In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.

Fold in chopped dried cranberries.

Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls, roll in granulated sugar, and place on baking sheets about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 10–12 minutes, until set but still pale and soft.

Cool for 5 minutes on the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional: Once cooled, drizzle with orange glaze for a festive finish.

Notes