Cranberry Cinnamon Caramelized Walnut Cookies

Cranberry Cinnamon Caramelized Walnut Cookies bring cranberries, orange, cinnamon, and crunchy caramelized walnuts together for a festive addition to my Holiday Cookies collection. Cranberry cookies are one of my favorite Christmas treats because there are so many ways to make them your own. For this recipe, I started with the flavors that remind me of Christmas: walnuts, oranges, and cinnamon. Caramelizing the walnuts adds a little extra sweetness and crunch.

I wanted something different then just walnuts. My thought was how to dress them up for this cookie, candied or caramelized walnuts would be the perfect touch. You can purchase or make your own caramelized walnuts. I have added instruction on how easy it is to whip up a batch. If you would like another cranberry and walnut combination, my Fresh Cranberry and Walnut Frosted Cookies pair fresh berries with creamy vanilla frosting.

Why You'll Love These Cookies

• 🍪 A combination of textures: Soft cookies, chewy dried cranberries, and crunchy caramelized walnuts in every bite.
• 🍊 Layers of flavor: Orange zest, cinnamon, and cinnamon chips complement the tart cranberries and sweet walnuts.
• 🌰 Homemade caramelized walnuts: The walnuts add a little extra crunch and sweetness, and you can make them ahead of time.
• 🎄 A holiday cookie with something different: The cranberries and caramelized walnuts make these a nice addition to a Christmas cookie tray.

Ingredients

How to Make Cranberry Cinnamon Caramelized Walnut Cookies

Making Caramelized Walnuts

Step 1. Add the walnuts, sugar, and butter to a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Stir continuously for about 5-6 minutes, until the sugar melts and coats the walnuts. Be careful not to let the sugar burn.

Step 2. Spread the coated walnuts onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, separating the pieces. Let them cool for about 10 minutes.

Step 3. Transfer the cooled walnuts to a cutting board and chop them into smaller pieces for the cookie dough.

Helpful Tip: Caramelize the walnuts before chopping them. Small pieces can burn too quickly in the skillet.

Prep

Step 4. In one bowl, weigh or measure the powdered sugar, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar. In a separate bowl, weigh or measure the flour, then add the baking powder, kosher salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisk to combine.

Step 5. Zest and juice the orange, keeping both ready to add to the cookie dough.

Mix the Dough

Step 6. Cut the room-temperature butter into cubes and add it to the stand mixer bowl along with the cream cheese.

Step 7. Mix on medium speed for about 1 minute, until the butter and cream cheese are blended and form soft peaks. If the butter is still a little cold, mixing may take slightly longer.

Step 8. Add the powdered sugar, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar to the butter mixture. Start mixing on low speed so the powdered sugar doesn't fly out of the bowl. Once incorporated, increase to medium speed and mix for about 3 minutes, until smooth and creamy.

Step 9. Add the orange zest and orange juice to the butter mixture. Crack the egg into a small bowl to check for shells, then add it to the mixer. Mix on medium speed for about 1 minute, until everything is combined.

Step 10. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the mixer bowl. With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture in three portions, mixing just until incorporated, about 1 minute.

Scrape down the bowl again, then add the dried cranberries, cinnamon chips, and caramelized walnuts. Mix on low speed for about 10 seconds.

Step 11. Use a sturdy spatula to finish mixing the dough, making sure the cranberries, cinnamon chips, and walnuts are evenly distributed.

Chill the Dough

Lightly cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes.

Scoop and Bake

Step 12. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C or 180°C). Line two cookie sheet pans with parchment paper. Using a medium cookie scoop (1½ tablespoons), portion 12 scoops of dough onto one prepared pan, leaving room between the cookies.

Step 13. Bake for 11-13 minutes. Once out of the oven, let the cookies sit on the sheet pan for about a minute before moving them to a cooling rack.

Step 14. Let the cookies cool completely on the rack. Cookies made with powdered sugar can be a little soft when they first come out of the oven, so give them time to firm up.

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