Bright, citrusy, and beautifully festive, these Cranberry Orange Snowfall Sandies bring a clean, fresh twist to classic holiday cookies. With a soft melt-in-your-mouth texture and vibrant flecks of red and orange, they look as stunning as they taste. This streamlined recipe uses just a few simple ingredients and delivers elegant, modern flavors perfect for holiday entertaining or minimalist cookie gifting. Light, buttery, and not overly sweet, these cookies pair wonderfully with a warm tea, a holiday brunch spread, or an evening of cozy winter movies.
What Makes These Sandies Unique
These sandies lean into a bright citrus-forward profile paired with natural cranberry sweetness. Unlike sugar-packed cookies, these offer a fresh, modern balance of flavor ideal for those who prefer lighter holiday treats.
Highlights
- Minimalist ingredients, maximum flavor
- Fresh orange zest lifts the buttery sandie dough
- Clean, modern holiday aesthetic
- Perfect for elegant cookie platters
Ingredients
- Softened unsalted butter
- Powdered sugar
- All-purpose flour
- Pure vanilla extract
- Dried cranberries, finely chopped
- Fresh orange zest
Optional: toasted almonds, white chocolate drizzle, superfine sugar coating
Step-by-Step
Step 1 – Cream Butter + Sugar
Smooth, airy, and light.
Step 2 – Add Flour & Vanilla
Mix until dough forms.
Step 3 – Fold In Cranberries + Zest
Keep the mix even and delicate.
Step 4 – Shape into Minimalist Balls
Uniform size creates even baking.
Step 5 – Bake
14–15 minutes at 350°F.
Step 6 – Cool & Finish
Dust with superfine sugar or drizzle lightly with white chocolate.
Tips & Modern Variations
- Use organic oranges for brighter zest.
- Dip half the cookie in white chocolate for a minimalist half-moon effect.
- Add almond extract for a European twist.
Clean Holiday Baking Strategy
Make the dough ahead, chill overnight, and bake fresh for gatherings. These sandies hold their shape beautifully and have a clean, elegant finish perfect for modern tables.
Minimalist Cookie Gifting
Package in clear boxes with simple ribbon for a sleek, modern look.
FAQs
Are these overly sweet?
No, they’re lightly sweet, balanced with citrus.
Are they soft?
Yes, tender and buttery.
Can I store them?
5–7 days in airtight container.
Conclusion
These Cranberry Orange Snowfall Sandies are refined, elegant, and full of fresh holiday energy perfect for clean, modern celebrations.