- Unsalted butter (room temperature, 8 oz or 227g)
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup)
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups)
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon)
- Salt (a pinch)
- Orange juice (from the zested orange)
- Egg yolk (for egg wash, 1)
- Almond slivers or sliced almonds (optional, for garnish)
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### Cranberry Orange Crescents Appetizers: A Festive Twist
Looking to add a delightful twist to your holiday appetizer menu? Try making these cranberry orange crescent cookies. These sweet and tangy treats are perfect for parties or gatherings, offering a refreshing combination of flavors that will surely impress your guests.
#### Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 6 oz frozen butter, thawed but still cold
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Zest from one orange
- A dash of salt
- 1/2 to 1 cup dried cranberries (adjust according to taste)
- Confectioners' sugar for dusting
#### Step-by-Step Guide:
##### Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Oven
- **Preheat** your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
##### Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- A dash of salt
Stir these ingredients together until well mixed and set aside.
##### Step 3: Cream Butter with Sugar
Using an electric mixer, beat the thawed butter on medium speed for about a minute. Gradually add in:
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- Zest from one orange
Continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy.
##### Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix in the flour mixture into the butter-sugar blend, alternating with small amounts of milk to keep the dough smooth. Stir well after each addition.
##### Step 5: Fold in Cranberries
Once the dough comes together, fold in:
- 1/2 to 1 cup dried cranberries (adjust according to taste)
Ensure the cranberries are evenly distributed throughout the dough for a balanced flavor profile.
##### Step 6: Shape and Bake Crescents
Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of the dough onto your prepared baking sheet. For crescent shapes, use the back of the spoon to gently flatten each dough ball slightly into a half-moon shape, leaving enough space between them for expansion during baking.
##### Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 12-15 minutes or until the crescents are lightly golden. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
##### Step 8: Dust and Serve
Once cooled, dust your cranberry orange crescents with confectioners' sugar just before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
#### Tips:
- **Freshness:** Use fresh ingredients whenever possible. For the best taste, use freshly squeezed orange zest.
- **Flavor Intensity:** Adjust the amount of dried cranberries to your preference; some may enjoy a stronger cranberry flavor while others might prefer a milder taste.
Enjoy crafting these festive cranberry orange crescents for any special occasion or just because! They are not only delicious but also visually appealing with their golden-brown crescent shapes and vibrant cranberry dots.