Ingredients
115g unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 teaspoon orange zest, finely grated
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup dried cranberries
225g dark chocolate, chopped
Summary
These delectable Dark Chocolate Cranberry Orange Slice Baked Cookies are the perfect treat to share the warmth and joy of an Aussie Christmas. With every bite, you’ll experience the rich, smooth dark chocolate, the tart sweetness of dried cranberries, and the refreshing citrus zing of orange zest — a combination that’s as vibrant and festive as the summer season itself.
Crafted by hand with love and care, these cookies make a thoughtful gift that goes beyond the typical store-bought options. Their cheerful mix of textures and flavours will surely delight your loved ones, whether enjoyed as part of a Christmas gathering or wrapped up as a special present.
Instructions:
Mix Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a handheld electric mixer), beat together the softened butter, orange zest, and sugar on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy. Add vanilla and the egg, beating until combined. Gradually add the flour and dried cranberries, mixing until just incorporated. The dough should be stiff.
Shape the Dough: Lightly flour your work surface . Turn out the dough and gently knead for 30 seconds. Divide dough in half and roll each portion into a log, about 5 cm in diameter. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or baking paper and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or up to 5 days. (Cheat version – Freeze for an hour)
Preheat Oven & Slice: Preheat your oven to 180°C (fan-forced). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove dough logs from the fridge and slice into 1 cm thick rounds using a sharp knife.
Bake: Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Chocolate Coating: While the cookies cool, melt the chopped dark chocolate. You can use a double boiler or melt in the microwave in 15-second bursts, stirring after each interval, until smooth.
Coat & Finish: Dip each cooled cookie halfway into the melted chocolate. Return to the baking sheet and sprinkle and additional orange zest if desired. Let the chocolate set (you can speed this up by placing the baking sheet in the fridge).
Serve & Enjoy:
Once the chocolate is set, your cookies are ready to enjoy! They’re perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.
Recipe by Baker by Nature
Hints and Tips
Prepare Ahead for the Festive Season at Ceres Fair Food
These cookies are perfect for prepping in advance, so you can enjoy a stress-free Christmas.
Simply prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to bake, just slice the dough and pop them in the oven for a fresh batch of cookies.
This make-ahead option not only saves you time but ensures you have a festive treat ready whenever you need it, whether for holiday gatherings or as a thoughtful homemade gift. Simply bake and store in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh and delicious for days, ready to share with family and friends. For more gift ideas, check out our best stocking fillers and other edible Christmas treats.
Re-use the baking paper you rolled them in to set in the fridge and use on a baking tray to cook. You can then re-use it again to prep for the chocolate dip and to cool in the fridge. Reduce-Reuse and Recycle.
Tried it and loved it? Snap a picture and share it with us on Instagram @ceresfairfood and use the hashtag #ceresfairfood
