Irresistible Christmas Cranberry Cobbler: Your Ultimate Holiday Dessert & Breakfast
There’s a special magic to holiday baking, and this Christmas Cranberry Cobbler perfectly captures it. Imagine a warm, golden-brown dessert, brimming with sweet and tart cranberries, and topped with shimmering crystalized sugar for that irresistible crunch. It’s the kind of dish that not only steals the show on Christmas Eve but also transforms into an even more delightful treat when enjoyed as leftovers on Christmas morning. This recipe promises a heartwarming experience, blending festive flavors with effortless preparation, making your holiday celebrations even sweeter and simpler.

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About This Festive Cranberry Cobbler
Get ready to embrace the ultimate holiday dessert that effortlessly doubles as a delightful breakfast: our Christmas Cranberry Cobbler! This recipe is a true game-changer for anyone who loves festive flavors but appreciates simplicity. Forget complicated, multi-tiered holiday cakes that demand hours of intricate work. This cobbler is a celebration of rustic charm and incredible taste, designed for those moments when you want maximum deliciousness with minimal fuss.
Imagine the aroma wafting through your home – a comforting blend of warm cinnamon, sweet sugar, and the bright, tangy burst of cranberries. Each spoonful offers a perfect contrast: the soft, cake-like batter underneath, the tender, juicy cranberries, and the delightful crispness of the sugared topping. The crystalized sugar that forms during baking not only adds a beautiful sparkle but also provides a satisfying textural element that sets this cobbler apart. Its unique texture is one of the reasons it’s so beloved; crunchy on top, soft and gooey underneath, and bursting with the freshness of cranberries.
This dish truly embodies the spirit of a relaxed holiday. It’s ideal for a cozy Christmas Eve gathering, served warm with a dollop of vanilla ice cream. But the magic doesn’t end there! Waking up on Christmas morning to leftover cobbler, perhaps with a steaming cup of coffee or a celebratory mimosa, is a tradition waiting to happen. It’s a reminder that the holidays are about enjoying precious moments, savoring delicious food, and making cherished memories, rather than stressing over perfection.
While the thought of an elaborate Christmas cake might cross your mind, this cranberry cobbler offers an equally impressive, yet far more approachable, alternative. It’s comforting, vibrant, and utterly delicious – everything you could wish for in a holiday treat. The simplicity of its preparation means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of loved ones. So, put on your favorite holiday playlist, gather your ingredients, and let’s bake some happiness!

Key Ingredients for Your Cobbler
Crafting the perfect Christmas Cranberry Cobbler starts with selecting high-quality ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial for achieving that irresistible flavor and texture:
- Fresh Cranberries: For an unparalleled burst of flavor and a vibrant festive color, fresh cranberries are highly recommended. Their natural tartness beautifully balances the sweetness of the cobbler, creating a dynamic taste profile that prevents the dessert from being overly sugary. The freshness also ensures a satisfying ‘pop’ as you bite into them. If fresh cranberries are unavailable, frozen ones can be used; just remember to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid to prevent the cobbler from becoming watery. This extra step ensures the best possible consistency and prevents a soggy bottom.
- Granulated Sugar: This recipe primarily uses granulated sugar to achieve the ideal sweetness. It not only sweetens the cobbler batter but also creates that beautiful crystalized, slightly crunchy topping on the cranberries, adding a delightful texture. For a slightly deeper, more caramel-like note, you can substitute a portion of the granulated sugar (perhaps 1/2 cup) with light brown sugar, especially in the cobbler batter itself. This can add a richer depth of flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our cobbler batter, all-purpose flour provides the necessary structure and a soft, tender crumb. It’s important for the cake-like base that holds the cranberries. For those with dietary restrictions or gluten sensitivities, a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend can be successfully used as a substitute without significantly compromising the cobbler’s texture, ensuring everyone can enjoy this holiday treat.
- Baking Powder: As the primary leavening agent, baking powder is essential for giving the cobbler its light, fluffy, and tender texture. It reacts with moisture and heat to create air bubbles within the batter, ensuring your cobbler rises beautifully and isn’t too dense. It contributes to the desirable cake-like consistency.
