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    Gluten Free Orange Cranberry Biscotti

    This easy recipe for gluten free orange cranberry biscotti is dipped in white chocolate and sprinkled with sugar crystals. These nut free breakfast cookies are made with dried cranberries and orange zest.

    a cooling rack of gluten free orange cranberry biscotti dipped in white chocolate

    Gluten-free orange cranberry biscotti are a delightful addition to your holiday baking repertoire! They combine the tangy sweetness of cranberries with the bright flavor of orange. This easy biscotti recipe results in delicious cookies that are perfect for Christmas festivities or as part of a homemade Christmas cookie box.

    With my gluten-free biscotti recipe, you can enjoy this traditional Italian treat without sacrificing taste or texture. Ideal for breakfast or as a sweet treat alongside your favorite beverage, these cranberry orange biscotti also lend themselves well to dipping in white chocolate for an extra touch of decadence.

    If you are looking for more cranberry recipes try my Frozen Cranberry Margarita Mocktail, my Gluten Free Cranberry Orange Muffins, my Gluten Free Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs or my Gluten Free Pumpkin Cranberry Breakfast Cookies.

    You can find all of my dessert recipes here: Gluten Free Dessert Recipes

    You can find all of my Christmas recipes here: Easy Gluten Free Christmas Recipes

    a cooling rack with gluten free orange cranberry biscotti dipped in white chocolate and sprinkled with sugar crystals
    [feast_advanced_jump_to]

    Ingredients

    Unsalted Butter
    Granulated Sugar
    Eggs
    Orange Zest
    Orange Extract
    Gluten Free Flour
    Baking Powder
    Baking Soda
    Sea Salt
    Dried Cranberries
    White Chocolate Chips
    Demenara Sugar

    Instructions

    Preheat your oven to 325 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

    In your stand mixer beat the unsalted butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs, orange zest and orange extract and blend together.

    In a medium bowl whisk together the gluten free flour, baking powder, baking soda and sea salt. 

    Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and blend just until mixed together. Add the finely chopped dried cranberries and mix in. 

    Break the dough into two halves. Using parchment paper on the top and bottom roll the dough to form it into logs on each baking sheet. The parchment paper will keep the dough from sticking to your hands.

    Bake at 325 degrees for 25-30 minutes.

    Cool completely on the baking sheet. I like to cool overnight. If you don't let them cool enough they may crumble when you try to cut them.

    Cut the logs into diagonal slices. Lay the slices out on a baking sheet so they aren't touching each other. 

    Bake at 325 degrees for 7-8 minutes. If you want your biscotti to be more crisp you can bake them longer.

    Let the biscotti cool.

    Using either a double boiler or microwaving for 30 seconds at a time in a microwave safe bowl melt the white chocolate chips.

    Dip the biscotti into the white chocolate. Use a spoon to coat half the biscotti. Scrape the bottom off on the edge of the bowl and place on a cooling rack.

    Before the chocolate has cooled sprinkle with demenara sugar for extra sparkle.

    Supplies

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can you make gluten free biscotti?

    Yes! This recipe for gluten free orange cranberry biscotti is so easy to make. The key to gluten free biscotti holding together is letting it cool completely before handling it. I like to let the biscotti cool on the baking sheet overnight.

    The next day I cut the biscotti logs on the diagonal into sticks. Then I lay them out on the baking sheet so they aren't touching and bake them again. The second time I bake them I like them to be firm, but not too hard. Of course, if you prefer a denser texture you can bake them longer.

    To finish them I like to dip them in white chocolate. However, they are delicious on their own and this step can be skipped. I love to serve them with coffee or tea for brunch.

    How do you know when biscotti is done?

    For this gluten free orange cranberry biscotti recipe the log of dough will be slightly browned and firm to the touch. The log should not be hard! The second baking will make the biscotti have the harder texture.

    For the second baking you can decide on how hard you want your biscotti. I like mine to be slightly hard, but not a challenge to bite into. I bake them again for 7-8 minutes, but you can alter that time to your liking.

    More Recipes You Might Enjoy

    • Easy Gluten Free Christmas Cookie Recipes
    • Gluten Free Orange Cranberry Butter Cookies
    • Cranberry Fluff Salad
    • Gluten Free Cranberry Apple Crisp

    I get some of my ingredients from Thrive Market. Thrive Market has been a game changer for me eating gluten free. They have so many options I can't get at my rural grocery stores! Use this link to get 25% off your first order!

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    Gluten Free Orange Cranberry Biscotti


    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    No reviews

    • Author: Elaine VanVleck
    • Total Time: 58 minutes
    • Yield: 16 1x
    • Diet: Gluten Free
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    This easy recipe for gluten free orange cranberry biscotti is dipped in white chocolate and sprinkled with sugar crystals. These nut free breakfast cookies are made with dried cranberries and orange zest. 


    Ingredients

    Scale

    ½ cup Unsalted Butter, at room temperature
    1 cup Granulated Sugar
    2 large Eggs
    1 Tbsp. Fresh Orange Zest
    1 tsp. Orange Extract
    3 cups Gluten Free Flour
    1 tsp. Baking Powder
    ½ tsp. Baking Soda
    ½ tsp. Sea Salt
    ½ cup Dried Cranberries, finely chopped
    11 ounces White Chocolate Chips, melted
    ⅓ cup Demenara Sugar


    Instructions

    Preheat your oven to 325 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

    In your stand mixer beat the unsalted butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs, orange zest and orange extract and blend together.

    In a medium bowl whisk together the gluten free flour, baking powder, baking soda and sea salt. 

    Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and blend just until mixed together. Add the finely chopped dried cranberries and mix in. 

    Break the dough into two halves. Using parchment paper on the top and bottom roll the dough to form it into logs on each baking sheet. The parchment paper will keep the dough from sticking to your hands.

    Bake at 325 degrees for 25-30 minutes.

    Cool completely on the baking sheet. I like to cool overnight. If you don't let them cool enough they may crumble when you try to cut them.

    Cut the logs into diagonal slices. Lay the slices out on a baking sheet so they aren't touching each other. 

    Bake at 325 degrees for 7-8 minutes. If you want your biscotti to be more crisp you can bake them longer.

    Let the biscotti cool.

    Using either a double boiler or microwaving for 30 seconds at a time in a microwave safe bowl melt the white chocolate chips.

    Dip the biscotti into the white chocolate. Use a spoon to coat half the biscotti. Scrape the bottom off on the edge of the bowl and place on a cooling rack.

    Before the chocolate has cooled sprinkle with demenara sugar for extra sparkle.

    • Prep Time: 20 minutes
    • Cook Time: 38 minutes
    • Category: Cookies
    • Method: Baking
    • Cuisine: Gluten Free

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @smallfarmbiglife on Instagram and hashtag it #smallfarmbiglife

    Top Tip

    I know biscotti has the reputation for being hard or bordering on stale sometimes. However, when you make biscotti at home you control how long you bake it the second time.

    The second baking is when biscotti tends to get hard. For this gluten free orange cranberry biscotti I bake it 7-8 minutes after I've cut it into diagonal strips. If you like a hard texture for dipping into coffee or tea you can bake your biscotti longer.

    The Perfect At Home Facial

    It's so simple to do DIY facial at home. These steps for the perfect at home facial will leave your skin glowing! A stay at home treatment is the perfect treat for you and your skin.

    a woman having the perfect at home facial with a face mask on holding a cucumber slice over one eye.

    Light a candle or turn on your diffuser with some calming lavender oil and treat yourself. It would be perfect to start this process with an epsom salt bath, but if time doesn't allow that jump right into this process of cleansing, masking, massaging and moisturizing your skin.

    Cleanse

    It's always important to start with a clean slate for the perfect at home facial.

    I like a double cleansing process if I'm wearing makeup. I start with e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm. It is perfect to remove makeup and leaves your skin soft.

    Then I use the CeraVe Hydrating Oil Face Cleanser. It leaves my skin clean without stripping moisture from my face. I like to use these cotton clothes or this silicone face massager with this cleanser.

    Mask

    To get that perfect glow you need to purify your complexion. The Pacifica Kale Charcoal Ultimate Detox Mask does a great job of purifying and balancing your skin.

