Cranberry Orange Brownies: A Festive Twist on a Classic Treat

Brownies are a universally loved dessert, but sometimes you crave something a little more… festive. Enter these Cranberry Orange Brownies! They combine the rich, fudgy goodness of classic brownies with the tart cranberries and bright citrusy notes of orange, creating a delightful flavor explosion that’s perfect for the holidays or any time you want to add a little zing to your day.

These brownies are incredibly easy to make, and the combination of flavors is simply irresistible. The cranberries add a chewy texture and a burst of tartness that cuts through the richness of the chocolate, while the orange zest and juice provide a vibrant, aromatic lift. These brownies are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Orange Brownies

* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of rich chocolate, tart cranberries, and bright orange is a match made in heaven.
* **Festive and Fun:** These brownies are perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply enjoying a cozy night in.
* **Easy to Make:** With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, these brownies come together quickly and easily.
* **Fudgy and Delicious:** The perfect balance of moistness and chewiness makes these brownies utterly irresistible.
* **Customizable:** Add your own twist by incorporating nuts, chocolate chips, or a swirl of cream cheese.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Unsalted Butter:** Provides richness and moisture to the brownies. Use unsalted so you can control the overall saltiness.
* **Granulated Sugar:** Adds sweetness and helps create a chewy texture.
* **Brown Sugar:** Adds a molasses-like flavor and contributes to the fudgy texture.
* **Eggs:** Bind the ingredients together and add richness and structure.
* **Vanilla Extract:** Enhances the overall flavor of the brownies.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** Provides structure to the brownies.
* **Unsweetened Cocoa Powder:** Adds a deep, chocolatey flavor.
* **Salt:** Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
* **Baking Powder:** Helps the brownies rise slightly, creating a tender crumb.
* **Fresh Cranberries:** Add a tart and chewy element to the brownies. Fresh or frozen work well, but if using frozen, do not thaw them.
* **Orange Zest:** Provides a bright, citrusy aroma and flavor.
* **Orange Juice:** Adds moisture and enhances the orange flavor.
* **Chocolate Chips (Optional):** For an extra chocolatey indulgence.

**Detailed Ingredient List:**

* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
* 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
* 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
* 4 large eggs
* 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, coarsely chopped
* Zest of 1 large orange
* 1/4 cup orange juice
* 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Equipment You’ll Need

* **9×13 inch Baking Pan:** The ideal size for baking these brownies.
* **Parchment Paper:** For lining the baking pan and preventing the brownies from sticking.
* **Mixing Bowls:** For mixing the wet and dry ingredients.
* **Whisk or Electric Mixer:** For combining the ingredients.
* **Rubber Spatula:** For folding in the cranberries and chocolate chips.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of delicious Cranberry Orange Brownies:

**Step 1: Prepare the Pan**

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.

**Step 2: Melt the Butter and Sugar**

In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Whisk until well combined and smooth. This helps to dissolve the sugar and creates a shiny base for the brownies.

**Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla**

Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated to prevent a grainy texture.

**Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients**

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

**Step 5: Gradually Add the Dry Ingredients to the Wet Ingredients**

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough brownies. A few streaks of flour are okay at this stage.

**Step 6: Stir in the Cranberries, Orange Zest, and Orange Juice**

Gently fold in the chopped cranberries, orange zest, and orange juice until evenly distributed throughout the batter. If using chocolate chips, fold them in as well.

**Step 7: Pour into the Prepared Pan**

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.

**Step 8: Bake the Brownies**

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Be careful not to overbake, as this can result in dry brownies. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking for doneness at 25 minutes.

**Step 9: Cool and Cut**

Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and serve.

Tips for Perfect Cranberry Orange Brownies

* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of your brownies. Use good-quality butter, cocoa powder, and chocolate chips for the best results.
* **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough brownies. Mix until just combined, and a few streaks of flour are okay.
* **Don’t Overbake the Brownies:** Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly brownies. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
* **Use Fresh Cranberries (or Frozen):** Fresh cranberries add a bright tartness to the brownies. Frozen cranberries can be used as well; there is no need to thaw them before mixing.
* **Zest the Orange Directly into the Batter:** Zesting the orange directly into the batter releases the oils and maximizes the orange flavor. Be sure to zest only the outer layer of the peel, avoiding the white pith, which is bitter.
* **Line the Pan with Parchment Paper:** This makes it easy to lift the brownies out of the pan and prevents them from sticking.
* **Let the Brownies Cool Completely Before Cutting:** This allows the brownies to set properly and prevents them from crumbling.
* **Add a Glaze (Optional):** For an extra touch of sweetness and flavor, drizzle the cooled brownies with a simple orange glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Feel free to add other ingredients to customize your brownies, such as nuts, chocolate chunks, or a swirl of cream cheese.

## Variations and Additions

* **Chocolate Chips:** Add 1 cup of your favorite chocolate chips (milk, dark, or semi-sweet) to the batter for an extra chocolatey treat.
* **Nuts:** Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds, for added texture and flavor.
* **Orange Glaze:** Drizzle the cooled brownies with a simple orange glaze made from 1 cup of powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of orange juice.
* **Cream Cheese Swirl:** Swirl cream cheese into the batter for a tangy and creamy addition. Mix 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of sugar and a dash of vanilla extract. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter and swirl with a knife or toothpick.
* **Espresso Powder:** Add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients for a deeper, richer chocolate flavor.
* **White Chocolate Chips:** Substitute white chocolate chips for the regular chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
* **Spiced Cranberry Orange Brownies:** Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Serve Warm with a Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream:** The warm brownies and cold ice cream create a delightful contrast.
* **Dust with Powdered Sugar:** A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance.
* **Serve with a Cup of Coffee or Tea:** The rich flavors of the brownies pair perfectly with a warm beverage.
* **Gift Them to Friends and Family:** These brownies make a thoughtful and delicious gift.
* **Add to a Dessert Platter:** These brownies are a great addition to any dessert platter.

## Storage Instructions

* **Store at Room Temperature:** Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
* **Store in the Refrigerator:** For longer storage, store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
* **Freeze the Brownies:** Wrap the brownies individually in plastic wrap and then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per Serving, varies based on specific ingredients and portion size)

* Calories: 300-400
* Fat: 15-20g
* Saturated Fat: 8-12g
* Cholesterol: 50-70mg
* Sodium: 100-150mg
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
* Sugar: 30-40g
* Protein: 3-5g

## Cranberry Orange Brownies Recipe

**Yields:** 16 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 25-30 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
* 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
* 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
* 4 large eggs
* 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, coarsely chopped
* Zest of 1 large orange
* 1/4 cup orange juice
* 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Gently fold in chopped cranberries, orange zest, and orange juice. If using chocolate chips, fold them in now.
7. Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
9. Let cool completely in the pan before lifting out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and serve.

Enjoy your delicious Cranberry Orange Brownies! These brownies are a perfect treat for any occasion, and the combination of flavors is sure to impress. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a potluck, or simply a cozy night in, these brownies are guaranteed to be a hit.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of these irresistible Cranberry Orange Brownies. Your taste buds will thank you!