- Ground Cinnamon: A touch of ground cinnamon adds a warm, aromatic spice that perfectly complements the tart cranberries and enhances the overall holiday flavor profile. Cinnamon is synonymous with festive baking and brings a comforting depth to the dish. Feel free to use your favorite brand of ground cinnamon for the best results, as quality spices make a noticeable difference.
- Kosher Salt: A small amount of finely ground kosher salt is crucial for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors in the cobbler. It prevents the dessert from tasting flat and brings out the natural brightness of the cranberries. Avoid using coarse salt, as it may not dissolve properly, leading to unpleasant pockets of intense saltiness. If you opt for salted butter, remember to omit the added salt from the recipe list to avoid over-salting the dish.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted unsalted butter adds richness, moisture, and a wonderful depth of flavor to the cobbler batter. Using unsalted butter gives you precise control over the overall saltiness of the dish, allowing you to season it perfectly. If you only have salted butter on hand, it’s perfectly fine to use, but make sure to adjust or completely omit the additional salt called for in the recipe list. Ensure your butter is fully melted before incorporating it into the wet ingredients for smooth mixing.
- Whole Milk: Whole milk contributes significantly to the cobbler’s tender crumb and rich flavor. Its higher fat content helps create a moist and delicious batter that stays soft even after cooling. If whole milk isn’t available, 2% milk can be used as a suitable alternative, though it might result in a slightly less rich texture. Ideally, use room temperature milk for better emulsion with other wet ingredients.
- Large Eggs: Eggs act as a vital binder, helping to hold the cobbler together and adding to its structure and richness. They also contribute to the tenderness and moisture of the finished product. Always use large eggs for consistent baking results, and for optimal incorporation into the batter, ensure they are at room temperature before mixing.
- Vanilla Extract: A high-quality vanilla extract elevates the flavor of any baked good, adding a layer of sophisticated sweetness and warmth. We highly recommend using a premium vanilla, such as Nielsen Massey’s Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract, for its deep, complex notes that beautifully enhance the cranberry and cinnamon, making the cobbler truly special.
Gathering these ingredients beforehand, often referred to as ‘mise en place,’ ensures a smooth and enjoyable baking process, leading to a truly memorable Christmas Cranberry Cobbler that tastes as good as it looks.

Essential Baking Tools
Having the right tools can make all the difference in your baking experience. For this Christmas Cranberry Cobbler, you don’t need an arsenal of specialized equipment, but a few key items will ensure a smooth process and perfect results. Here are our must-haves:
- Cast Iron Skillet: Our top recommendation for baking this cobbler is a Lodge cast iron skillet. A 10 or 12-inch skillet works wonderfully. Cast iron provides incredibly even heat distribution, ensuring the cobbler bakes beautifully with perfectly golden, crisp edges and a wonderfully tender bottom. It also looks incredibly rustic and charming when served directly from the skillet, minimizing cleanup. If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, a 10-inch diameter or 1 1/2 quart oven-safe baking dish will also work beautifully; just be sure to grease it very well with butter or cooking spray.
- Mixing Bowls: A set of durable metal mixing bowls (or any large and medium bowls) is indispensable for any baker. You’ll need one large bowl for whisking your dry ingredients together and a medium bowl for smoothly blending your wet ingredients. They are incredibly versatile and used almost daily in the kitchen for various preparations.
- Whisk: A good quality whisk is essential for thoroughly combining your dry ingredients, ensuring they are lump-free and evenly distributed. It’s also perfect for smoothly blending your wet ingredients, creating a uniform mixture before combining with the dry.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: A sturdy wooden spoon or a heat-resistant rubber spatula is perfect for gently folding the wet ingredients into the dry, preventing overmixing, and for efficiently scraping down the sides of your bowls to ensure all ingredients are incorporated.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key in baking, as the precise ratios of ingredients determine the final texture and consistency of your cobbler. Ensure you have a reliable set of both for dry and liquid ingredients to achieve consistent, delicious results every time.