    In ten minutes it will absorb excess oil and draw out impurities. It leaves your skin with a smooth and polished complexion.

    This is my favorite weekly skincare treat!

    Massage

    Don't skip a facial massage. It increases blood flow and helps get rid of puffiness.

    Begin by rubbing Well People Bio Booster Oil Drops all over your face and neck.

    Then using your fingers or a jade roller start at your chin and work up to your forehead rolling from your nose out toward your hairline. Repeat 5 times on each side of your face.

    Then roll down the edge of your skin and hairline to your neck and finally to the top of your collarbone on both sides of your face.

    Moisturize

    End the perfect at home facial with a layer of moisturizer to leave your skin feeling luxurious and soft.

    For dry skin I love BYOMA Moisturizing Rich Cream. It leaves your skin rehydrated and refreshed.

    For combination skin I'm a fan of e.l.f. Holy Hydration Face Cream Fragrance Free. It leaves you with the perfect light layer of moisture.


    Gluten Free Ginger Cookies

    These gluten free ginger cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with warm molasses and ginger flavor. Real crystallized ginger gives them an extra bite of flavor in every cookie. Rolled in coarse sugar, they bake up with that classic cracked top everyone loves in a good ginger cookie.

    a box full of gluten free ginger cookies

    These cookies have become a holiday tradition in our house, especially with my brother, who requests them every single year. The combination of molasses, warm spices, and real crystallized ginger gives them so much more depth than a typical ginger cookie.

    Roll them in coarse sugar before baking and you'll get that beautiful cracked top every time.

    If you are looking for more fall spice recipes try my Gluten Free Gingerbread Bundt Cake, my Gluten Free Gingersnap Cookies, my Gluten Free Gingerbread Scones or my Gluten Free Gingerbread Pancakes.

    You can find all my cookie recipes here: Gluten Free Cookies Recipes

    a box full of gluten free ginger cookies with me holding one in my hand
    [feast_advanced_jump_to]

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • Soft, chewy texture with a crackled sugar coated top
    • Real crystallized ginger for extra bite and flavor
    • Perfect for holiday cookie trays
    • Simple pantry ingredients

    Tips for the Best Cracked Tops

    If your dough feels warm or soft, chill it in the refrigerator for an hour or two before scooping and baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and develop that classic cracked top as they bake.

    Storage

    Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

    Top Tip

    Don't skip rolling the dough balls generously in the coarse sugar before baking. It's what gives these cookies their signature crunchy, sparkly coating and helps create that crackled look on top as they spread in the oven.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Do gluten free ginger cookies take longer to bake?

    Yes, gluten free ginger cookies do tend to take longer to bake than cookies made with a gluten flour. The outside of the cookie will be browned, but they may not be cooked through in the center.

    If you are having this issue you can lower the oven temperature and bake the cookies a bit longer. I also only bake one baking sheet at a time of gluten free cookies. They need to be evenly heated to cook correctly.

    Why are my gluten free cookies gritty?

    The gluten free flour you use is really important for the texture of your cookies. If you use a coarse ground gluten free flour your cookies will have a gritty texture. I recommend gluten free Bob's Red Mill 1 to 1 Baking Flour or King Arthur Measure for Measure Gluten Free Flour, both are finely ground and have consistently turned out well for my baked goods.

    Why didn't my cookies crack on top?

    This usually means the dough was too warm when it went into the oven. Try chilling the dough for an hour or two before scooping and baking, this helps the cookies hold their shape and develop that classic cracked top.

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    More Recipes You Might Enjoy

    • Gluten Free Orange Cranberry Butter Cookies
    • Gluten Free Eggnog Cookies
    • Gluten Free Snowball Cookies
    • Gluten Free Gingersnap Cookies

    I get a lot of my ingredients from Thrive Market. Thrive Market has been a game changer for me eating gluten free. They have so many options I can't get at my rural grocery stores! Use this link to get 40% off your first order!

