Cranberry Nut Swirls Recipe
This delightful Cranberry Nut Swirls recipe is a delicious dessert that blends the tartness of cranberries with the rich, earthy flavor of walnuts. It’s the perfect treat for holiday gatherings, family get-togethers, or simply to enjoy with a cup of tea. This recipe, which I discovered in an old Taste of Home collection, is a sweet way to bring a festive touch to your dessert table. While the prep time doesn’t account for chill time, it’s simple to make and yields about three and a half dozen cookies, ideal for large groups or gatherings.
Cranberry Nut Swirls Recipe Details
| Category | Dessert |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
| Servings | 42 (3 ยฝ dozen cookies) |
| Calories per Serving | 65.1 kcal |
| Cuisine | American |
| Rating | 5 stars (28 reviews) |
| Recipe Type | Cookie & Brownie, Berries, Fruit, Christmas, Thanksgiving, <60 Mins, For Large Groups, Oven, Refrigerator |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 1/2 cup (softened) |
| Sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Baking powder | 1 1/2 tsp |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp |
| Fresh cranberries | 1/2 cup (chopped) |
| Walnuts | 1/2 cup (chopped) |
| Orange zest | 1 tsp |
| Brown sugar | 3 tbsp |
| Milk | 2 tbsp |
Nutritional Information per Serving (1 Cookie)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 65.1 kcal |
| Total Fat | 3.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 10.9 mg |
| Sodium | 33.9 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 8.3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.3 g |
| Sugars | 4.6 g |
| Protein | 0.9 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar. Beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, scraping the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure even mixing. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until fully incorporated. -
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Once your dough is formed, cover the bowl and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour to firm it up and make it easier to handle. -
Prepare the Filling:
While the dough chills, combine the chopped cranberries, walnuts, and orange zest in a small bowl. Stir well to combine and set the mixture aside. -
Roll the Dough:
After the dough has chilled, lightly flour a clean surface and roll the dough into a 10-inch square. In a separate small bowl, combine the brown sugar and milk to create a smooth mixture. Spread this mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges. -
Assemble the Swirls:
Sprinkle the cranberry and walnut mixture evenly over the sugar-milk layer. Carefully roll up the dough like a jelly roll, making sure to keep the filling intact. Tuck the edges in to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking. -
Chill the Roll:
Wrap the dough roll in waxed paper and refrigerate it for several hours or overnight. Chilling the dough helps to maintain the shape of the swirls and makes it easier to cut. -
Slice and Bake:
Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). Unwrap the chilled dough roll and use a sharp knife to cut it into 1/4-inch thick slices. Arrange the slices on a well-greased or parchment-lined cookie sheet, spacing them evenly. -
Bake the Cookies:
Bake in the preheated oven for 14-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly browned. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Additional Tips
-
Chill Time:
Be sure to allow enough time for the dough to chill before rolling it out. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and ease when slicing the dough. -
Cranberry Substitution:
If you prefer a different fruit, dried cherries or raisins can also work well in this recipe, offering a slightly different texture and flavor profile. -
Serving Suggestions:
These Cranberry Nut Swirls are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or as a sweet addition to a festive brunch. Serve them alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee for a comforting treat.
This Cranberry Nut Swirls recipe combines the sweetness of brown sugar, the richness of butter, and the bright tang of cranberries to create a cookie thatโs both visually stunning and absolutely delicious. With its hint of orange zest and crunchy walnuts, itโs the perfect dessert for any special occasion, be it Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any family gathering. Enjoy this festive treat, and share the joy with those around you!
