Sparkling Frosted Cranberry Cookies

Name: Sparkling Frosted Cranberry Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 Cup butter, softened; 1 ¼ Cups granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ Teaspoon almond extract; 1 Tablespoon lemon juice; 3 Cups all-purpose flour; ½ Teaspoon baking powder; ¼ Teaspoon salt; 1 Cup dried cranberries, chopped; 2 Cups fresh cranberries; ⅓ Cup water; 2 ⅔ Cups granulated sugar; ½ Cup butter, softened; ⅓ Cup vegetable shortening; ½ Teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ Teaspoon salt; ¼ Teaspoon almond extract; ¼ Cup heavy cream; 5 Cups powdered sugar

By:

Sarah

Published:

October 1, 2025

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It’s the perfect time of year to indulge in something special, and that’s where these Sparkling Frosted Cranberry Cookies come into play. Imagine warm, buttery cookies infused with tart cranberries, each topped with a creamy frosting that takes them to the next level. These treats not only taste fantastic, but they also add a little sparkle to your holiday festivities. Friends and family will surely adore the pop of festive color and flavor they bring to any cookie plate. Whether you’re looking for a unique gift, a fun project for the kids, or just a special dessert for yourself, these cookies are the way to go. So, grab your apron, and let’s jump into making some delicious Sparkling Frosted Cranberry Cookies together!

Why This Recipe Works

These cookies stand out because they beautifully combine classic sugar cookie flavors with the tartness of cranberries. That unique blend creates a taste experience that is both delightful and refreshing. The creamy frosting not only adds sweetness but also gives a lovely contrast in texture, making each bite interesting. Plus, the sparkling cranberries on top provide a visual appeal that feels festive and special, making them a perfect addition to holiday gatherings or any celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Sparkling Frosted Cranberry Cookies

You’ll absolutely love how visually stunning these cookies are. They make great gifts, not to mention fantastic centerpieces for cookie platters at parties. The rich blend of flavors—from the buttery cookie base to the tart cranberries and creamy frosting—will please any palate. Plus, the easy-follow instructions guarantee a stress-free baking experience. Even if you aren’t a baking pro, these cookies make it simple to impress friends and family with your skills!

Ingredients for Sparkling Frosted Cranberry Cookies

For the Cookies:
1 Cup butter, softened
1 ¼ Cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
½ Teaspoon almond extract
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
3 Cups all-purpose flour
½ Teaspoon baking powder
¼ Teaspoon salt
1 Cup dried cranberries, chopped
For the Sparkling Cranberries:
2 Cups fresh cranberries
⅓ Cup water
2 ⅔ Cups granulated sugar
For the Buttercream Frosting:
½ Cup butter, softened
⅓ Cup vegetable shortening
½ Teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ Teaspoon salt
¼ Teaspoon almond extract
¼ Cup heavy cream
5 Cups powdered sugar

Making the Cookies

Preheat Your Oven

First things first, let’s preheat your oven to 350°F. While it’s heating up, you can prepare your cookie sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone mats. This will keep your cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Prepare the Cookie Dough

Now onto the cookie dough! Start by chopping the dried cranberries into small bits. A food processor works great for this, but you can do it by hand if you prefer. In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and sugar together until they’re well combined. Then, add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until everything is light and fluffy. Don’t forget to include the lemon juice at this stage for some zesty brightness!

Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Next, gradually mix in 2 cups of flour, the baking powder, and the salt into the butter mixture. Keep blending until it’s well combined. Slowly add the remaining flour, about ¼ cup at a time, until you have a smooth dough. If your dough ends up too sticky, you can add a splash of water or milk, just a tablespoon at a time, until it’s the right consistency. Finally, gently fold in those chopped cranberries until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Chill and Roll the Dough

After you’ve formed the dough, shape it into a ball or a disk and wrap it in plastic wrap. Then, place it in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps the cookies retain their shape. Once chilled, lightly flour a clean surface and roll the dough to about ⅜” thickness. Use a 2.5” or 3” round cookie cutter to cut out your cookies. Place them on the prepared sheets, making sure to leave some space in between each cookie.

Bake the Cookies

Time to bake! Place your cookie sheets in the oven and keep an eye on them. Start checking for doneness after 12 minutes. You want them to be just cooked through and slightly golden around the edges. When they’re ready, let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Making the Sparkling Cranberries

Prepare Simple Syrup

While the cookies are cooling, let’s make those sparkling cranberries. On a baking sheet, pour 1 ½ cups of sugar and set it aside. In a small saucepan, combine ⅓ cup of water with ⅔ cup of sugar and bring it to a boil. Let it bubble for a couple of minutes before removing it from heat.

Coat the Cranberries

Next, pour the fresh cranberries into the simple syrup, stirring them to coat nicely. After that, drain any excess syrup and roll the cranberries in the remaining sugar on the baking sheet until they’re fully covered. Spread them out to separate and let them dry for a bit.

Making the Buttercream Frosting

Beat the Ingredients

Now for the frosting! In a mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of softened butter and ⅓ cup of vegetable shortening. Beat this until it’s nice and smooth. Then add your vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt. Mix until everything is combined. Gradually blend in the powdered sugar, taking your time to ensure it’s smooth. Finally, add the heavy cream and beat until the frosting is light and airy, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes.

Assembling the Cookies

Frost and Decorate

Here comes the fun part! Place the buttercream frosting into a piping bag fitted with an extra-large round tip. Frost the tops of your cookies using a swirl technique, starting from the outside and moving inwards toward the center. To finish, top each cookie with 3 sparkling cranberries for that festive touch.

Serving Suggestions

These Sparkling Frosted Cranberry Cookies can make any holiday gathering feel special. Serve them on a colorful tray alongside other baked treats. They pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of milk, making for a delightful treat any time of day.

Tips for Success

Make sure your butter is at room temperature; this allows for easier blending with the sugar, giving your cookies a better texture.
Don’t skip the chilling step for the dough; it’s crucial to achieve the right consistency and prevent spreading while baking.

Variations

Feel free to mix things up! You can substitute the dried cranberries for something different, like dried cherries or blueberries, for an interesting twist. Additionally, experimenting with flavored extracts in the frosting, such as peppermint or orange, can create delightful variations.

Storage Tips

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’re short on time, you can freeze unbaked cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw it before baking, and you’ll be good to go!

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh cranberries in the cookie dough?
No, fresh cranberries are typically too tart and moist. Sticking with dried cranberries works best for this recipe.

2. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading?
Be sure to chill the dough prior to baking. This helps maintain their shape during the cooking process.

3. Can I make the frosting in advance?
Absolutely! Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

4. What can I substitute for almond extract?
You can use additional vanilla extract or skip it altogether if you prefer a simpler sugar cookie flavor.

5. How can I decorate these cookies for special occasions?
Consider adding some edible glitter or colorful sprinkles on top of the cranberries for a festive flair.

These Sparkling Frosted Cranberry Cookies are bound to be a hit during the holiday season and beyond. Their delightful flavors and beautiful presentation make them perfect for sharing with loved ones or simply enjoying on a cozy night in. Happy baking!