    Print
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    Gluten Free Ginger Cookies


    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    2 from 2 reviews

    • Author: Elaine VanVleck
    • Total Time: 30 minutes
    • Yield: 31 cookies 1x
    • Diet: Gluten Free
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    These gluten free ginger cookies are soft, chewy, and full of warm molasses and ginger flavor. Real crystallized ginger gives them an extra punch, and the sugar coating creates a beautiful cracked top. They're a must for any holiday cookie tray.


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • ½ cup Unsalted Butter, at room temperature
    • 1 cup Brown Sugar
    • 2 large Eggs
    • 2 Tbsp. Molasses
    • 2 ½ cups Gluten Free Flour
    • 1 tsp. Ground Cinnamon
    • ½ tsp. Ground Ginger
    • ½ tsp. Ground Cloves
    • ½ tsp. Sea Salt
    • 1 ½ tsp. Baking Soda
    • ½ cup Crystalized Ginger, coarsely chopped
    • ½ cup Demenara Sugar

    Instructions

    Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line three baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

    In the bowl of your stand mixer beat together the butter and brown sugar until they are light and fluffy. Then add the eggs and molasses. Beat until blended together.

    In a separate bowl whisk together the gluten free flour, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, salt and baking soda. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Beat just until they are combined.

    Add the chopped crystalized ginger and beat to combine into the dough.

    If your dough feels warm or soft, chill it in the refrigerator for an hour or two before scooping and baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and develop that classic cracked top as they bake.

    The dough will be thick. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon scoop the dough and then roll in the demerara sugar. Place on the baking sheet and smash slightly with the palm of your hand.

    Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes. The cookies will be cracked on top, slightly firm to the touch and golden brown when done.

    If you made this recipe please leave a star rating and comment below. It helps other readers find this recipe and means so much to me.

    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 15 minutes
    • Category: Cookies
    • Method: Baking
    • Cuisine: American

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @smallfarmbiglife on Instagram and hashtag it #smallfarmbiglife

    I'd love to hear how these gluten free ginger cookies turn out for you! Leave a comment and star rating below, and let me know if they become a holiday tradition at your house too. Don't forget to pin this recipe so you can make it again all season long.

    Ginger Cookies Ingredients

    Unsalted Butter
    Brown Sugar
    Eggs
    Molasses
    Gluten Free Flour
    Ground Cinnamon
    Ground Ginger
    Ground Cloves
    Sea Salt
    Baking Soda
    Crystalized Ginger
    Demenara Sugar

    Instructions

    Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line three baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

    In the bowl of your stand mixer beat together the butter and brown sugar until they are light and fluffy. Then add the eggs and molasses. Beat until blended together.

    In a separate bowl whisk together the gluten free flour, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, salt and baking soda. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Beat just until they are combined.

    Add the chopped crystalized ginger and beat to combine into the dough.

    If your dough feels warm or soft, chill it in the refrigerator for an hour or two before scooping and baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and develop that classic cracked top as they bake.

    The dough will be thick. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon scoop the dough and then roll in the demerara sugar. Place on the baking sheet and smash slightly with the palm of your hand.

    Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes. The cookies will be cracked on top, slightly firm to the touch and golden brown when done.

    Gluten Free Orange Cranberry Butter Cookies

    These gluten free orange cranberry butter cookies are buttery, tender, and full of festive flavor. Dried cranberries and fresh orange zest make them feel like a holiday classic, and since they're eggless, they come together with just a handful of pantry staples.

    a tray of gluten free orange cranberry butter cookies with a small plate of cookies, a bowl of dried cranberries and three oranges

    These gluten free orange cranberry butter cookies are a simple yet classic treat perfect for the holiday season. With their rich, buttery shortbread base and bursts of sweet dried cranberries, these cranberry orange shortbread cookies bring festive flavor to every bite.

    Whether you call them cranberry orange cookies or shortbread cranberry orange cookies, they're a must have recipe for any cookie tray or holiday cookie exchange.

    Butter cookies or shortbread are one of my favorite holiday treats. I love the crisp on the outside, yet soft on the inside texture. These cookies melt in your mouth!

    If you're looking for more cranberry recipes try my Gluten Free Cranberry Orange Muffins, my Gluten Free Cranberry Apple Crisp, my Gluten Free Orange Cranberry Biscotti or my Gluten Free White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies.

