Cranberry Orange Bliss Bites: My Holiday Cookie Must-Bake!

Instructions:

1. Cream the butter and sugars: Beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add wet ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract, orange extract, and orange zest.
3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
5. Fold in cranberries: Gently fold in the chopped dried cranberries.
6. Chill the dough: Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
7. Preheat and prepare: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
8. Scoop and bake: Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
9. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
10. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Make the glaze (optional): In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners' sugar and orange juice until smooth. Add more orange juice, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
12. Glaze (optional): Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies.
13. Enjoy these cranberry orange cookies!