Other Recommended Baking Essentials
While not strictly necessary for this specific cobbler recipe, these are some general baking favorites that are always useful to have in your kitchen for various culinary adventures:
9-inch Springform Pan
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Cupcake Pan
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3 Quart Baking Dish
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How to Make This Easy Christmas Cranberry Cobbler
This Christmas Cranberry Cobbler recipe is incredibly straightforward, ensuring a stress-free baking experience even during the busy holiday season. With just a few simple steps, you can create a delightful dessert that will impress everyone with its festive flavors and comforting appeal. Follow these instructions carefully to achieve a perfectly baked cobbler every time:
Step 1: Preparing the Cranberries
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, it’s essential to prepare your baking vessel. Generously butter your 12-inch cast iron skillet or a 10-inch diameter/1 1/2-quart baking dish. Ensuring the pan is well-greased will prevent the cobbler from sticking to the bottom and sides, which is crucial for achieving those desirable golden-brown edges and for easy serving.
- In a small mixing bowl, gently combine the fresh cranberries with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Toss them carefully until each cranberry is lightly and evenly coated. This initial sugar coating serves multiple purposes: it helps the cranberries retain their shape during baking, prevents them from sinking to the very bottom of the cobbler, and gives them a lovely candied texture and a slightly sweeter burst of flavor once baked. Set this bowl aside while you proceed to prepare the cobbler batter.
Step 2: Mixing the Cobbler Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all your dry ingredients: the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. Whisking them thoroughly for about 30 seconds ensures that the leavening agent (baking powder) and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is crucial for a consistent rise and a balanced flavor in your finished cobbler.
- In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, whole milk, the remaining granulated sugar (1 cup + 2 Tbsp), large eggs, and vanilla extract. Continue whisking until all these wet ingredients are well combined, smooth, and homogenous. This ensures that when added to the dry ingredients, everything blends together seamlessly.
- Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, stir gently until the ingredients are just combined. It is very important not to overmix the batter at this stage; overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, which will lead to a tough and chewy cobbler instead of a light and tender one. A few small lumps are perfectly fine and often indicate a tender crumb in the final baked product.
- Once the batter is ready and just combined, carefully scrape it into your prepared (buttered) cast iron skillet or baking dish. Use your spatula to spread the batter evenly across the bottom of the pan, creating a smooth base for your cranberries.
- Finally, take your sugar-coated cranberries and scatter them evenly over the top of the cobbler batter. Distribute them as best as you can. Don’t worry if some cranberries sink slightly into the batter; they’ll still create beautiful pockets of tart sweetness and vibrant color throughout the cobbler.
Step 3: Baking to Golden Perfection
- Carefully place the skillet or baking dish into your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Ensure it’s placed on a central rack for even baking.
- Bake for approximately 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges of the cobbler are beautifully golden brown and bubbling, and the center is set. You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the cake-like portion of the cobbler (avoiding a cranberry); if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, your cobbler is ready. The sugared cranberries on top will also look slightly crystalized and plump, and the top will feel springy to the touch.
- Once baked, carefully remove the cobbler from the oven. Allow it to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving warm, or let it come completely to room temperature. While delicious warm, many find that the flavors and textures of this Christmas Cranberry Cobbler truly shine when served at room temperature, as it allows the internal structure to set and the flavors to deepen, making it an ideal make-ahead holiday treat!
Enjoy the rich, festive flavors and comforting warmth of your homemade Christmas Cranberry Cobbler!

Pro Tips for a Perfect Cranberry Cobbler
Achieving a truly exceptional Christmas Cranberry Cobbler is easy with a few insider tips. These suggestions will help you elevate your baking and ensure your cobbler is absolutely perfect every time, impressing family and friends with its delightful taste and texture:
- Serve at Room Temperature for Optimal Flavor: While it’s incredibly tempting to dig into this cranberry cobbler fresh out of the oven, its flavors and textures truly develop and meld beautifully when allowed to cool to room temperature. The crumb becomes more stable, the topping slightly crisper, and the tartness of the cranberries, along with the warm spices, harmonizes perfectly. This is why it’s such a fantastic dessert for Christmas Eve – bake it the night before, let it cool completely, and then enjoy the divine leftovers on Christmas morning.
