I can't believe how fast these cookies vanished at the party!

Frosted cranberry cookies are a delightful treat that bring together the tartness of cranberries with a sweet, creamy frosting. These cookies are perfect for the holiday season or any time you want to enjoy a cozy, homemade dessert. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a holiday cookie exchange at the office, and it quickly became a favorite in my household. The combination of crumbly, chewy, and creamy textures makes them irresistible, and they’re surprisingly easy to make even on a busy weeknight.

These frosted cranberry cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or coffee, making them an ideal afternoon snack. For a festive touch, serve them alongside a glass of spiced apple cider or hot chocolate. They also make a lovely addition to a holiday dessert platter, surrounded by other seasonal treats like gingerbread cookies and peppermint bark.

Servings: 24 cookies

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Mix in the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.

Fold in the dried cranberries and pecans, if using.

Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth to make the frosting.

Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a small amount of frosting on top of each cookie.

Let the frosting set before serving or storing the cookies.

For a citrus twist, add a teaspoon of orange zest to the cookie dough. You can also substitute the pecans with walnuts or omit the nuts entirely if you prefer. If you like a bit of spice, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. For a more decadent treat, drizzle melted white chocolate over the frosted cookies.