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Cranberry Orange Pecan Snickerdoodles

Delicious cookies that combine the tartness of cranberries and the richness of pecans, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 48 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup butter softened to a creamy consistency
  • 1/2 cup solid shortening bringing a rich texture
  • 2 cups sugar divided, offering sweetness
  • 2 large eggs for moisture and binding
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon for warmth
  • 1/3 cup fresh cranberries finely chopped for a juicy burst
  • Zest of 1 medium-sized orange for a citrusy zing
  • 1/2 cup pecans chopped for a satisfying crunch
  • 8 oz white chocolate baking discs for a sweet finish
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil to help the chocolate melt smoothly

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your cookie sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and kosher salt. Set this bowl aside.
  3. In another large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and solid shortening until light and fluffy.
  4. Gradually incorporate 1 1/2 cups of sugar into the creamed mixture, mixing until combined. Add the eggs and mix until the batter is smooth.
  5. Combine the remaining sugar with ground cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside for rolling the cookie dough balls.
Mixing
  1. Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, mixing only until just combined to avoid overmixing.
  2. Gently fold in the chopped cranberries, orange zest, and chopped pecans.
Baking
  1. Shape the dough into 1 1/2 inch balls and roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
  2. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared cookie sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each.
  3. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
  4. Let the cookies set on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack.
Finishing Touch
  1. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate and vegetable oil. Microwave for 40 seconds, stir, and then continue to microwave in 20-second intervals until melted.
  2. Dip each cookie into the melted white chocolate, allowing excess to drip off before placing them back on the cooling rack.
  3. Let the cookies cool fully until the white chocolate hardens.

Notes

If using dried cranberries, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before chopping. Ensure butter is at room temperature for a smoother dough. You can substitute walnuts for pecans or add a pinch of nutmeg for additional flavor.