Mediterranean Cranberry Orange WinterGlow Crème Cookies
These Cranberry Orange WinterGlow Crème Cookies are bright, cozy, and made for the colder months. They combine soft, buttery cookies with bursts of tart cranberries and fresh orange zest, finished with a smooth citrus crème filling. The flavors feel festive without being heavy, inspired by Mediterranean citrus desserts that balance sweetness with freshness. They are perfect for holiday platters, gifting, or quiet afternoons with tea. Each bite is tender, fragrant, and gently indulgent. This is a cookie that feels special yet familiar.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 to 12 minutes per batch
Cooling & Filling Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: About 55 minutes
Servings: 18 to 20 sandwich cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookies
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 1 orange
1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
For the Orange Crème Filling
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon orange zest
1 to 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
Beat in the egg until fully incorporated, then mix in vanilla extract and orange zest.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
Fold in the chopped dried cranberries evenly through the dough.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and centers are set.
Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
To make the filling, beat butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, orange zest, and orange juice until creamy and spreadable.
Spread or pipe a layer of orange crème onto the flat side of half the cookies.
Top with remaining cookies to form sandwiches. Press gently to set.
Tips
Use room-temperature butter for both cookies and filling for the smoothest texture.
Finely chop cranberries so they distribute evenly and do not tear the dough.
Do not overmix once flour is added to keep cookies tender.
Slightly underbake for softer centers that stay moist after filling.
Cool cookies completely before filling to prevent melting.
Add orange juice slowly to control the filling consistency.
For clean edges, use a piping bag instead of spreading the filling.
Store assembled cookies in a single layer to protect the crème.
Variations
Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for warmth.
Replace half the cranberries with chopped dried apricots.
Use lemon zest in the filling for a sharper citrus note.
Dip half the sandwich cookie in dark chocolate for contrast.
Make thumbprint cookies and fill with crème instead of sandwiching.
Swap brown sugar for coconut sugar for a deeper caramel tone.
Add finely chopped pistachios to the dough for a Mediterranean touch.
Use blood orange zest when in season for color and flavor.
Q&A
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. Refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours. Let it soften slightly before baking.
Do these cookies freeze well?
Unfilled cookies freeze very well for up to 2 months. Fill after thawing.
Can I use fresh cranberries?
Fresh cranberries are too tart and moist for this recipe. Dried work best.
How long do filled cookies keep?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I make the filling dairy-free?
Yes. Use plant-based butter, though flavor and texture may vary slightly.
Nutrition (Approximate per cookie sandwich)
Calories: 210
Protein: 2 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fat: 10 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 17 g
Conclusion
Mediterranean Cranberry Orange WinterGlow Crème Cookies bring brightness to winter baking. The soft cookie texture, tangy cranberries, and silky orange filling create a balanced, festive treat. They are easy to prepare yet feel thoughtful and refined. Perfect for sharing, gifting, or savoring slowly, these cookies capture the warmth of citrus season. With simple ingredients and flexible variations, they fit any holiday table. Once you bake them, they are likely to become a seasonal favorite you look forward to each year.