    You can find all my cranberry recipes here: Gluten Free Cranberry Recipes

    a plate of gluten free orange cranberry cookies
    [feast_advanced_jump_to]

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • Buttery, eggless shortbread base
    • Easy slice and bake method
    • Bursting with cranberries and fresh orange zest
    • Perfect for a holiday cookie tray or exchange

    Ingredient Notes

    • This recipe works well with Gluten Free Bob's Red Mill 1 to 1 or King Arthur Measure for Measure gluten free flour.
    • For a dairy free version, you can substitute solid coconut oil for the butter, just be sure it's soft rather than fully melted, similar to room temperature butter.

    Make Ahead and Freezing

    The dough log can be made ahead and frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then thaw it in the refrigerator before slicing and baking as directed.

    Storage

    Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The unbaked dough log can also be frozen for up to 3 months, thaw in the refrigerator before slicing and baking.

    Top Tip

    Watch these closely in the last few minutes of baking. Shortbread cookies can go from perfectly golden to over baked quickly, and pulling them just as the edges turn slightly brown keeps that classic melt in your mouth texture instead of a dry, crumbly one.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I make these cookies dairy free?

    Yes. You can substitute solid coconut oil for the butter. Make sure it's soft rather than fully melted, similar to room temperature butter. Coconut oil has a stronger flavor than butter, so you may want to add an extra teaspoon or two of orange zest to balance it out.

    Will shortbread cookies be soft out of the oven?

    Yes. These gluten free orange cranberry butter cookies or shortbread cookies will be slightly soft while hot right out of the oven. Let them set for at least 10 minutes before you remove them from the baking sheet.

    As the cookies cool they will get a slightly crisp texture on the outside. The inside of the cookie will still be melt in your mouth soft.

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    More Recipes To Enjoy

    • Gluten Free Cranberry Orange Muffins
    • Gluten Free Cranberry Apple Crisp
    • Cranberry Fluff Salad
    • Easy Gluten Free Christmas Cookie Recipes

    I get a lot of my ingredients from Thrive Market. Thrive Market has been a game changer for me eating gluten free. They have so many options I can't get at my rural grocery stores! Use this link to get 40% off your first order!

    Print
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    Gluten Free Orange Cranberry Butter Cookies


    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    No reviews

    • Author: Elaine VanVleck
    • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
    • Yield: 62 cookies 1x
    • Diet: Gluten Free
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    These gluten free orange cranberry butter cookies are buttery, tender, and studded with dried cranberries and fresh orange zest. This eggless shortbread recipe is easy to slice and bake, making it perfect for a holiday cookie tray or cookie exchange.


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 1 ½ cups Unsalted Butter, at room temperature
    • 1 ¼ cups Powdered Sugar
    • 2 tsp. Vanilla Extract
    • 3 cups Gluten Free Flour
    • ½ tsp. Baking Powder
    • ½ tsp. Sea Salt
    • 1 cup Dried Cranberries, finely chopped
    • 2 Tbsp. Orange Zest
    • ½ cup Demerara Sugar

    Instructions

    Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line three baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.

    Beat the room temperature butter in the stand mixer for 2-3 minutes until it's creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat until smooth.

    In a bowl whisk together the gluten free flour, baking powder and sea salt. Add this to the butter mixture. Blend together until just combined. Add the dried cranberries and orange zest and mix to combine them into the dough.

    Divide the dough into half. Roll each half into a log in parchment paper that's about 2 inches wide by 2 inches tall. Chill for at least 2 hours.

    Place the demerara sugar on a plate or shallow dish. Roll each cookie log in the demerara sugar and gently press the sugar into the sides. Cut the log into ¼ inch thick rounds using a very sharp knife.

    Place cookie rounds on a lined baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes. The edges will be slightly browned around the edges when they are done.

    If you made this recipe please leave a star rating and comment below. It helps other readers find this recipe and means so much to me.

    • Prep Time: 120 minutes
    • Cook Time: 15 minutes
    • Category: Cookies
    • Method: Baking
    • Cuisine: American

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @smallfarmbiglife on Instagram and hashtag it #smallfarmbiglife

    I'd love to hear how these gluten free orange cranberry butter cookies turn out for you! Leave a comment and star rating below, and let me know if you add them to your holiday cookie tray. Don't forget to pin this recipe so you can make it again all season long.

