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Cranberry Orange Amish Sugar Cookies

Soft, puffy sugar cookies that melt-in-your-mouth, crammed with dried cranberries and fresh orange peel, these Cranberry Orange Amish Sugar Cookies deserve a spot on your holiday cookie trays. These Cranberry Orange Amish Sugar Cookies are topped with a thick layer of fresh orange icing and a sprinkling of more cranberries!
Course Cookie
Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings 48
Author Sarah

Ingredients

For cookies:

  • 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup Grand Marnièr or similar orange liqueur
  • 1 cup butter softened
  • 1 cup vegetable or canola oil
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • zest of 1 large orange
  • 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 tsp. cream of tartar

For icing:

  • zest and juice of 1 large orange
  • 4 tbsp. butter melted
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries finely chopped, for garnish

Instructions

For cookies:

  • In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine chopped cranberries and Grand Marnier, tossing to coat.
  • Microwave on high for 1 minute, stir, and microwave an additional 30 seconds. Set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, oil, and sugars until combined.
  • Beat in eggs, vanilla, and orange zest.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar.
  • Gradually add flour mixture to the butter mixture, beating until just combined. Do not overmix.
  • Drain cranberries of any remaining liqueur, and pat dry.
  • Beat cranberries into cookie dough until just combined.
  • Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  • Drop dough by teaspoonfuls onto baking sheets.
  • Bake at 375 for 8-11 minutes, or until edges and bottoms are lightly browned.
  • Remove to wire racks to cool completely.

For icing:

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together all icing ingredients until smooth. Add additional powdered sugar, if needed, to achieve desired consistency. Icing should be thick, but spreadable, and not run off the cookie!
  • Spread over cookies, sprinkle with chopped cranberries, and allow to set.