Cranberry Icebox Cookies

Christmas Cookie Countdown Day 5 – Cranberry Icebox Cookies

I am on Day 5 of my Christmas Cookie Countdown, and I think today’s cookie is one of my favorites from this year’s batch of new cookies. I found this recipe in the Taste of Home Best Loved Cookies magazine. I’m on an icebox cookie kick this year. The convenience of a dough you shape into a log and store in the refrigerator or freezer can’t be beat. I made the dough for Cranberry Icebox Cookies in late November, and have been brining out the logs as needed this Christmas season.

This cookie has become my favorite due to its soft texture and sweet and tart flavor. My daughter likened the cookie to a scone. I’m not sure that is entirely accurate, but it is a special tender little cookie.  

Cranberry Icebox Cookies 
Adapted from Taste of Home Best Loved Cookies.  
Printable Recipe 
3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon baking soda
1 ¼ cup butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
2/3 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon almond extract
1 cup chopped walnuts
2 cups chopped fresh or frozen cranberries

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda in a medium bowl. Set aside.

In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream together butter and sugars. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla and almond extracts.

Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, and mix until just combined. Stir in walnuts. Carefully stir in the cranberries. Shape the dough into three 7-inch rolls, and wrap each roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight. Dough can also be frozen for up to one month.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cut dough into ¼ inch slices and place 1 inch apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire racks. Makes 5 ½ dozen.

Christmas Cookie Countdown Day 1 - Pecan Tassies
Christmas Cookie Countdown Day 2 - Chocolate-Orange Crackles
Christmas Cookie Countdown Day 3 - Molasses Crinkles
Christmas Cookie Countdown Day 4 - Peppermint Patty Fudge