Name: Gluten Free Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 2 h 29 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups almond flour (superfine blanched); ¼ cup butter (unsalted, softened; or coconut oil for dairy-free); 1 egg (large); ¼ cup cream cheese (softened to room temperature); ½ cup granulated sweetener (such as allulose or monk fruit blend); 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp xanthan gum; Zest of 1 large orange (about 1 tbsp); 1 tbsp fresh orange juice; ⅓ cup dried unsweetened cranberries (chopped; fresh cranberries optional for tartness); 3 tbsp powdered sweetener; 1 tsp orange juice; A few drops vanilla extract

Ingredients

2 cups almond flour (superfine blanched)

¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (or coconut oil for dairy-free)

1 large egg

¼ cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature

½ cup granulated sweetener (such as allulose or monk fruit blend)

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ tsp baking powder

¼ tsp xanthan gum

Zest of 1 large orange (about 1 tbsp)

1 tbsp fresh orange juice

⅓ cup dried unsweetened cranberries, chopped (or fresh cranberries for more tartness)

3 tbsp powdered sweetener

1 tsp orange juice

A few drops of vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sweetener until smooth and fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 3: Add the egg, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice, mixing until fully combined.

Step 4: Stir in the almond flour, baking powder, and xanthan gum until a soft dough forms, then fold in the chopped cranberries.

Step 5: Place the dough on a sheet of plastic wrap and shape it into a log. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.

Step 6: When ready to bake, use a sharp serrated knife to slice the chilled dough into approximately ⅓-inch thick circles. Place the slices on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 7: Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden brown.

Step 8: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely and firm up.

Tips & Variations

For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.

If you prefer a sweeter cookie, adjust the amount of sweetener to your taste or sprinkle extra powdered sweetener on top before baking.

Fresh cranberries create a more tart contrast, but dried cranberries offer a chewy sweetness—choose based on your preference.

Chilling the dough is key to easy slicing and maintaining cookie shape during baking.

FAQs

Can I use a different flour instead of almond flour?

Almond flour provides the best texture and flavor for these cookies. Using other gluten-free flours may change the texture and require recipe adjustments.

How do I make these cookies completely sugar-free?

Use a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol or a monk fruit blend in place of granulated and powdered sweeteners, making sure to choose one suitable for baking.