    Orange Cranberry Butter Cookies Ingredients

    Unsalted Butter
    Powdered Sugar
    Vanilla Extract
    Gluten Free Flour
    Baking Powder
    Sea Salt
    Dried Cranberries
    Orange Zest
    Demerara Sugar

    Instructions

    Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line three baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.

    Beat the room temperature butter in the stand mixer for 2-3 minutes until it's creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat until smooth.

    In a bowl whisk together the gluten free flour, baking powder and sea salt. Add this to the butter mixture. Blend together until just combined. Add the dried cranberries and orange zest and mix to combine them into the dough.

    Divide the dough into half. Roll each half into a log in parchment paper that's about 2 inches wide by 2 inches tall. Chill for at least 2 hours.

    Place the demerara sugar on a plate or shallow dish. Roll each cookie log in the demerara sugar and gently press the sugar into the sides. Cut the log into ¼ inch thick rounds using a very sharp knife.

    Place cookie rounds on a lined baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes. The edges will be slightly browned around the edges when they are done.

    Cranberry Fluff Salad

    This cranberry fluff salad has been on our Thanksgiving table for as long as I can remember, and it somehow disappears faster than the pie. Sweet pineapple, tart fresh cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a cloud of homemade whipped cream come together in one bowl for a salad that tastes just as good as dessert.

    a serving bowl of cranberry fluff salad with little dishes of marshmallows and fresh cranberries beside it

    This is one of those old fashioned holiday recipes everyone seems to have a version of, but ours leans on fresh cranberries instead of canned, and real whipped cream instead of a tub of Cool Whip, for a brighter, lighter flavor.

    It's gluten free, comes together in minutes, and only gets better the longer it chills, so it's one less thing to worry about on Thanksgiving or Christmas Day.

    If you are looking for more cranberry recipes try my Frozen Cranberry Margarita Mocktail, my Gluten Free Cranberry Orange Muffins, my Gluten Free Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs or my Gluten Free Orange Cranberry Butter Cookies.

    You can find all of my Christmas recipes here: Easy Gluten Free Christmas Recipes

    You can find all of my Thanksgiving recipes here: Delicious Gluten Free Thanksgiving Recipes

    a serving bowl of cranberry fluff salad with small bowls of marshmallows and fresh cranberries beside it
    [feast_advanced_jump_to]

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • Made with fresh cranberries and real whipped cream instead of canned sauce or a tub of Cool Whip
    • Comes together in one bowl in under 15 minutes of hands on time
    • A gluten free dessert salad that works for both Thanksgiving and Christmas
    • Gets better the longer it chills, so it's easy to make ahead for a busy holiday

    Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

    A few small details make a big difference in how this salad turns out. Make sure to drain the crushed pineapple well before adding it, since extra liquid will thin out the whipped cream and make the salad watery instead of fluffy.

    Fresh cranberries give the brightest flavor and best texture, but if fresh aren't available, frozen cranberries work too as long as they are thawed and well drained first. If you are short on time, a tub of whipped topping can stand in for the homemade whipped cream, though the flavor and texture will not be quite as light.

    • Nuts: pecans or walnuts both work well, or leave them out for a nut free version.
    • Marshmallows: classic mini marshmallows are traditional, but colored mini marshmallows make it feel extra festive for Christmas.
    • Pineapple: be sure to use crushed pineapple, not pineapple chunks or tidbits, for the right texture.

    How to Store and Make Ahead

    This salad is easiest to enjoy within a day or two of making it, since the marshmallows and whipped cream will start to lose their fluffy texture the longer they sit. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

    To get ahead of your holiday prep, you can chop the cranberries and mix them with the sugar up to 2 days in advance and store that mixture separately in the refrigerator, then stir everything else together the day before you plan to serve it. This salad does not freeze well, since the whipped cream and marshmallows change texture once thawed.

    Ways to Customize This Cranberry Fluff Salad

    This recipe is easy to make your own with a few simple swaps or additions.

    • Fold in a cup of mandarin orange segments for extra sweetness and color.
    • Add a handful of shredded coconut for a texture similar to ambrosia salad.
    • Stir in a little orange zest for a brighter, more citrusy flavor.
    • Swap the pecans for toasted walnuts, or leave the nuts out entirely.

    Top Tip

    The fresh cranberries and granulated sugar are chopped up in a food processor. How fine you want the cranberries is up to you. I like them a little bit chunky, so I adjust my food processor setting to chop instead of puree.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is cranberry fluff salad?

    Cranberry fluff salad is a sweet, creamy salad made with fresh cranberries, pineapple, marshmallows, and whipped cream. It's similar to other fluff or ambrosia style salads, but it stands out for its bright, tart cranberry flavor, which makes it a favorite at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

    Can I freeze cranberry fluff salad?

    I haven't frozen this salad before. I like it cold, but I don't think frozen would be as good.

    If you are wanting to freeze it for later you could do that if you are using store bought whipped cream. Store bought whipped cream freezes easily and defrosts to the same consistency. If you are making homemade whipped cream it may separate as it defrosts, so I wouldn't suggest freezing it.

    Can I make this ahead of time?

    Yes, and it actually tastes better when you do. You can chop the cranberries and mix them with the sugar up to 2 days ahead, then stir in the remaining ingredients the day before serving. See the Storage and Make Ahead section above for details.

    Do I need to drain the pineapple?

    Yes. Draining the crushed pineapple well before adding it is an important step. Skipping it will add extra liquid to the salad and make it watery instead of thick and fluffy.

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    Cranberry Fluff Salad Supplies

    More Recipes You Might Enjoy

    • Gluten Free Cranberry Apple Crisp
    • Gluten Free Cranberry Orange Muffins
    • Gluten Free Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs
    • Gluten Free Cranberry Jam

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    Cranberry Fluff Salad


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    • Author: Elaine VanVleck
    • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
    • Yield: 4 cups 1x
    • Diet: Gluten Free
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    Description

    This sweet and tart cranberry fluff salad is a Thanksgiving and Christmas classic that always disappears fast. It comes together in minutes and gets even better the longer it chills, making it one of the easiest make ahead desserts for your holiday table.


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 1 ½ cups Fresh Cranberries
    • ¾ cup Granulated Sugar
    • 1 cup Crushed Pineapple, drained
    • 1 cup Pecans, chopped
    • 2 cups Small Marshmallows
    • 3 cups Whipped Cream

    Instructions

    Place the fresh cranberries and granulated sugar in your food processor and chop them into pieces. Adjust your food processor for the consistency you would like. I like hearty chunks of cranberries.

    In a medium sized bowl pour the cranberry mixture, crushed pineapple, pecans, marshmallows and whipped cream. Stir all the ingredients together until they are mixed well.

    Place the covered bowl in the refrigerator for at least two hours before serving.

    If you made this recipe please leave a star rating and comment below. It helps other readers find this recipe and means so much to me.

    • Prep Time: 2 hours, 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 0 minutes
    • Category: Salad
    • Method: Food Processor
    • Cuisine: American

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @smallfarmbiglife on Instagram and hashtag it #smallfarmbiglife

    If you make this cranberry fluff salad, I would love to hear how it turned out. Leave a comment and a star rating below, and tag @smallfarmbiglife on Instagram so I can see your holiday table. Looking for more holiday dishes? Check out my full collections of Gluten Free Christmas Recipes and Gluten Free Thanksgiving Recipes.

    Cranberry Fluff Salad Ingredients

    • Fresh Cranberries
    • Granulated Sugar
    • Crushed Pineapple
    • Pecans
    • Small Marshmallows
    • Whipped Cream

    Instructions

    Place the fresh cranberries and granulated sugar in your food processor and chop them into pieces. Adjust your food processor for the consistency you would like. I like hearty chunks of cranberries.

    In a medium sized bowl pour the cranberry mixture, crushed pineapple, pecans, marshmallows and whipped cream. Stir all the ingredients together until they are mixed well.

    Place the covered bowl in the refrigerator for at least two hours before serving.

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