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Cranberry Noel Cookies

Cranberry Noel Cookies are a delicious combination of cranberry, pecan and coconut loaded in a dough similar to shortbread! The method for making these loved christmas cookies is simple! Once the dough is made they are a slice and bake cookie!

close up of cranberry noel cookie

How to make Cranberry Noel Cookies

To start the dough, cream together the butter and sugar. You can do this with a stand mixer or hand mixer. Then, add the milk and vanilla extract. Mix to combine. Last, add the salt, flour, pecans, and cranberries. Stir well. Dough will begin to come together.

Split dough in half and roll each into an 8″ log and roll in coconut. Wrap each log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up dough.

cranberry noel dough rolled in a log and covered in coconut shreds

Before you start to slice the dough, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Once the dough is chilled you can unwrap and slice it. Cut the dough into approximately 1/2″ wide slices. Then, place on baking sheet. You can put them fairly close because they will not expand much. They may all fit on one depending on the size of your baking sheets.

cranberry noel cookies sliced and placed on a baking sheet ready to go into the oven

Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until slightly golden brown. Then, cool for a minute on the baking sheet and move to a wire rack to continue cooling. Enjoy! Print the recipe from the recipe card below to add to your recipe box for the next holiday season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this dough be made ahead of time?

Yes, this dough can be made ahead of time. If you don’t plan on using it within a day wait to roll it in coconut. When ready to use, remove from refrigerator and let sit for a few minutes, then roll in coconut before slicing.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, be sure to keep them in an air tight container in the freezer to keep them fresh. Freeze for up to 1 month.

I don’t see baking powder or baking soda in this recipe, am I missing something?

Nope! There is no leavener in this recipe. The combination of flour, butter and sugar in this recipe gives you the perfect tender cookie without the leaveners.

3 stacks of cranberry noel cookies on a white plate

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Looking for more holiday cookie recipes? Here are some for you to check out: Italian Cookies, Cream Cheese Logs, Chocolate Pretzel Bark, Reindeer Poop Cookies, Russian Tea Cakes, Chocolate Crinkles, Double Chocolate Shortbread Cookies and Snickerdoodles. Other desserts you may like include Black Moon Whoopie Pies, Chewy M&M Cookie Bars, Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting and Nutella Chickpea Brownies. If you are looking for holiday cookies, be sure to check out our Christmas Cookie List!

up close image of cranberry noel cookie

Cranberry Noel Cookies

Yield: 36
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Additional Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes

Cranberries, pecans and coconut cookies that are similar in taste and texture to shortbread!

Ingredients

  • 2 sticks of butter
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoon milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 ½ cups flour
  • ¾ cup chopped pecans
  • ¾ cup dried cranberries
  • ½ cup coconut, for rolling

Instructions

  1. Cream together butter and sugar.
  2. Add milk and vanilla. Stir well.
  3. Add flour, salt, pecans and cranberries. Mix until dough forms.
  4. Split dough in half.
  5. Roll into 8" logs. Roll in coconut.
  6. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  7. Cut into 1/3- 1/2" slices (about 18 cookies per log).
  8. Bake at 350 degrees about 15-20 minutes or until slightly golden brown.
  9. Cool on wire rack.
  10. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

See blog post for step by step pictures on how to make these cookies!

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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 36 Serving Size: 1 cookie
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 119Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 77mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 1gSugar: 6gProtein: 1g

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