Easy Cranberry Almond Cookies Recipe

Irresistible Cranberry Almond Cookies: A Sweet Treat for Everyone

Cranberry almond cookies offer a sweet and nutty mix that excites the taste buds.

These tasty treats combine the tartness of dried cranberries with the rich flavor of almonds, creating a perfectly balanced dessert.

With their soft yet crispy texture, these cookies come out of the oven golden-brown and ready to impress.

Baking enthusiasts love this classic recipe for its flexibility and ability to please any crowd.

The inviting smell of freshly baked cookies fills the kitchen, drawing friends and family closer together.

Cranberry almond cookies are more than just a simple dessert; they bring comfort and showcase homemade creativity at its best.

Tips To Make Cranberry Almond Cookies Right

  • Swap Flour for Dietary Needs: Replace almond flour with gluten-free oat flour or coconut flour for different dietary restrictions, maintaining a similar texture and taste.
  • Control Sweetness Levels: Adjust maple syrup quantity to make cookies less sweet or use alternative natural sweeteners like honey or agave for personalized flavor profiles.
  • Prevent Spreading Tricks: Chill dough for 15-20 minutes before baking to prevent cookies from spreading too much and maintain a perfect round shape.
  • Add Crunch and Flavor: Sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking for extra texture and nutty taste, enhancing the overall cookie experience.
  • Storage Success: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

How To Store Cranberry Almond Cookies Properly

  • Refrigerate: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Freeze: Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, keeping them flat. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness.
  • Thaw: Remove frozen cookies and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying, restoring their soft texture.
  • Reheat: Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in a 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes to revive their just-baked taste.

What Pairs With Cranberry Almond Cookies

  • Pair with Sweet Dessert Wine: Enjoy these cranberry almond cookies alongside a chilled glass of Moscato or late-harvest Riesling, which complements the cookies' sweet and tangy cranberry notes.
  • Serve with Creamy Chai Latte: The warm spices of chai will beautifully highlight the nutty almond flavor and provide a cozy, comforting contrast to the cookies' texture.
  • Create Afternoon Tea Moment: Arrange these cookies on a delicate plate with a light Earl Grey tea, letting the bergamot citrus undertones enhance the cookies' subtle sweetness.
  • Match with Vanilla Bean Gelato: Crumble the cookies over a scoop of rich vanilla bean gelato for a decadent dessert that balances the cookie's crunch with smooth, creamy goodness.

Ways To Change Cranberry Almond Cookies

  • Gluten-Free Delight: Replace almond flour with a certified gluten-free blend for those with gluten sensitivities, maintaining the same tender texture and nutty flavor.
  • Vegan Version: Swap egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use coconut oil instead of butter to create a plant-based cookie option.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute maple syrup with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce sugar content while keeping the cookies naturally sweet and satisfying.
  • Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed flour in place of almond flour and add pumpkin seeds for crunch, making the recipe safe for those with nut allergies.

Cranberry Almond Cookies Common Questions

  • Are these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, these Cranberry Almond Cookies are naturally gluten-free since they use almond flour instead of traditional wheat flour, making them perfect for people with gluten sensitivities.

  • Can I replace maple syrup with another sweetener?

Absolutely! You can use honey or agave nectar as direct substitutes for maple syrup in this recipe. Each will provide slightly different flavor notes but maintain similar sweetness levels.

  • How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking helps prevent excessive spreading. Also, make sure your butter isn’t too warm and gently flatten the dough without pressing too hard.

  • What are some potential add-ins for these cookies?

Besides dried cranberries, you can experiment with sliced almonds, white chocolate chips, or orange zest to enhance the flavor profile and add interesting texture to the cookies.

Why Cranberry Almond Cookies Are Special

  • Minimal Prep Magic: Requires just one bowl for wet ingredients and another for dry ingredients, making cleanup a breeze and reducing kitchen chaos.
  • Speedy Baking Satisfaction: From start to finish, these cookies take less than 30 minutes, perfect for sudden sweet cravings or last-minute dessert needs.
  • Wholesome Ingredient Celebration: Packed with nutrient-rich almond flour and natural sweeteners like maple syrup, offering a healthier twist on traditional cookie recipes.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easy to customize with different dried fruits or nuts, making them adaptable for various dietary preferences and taste buds.

Cranberry Almond Cookies Must-Have Ingredients

Base Ingredients:
  • Almond Flour: Gluten-free flour with nutty flavor, provides soft texture and rich taste.
  • Baking Soda: Key leavening agent that helps cookies rise and become light.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter, Maple Syrup: Natural sweeteners that create moisture and depth of flavor, choose high-quality options.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients together and provides structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, rich undertone, best with pure vanilla.
Mix-Ins:
  • Dried Cranberries: Tart and sweet element that provides bursts of flavor, can substitute with other dried fruits like raisins or cherries.
  • Almonds (Optional): Crunchy texture and additional nutty flavor, can chop for better distribution.

Cranberry Almond Cookies Easy Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Ensure oven rack is positioned in the middle for even baking.

Step 2: Create Dry Foundation

Grab a medium mixing bowl. Add the following ingredients:
  • Almond flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Whisk thoroughly until ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Blend Wet Components

In a separate bowl, combine:
  • Melted butter
  • Maple syrup

Crack an egg into the mixture. Pour in vanilla extract. Whisk energetically until smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 4: Marry Ingredients Together

Pour dry ingredients into wet mixture. Stir gently until completely blended. Sprinkle in dried cranberries. Fold carefully to distribute evenly.

Step 5: Form Cookie Shapes

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto prepared baking sheets. Softly press each dollop, creating rounds approximately ⅜-inch thick. Leave space between cookies for potential spreading.

Step 6: Bake and Rest

Slide baking sheets into preheated oven. Bake for 9-14 minutes until edges turn golden brown. Remove from oven. Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to wire cooling rack.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Easy Cranberry Almond Cookies Recipe

Easy Cranberry Almond Cookies Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet, crumbly Cranberry Almond Cookies blend festive tartness with nutty warmth, creating a delightful holiday treat. Crisp edges and chewy centers invite bakers to savor each delectable bite, making these cookies a perfect companion for winter gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 2 cups blanched almond flour
  • ⅓ cup butter (melted)
  • ⅓ cup maple syrup

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Seasonings:

  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

  1. Preheat the cooking surface to a moderate temperature of 350°F (175°C) and prepare two baking surfaces with parchment paper for optimal cookie performance.
  2. Create a dry foundation by thoroughly combining almond flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing vessel, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
  3. Develop a liquid base by whisking melted butter with maple syrup until harmoniously blended, then introduce the egg and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture achieves a silky consistency.
  4. Merge the dry and liquid components, carefully folding until a uniform dough emerges, then gently incorporate dried cranberries throughout the mixture, distributing them evenly.
  5. Form individual cookie portions by scooping approximately one tablespoon of dough onto the prepared baking surfaces, using gentle pressure to flatten each mound to roughly three-eighths of an inch in thickness.
  6. Roast the cookies in the preheated oven, monitoring their transformation until the edges acquire a delicate golden hue, typically requiring 9-14 minutes of baking time.
  7. Allow the freshly baked cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a brief five-minute period, then carefully transfer them to a cooling rack to complete their setting process and achieve the perfect texture.

Notes

  • Swap almond flour with gluten-free oat flour for a nut-free alternative perfect for those with nut allergies.
  • Use coconut oil instead of butter to create a dairy-free version that maintains the cookie’s rich texture and flavor.
  • Toast almonds or cranberries briefly before adding to enhance their nutty and tangy profiles, creating deeper, more complex taste layers.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 100 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star