- Prioritize Fresh Cranberries: For the most vibrant taste, best texture, and optimal presentation, fresh cranberries are your best bet. They hold their shape well, offer a natural “pop” when baked, and provide a zesty tang that’s characteristic of a classic cranberry cobbler. If fresh aren’t available, frozen cranberries are a viable alternative, but remember the crucial step: thaw them completely and thoroughly drain any accumulated liquid before tossing them with sugar. This prevents excess moisture from releasing into the batter during baking, which could otherwise alter the cobbler’s perfect consistency and make it soggy.
- Embrace Cranberry-Orange Bliss: If you adore the classic pairing of cranberry and orange, consider adding some freshly grated orange zest to your cobbler batter. The bright, citrusy notes of orange zest wonderfully complement the tartness of the cranberries and the warmth of the cinnamon, adding another layer of festive flavor and a delightful aroma. About 1-2 teaspoons of zest should be sufficient to infuse that delightful taste without overpowering the other elements.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: For a tender and light cobbler with a melt-in-your-mouth crumb, avoid overmixing the batter. Once the wet ingredients are added to the dry, mix only until they are just combined and no streaks of dry flour remain. A few small lumps are perfectly acceptable and indicate you haven’t overdeveloped the gluten, which can lead to a tough or chewy texture in the final product.
- Check for Doneness Accurately: The cobbler is ready when the edges are beautifully golden brown and bubbling, and a toothpick inserted into the cake-like portion of the cobbler (avoiding a cranberry) comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. The top cranberries should appear slightly crystalized and plump, and the overall surface should feel set and lightly springy.
- Proper Pan Preparation Matters: Whether you opt for a sturdy cast iron skillet or a traditional ceramic baking dish, ensure it’s generously buttered or thoroughly greased with cooking spray. This crucial step not only prevents the cobbler from sticking, making for easier serving, but also helps create a lovely, slightly caramelized crust on the bottom and sides of the cobbler, adding another layer of texture and flavor.
More tasty Christmas baking recipes to try: Chai Snickerdoodle Cookies | Gingerbread Christmas Crack Candy | Christmas Shortbread Cookies | Panettone Bread Pudding

FAQ: Do You Need to Cook Cranberries Before Baking?
No, you absolutely do not need to pre-cook fresh cranberries before adding them to your cobbler batter. This is one of the beauties of working with fresh cranberries in a recipe like this! When you bake them directly in the cobbler, they soften beautifully within the moist, tender batter. As the heat penetrates, the cranberries will naturally burst, releasing their vibrant, tart juices which then meld with the surrounding cake-like mixture. This creates wonderful pockets of concentrated flavor and a tender, juicy texture that truly enhances the overall dessert experience. Pre-cooking them could make them too mushy or cause them to lose some of their distinctive, bright tartness, which is essential for balancing the sweetness of the cobbler. The baking process itself is perfectly sufficient to cook the cranberries to an ideal consistency, ensuring they remain plump and flavorful without becoming overdone.
FAQ: Should You Thaw Frozen Cranberries Before Baking?
Yes, if you’re opting to use frozen cranberries, it is highly recommended to thaw them completely before incorporating them into the cobbler batter. Frozen cranberries contain a significant amount of ice crystals due to the freezing process. If you add them directly to the batter in their frozen state, these ice crystals will melt rapidly during baking. This sudden release of excess water into your cobbler can significantly throw off the delicate moisture balance of the batter. The result could be a soggy or overly wet cobbler, rather than the desired tender and slightly crisp texture we’re aiming for. After thawing, make sure to drain the cranberries thoroughly using a colander. For best results, you can even gently pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any lingering surface moisture. This extra step ensures that your cobbler maintains its perfect consistency, rich flavor, and delightful texture.
Need more holiday recipe inspiration? Check out my holiday recipes page!

