Cranberry Orange Cookies

I love cranberry orange everything (especially cranberry orange oatmeal for breakfast, yum!).  So, today I had to try out cranberry orange cookies.  I was going to do something chocolaty for Valentine's Day, but thought having red cranberries in the cookies sort of counts as part of a Valentine's theme.  These cookies are so delicious!  My daughter, Kait, was eating them like the world was coming to an end.  Something about the orange sugar on these cookies makes them extra special.  They are a new favorite here - I highly recommend these every day - and especially for your sweethearts this Valentine's Day.

Cranberry Orange Cookies
Cookies:

1 Tbsp. ground flax seeds
3 Tbsp. water
1 cup sugar

3/4 cup vegan butter, softened

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries, chopped

1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest

Orange Sugar:
1/3 cup sugar

1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest

Heat oven to 350°F.

Combine flax with water and mix well.  Set aside and let it sit for at least a few minutes.

Combine all orange sugar ingredients in small bowl; stir until well mixed. Set aside.

Combine 1 cup sugar, butter and and the flax/water mixture in large bowl; beat at medium speed until creamy. In a separate bowl combine the flour, baking powder and baking soda. Add slowly to the other ingredients and beat until well mixed. Add all remaining ingredients. Continue beating just until mixed.

Shape dough into 1-inch balls; roll balls in orange sugar. Place 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten with bottom of glass to 1 1/2-inch circles.

Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. (DO NOT OVER BAKE.) Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheets.