Minute Cranberry Walnut Cookies are the ultimate festive treat that come together in a flash. These cozy, zesty cookies are packed with the bright, tart flavors of fresh cranberries and the warm, nutty crunch of toasted walnuts. Perfect for last-minute holiday baking, they’re the kind of homemade goodness that will have your guests swooning with every bite. Get ready to savor the comfort and joy of these easy, irresistible cookies.

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Why You’ll Love This Minute Cranberry Walnut Cookies

These Minute Cranberry Walnut Cookies are the epitome of festive, homemade joy. They combine the comforting warmth of buttery shortbread with the tangy-sweet zing of fresh cranberries and the rich, toasted crunch of walnuts. The dough comes together in mere minutes, making these the ideal treat for busy holiday schedules or last-minute cookie cravings. Plus, the vibrant red-and-green color palette makes them an absolute showstopper on any dessert table. Each bite is a delightful explosion of flavors and textures that will leave you feeling cozy, satisfied, and proud of your baking prowess. These cookies are the embodiment of the “joy over perfection” ethos – perfectly imperfect, overflowing with character, and sure to bring a smile to the face of anyone who tries them.

Ingredients

To make these Minute Cranberry Walnut Cookies, you’ll need a simple lineup of pantry-friendly ingredients: unsalted butter, granulated sugar, an egg, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, fresh cranberries, and chopped walnuts. The butter and sugar create a rich, buttery shortbread base, while the egg binds everything together. The flour, baking powder, and salt ensure a tender, crisp cookie texture. And the star ingredients – the tangy cranberries and toasted walnuts – add pops of flavor and festive flair in every bite.

Ingredient Substitutions

Walnuts: Try using pecans or almonds instead for a different nutty flavor.
Fresh Cranberries: Substitute dried cranberries if fresh aren’t available, but keep in mind the texture and sweetness will be different.

How to Make Minute Cranberry Walnut Cookies

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry ingredient mixture aside.

Step 1: Prep Work

In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Then, beat in the egg until fully incorporated. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a cohesive dough forms. Fold in the fresh cranberries and chopped walnuts, being careful not to overmix.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process

Scoop the dough by the tablespoonful and roll it into balls, placing them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each cookie with the back of a fork to create a classic criss-cross pattern.

Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly

Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still slightly soft. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to make Minute Cranberry Walnut Cookies — key cooking step

Recipe Variations & Tips

Citrus Twist: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the dough for an extra burst of holiday flavor.
Chunky Texture: Roughly chop the cranberries and walnuts before folding them into the dough for a more rustic, homemade look and feel.
Soft Bake: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for a softer, more cake-like cookie texture.
Festive Finish: Roll the cookie dough balls in coarse sugar or sprinkle with powdered sugar before baking for a sparkling, eye-catching presentation.

Serving & Storage

Serve with: a hot cup of coffee or tea, alongside other holiday sweets, or as a delightful homemade gift.

Storage: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer-term storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.

Reheat: Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature before serving.

Make-Ahead: The cookie dough can be made a day in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake.

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Nutrition Information

These Minute Cranberry Walnut Cookies are a relatively indulgent treat, but the addition of nutrient-dense ingredients like fresh cranberries and walnuts means you’re also getting a boost of antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats in every bite.

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 110 kcal
Protein: 2 g
Carbs: 13 g
Fat: 6 g
Sodium: 55 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

While fresh cranberries are ideal for their bright, tart flavor and vibrant color, you can certainly substitute dried cranberries in a pinch. Just keep in mind that the texture and overall taste will be a bit different. Dried cranberries tend to be chewier and sweeter, so you may want to reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these Minute Cranberry Walnut Cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days. For longer-term storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cookie dough can be made a day in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake. This is a great way to get a head start on your holiday baking. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop, shape, and bake the cookies as directed.

Are these cookies gluten-free or dairy-free?

Unfortunately, no. This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. And the butter in the dough makes these cookies unsuitable for those following a dairy-free diet. However, you could try experimenting with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend and dairy-free butter substitutes to create allergy-friendly versions.

Can I add extra mix-ins?

Definitely! These cookies are a great canvas for all sorts of festive add-ins. Try folding in chopped dark chocolate, shredded coconut, or even a handful of crushed candy canes for an extra-special holiday twist.

Minute Cranberry Walnut Cookies