Serving Suggestions for Christmas Cranberry Cobbler
The beauty of this Christmas Cranberry Cobbler lies in its remarkable versatility. It’s a delightful treat that fits seamlessly into various holiday occasions, whether as a festive dessert to cap off a meal or a special, comforting breakfast to start your holiday morning. Here are some ideas to make your cobbler experience even more memorable and to truly elevate your holiday spread:
- Classic Dessert Presentation: For a truly indulgent dessert, serve the cobbler warm, straight from the oven or gently reheated. A generous scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream melting over the warm, tart cranberries is an absolute dream (the quintessential à la mode style!). The cold ice cream provides a wonderful contrast to the warm cobbler, creating a harmonious blend of temperatures and textures. Alternatively, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, a rich crème anglaise, or even a simple dusting of powdered sugar would also be exquisitely delicious. Pair it with a rich cup of freshly brewed coffee, a sophisticated espresso, or even a glass of dessert wine for an elegant finish to your holiday meal.
- Elevated Holiday Brunch: As mentioned, this cobbler excels as a Christmas morning breakfast, or any festive holiday brunch. Serve warm or room temperature slices alongside a vibrant brunch spread. A chilled glass of sparkling champagne or a vibrant mimosa (orange juice and sparkling wine) provides the perfect celebratory touch for adult gatherings. For a delightful non-alcoholic option, fresh orange juice, a warm mug of spiced apple cider, or a cozy herbal tea would be equally inviting. The cobbler’s sweet and tart profile also beautifully complements savory breakfast items like crispy bacon, savory sausage links, or a light frittata, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
- Festive Cocktail Pairing: If you’re looking for a delightful liquid accompaniment that enhances the holiday spirit, consider a themed cocktail. This Cranberry Spice Sparkler would be an ideal pairing, echoing the bright cranberry notes of the cobbler and adding a touch of effervescent festive cheer. Its subtle spices would beautifully complement the cinnamon in the cobbler.
- Sweet Treat Spread: Hosting a cookie exchange, a holiday potluck, or a lavish dessert buffet? The Christmas Cranberry Cobbler makes a fantastic centerpiece. Its rustic charm and inviting aroma will draw everyone in. Surround it with an array of other beloved holiday treats to create an irresistible spread:
- Classic Snowball Cookies: Their delicate, powdery sweetness and nutty crunch offer a lovely textural and flavor contrast to the cobbler.
- Cranberry White Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies: For those who can’t get enough cranberries, these cookies double down on the goodness, with added texture from oats and creamy sweetness from white chocolate.
- Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies: A timeless favorite that appeals to all ages, providing a comforting and familiar option.
No matter how you choose to serve it, this Christmas Cranberry Cobbler is sure to be a heartwarming addition to your holiday traditions, filling your home with delicious aromas and creating unforgettable moments of joy and togetherness.
How to Store and Reheat Your Cobbler
One of the many advantages of this delicious Christmas Cranberry Cobbler is how well it stores and reheats. This makes it a perfect make-ahead option for busy holiday gatherings or for simply enjoying delectable leftovers over several days during the bustling holiday season.
- Storing: To maintain its freshness, tender texture, and delicious flavor, ensure your cobbler is completely cooled to room temperature before storing. Transfer any leftover cobbler to an airtight container. It can be safely stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, making it convenient for short-term enjoyment. For longer freshness, especially if you’ve added ice cream or whipped cream to a serving, it is best stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. If you’re storing the entire cobbler in its original skillet, simply cover it tightly with several layers of plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
- Reheating: Reheating your cobbler is quick and easy, allowing you to enjoy that fresh-baked warmth and delightful aroma whenever you crave it.
- Microwave Method: For individual slices, place a portion on a microwave-safe plate. Reheat for 15 to 30 seconds on high power, or until it’s warmed through to your liking. Start with less time and add more if needed, as microwaves vary. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry out the cobbler’s delicate cake-like base.
- Oven Method: If you have a larger portion or the entire cobbler to reheat and prefer an oven-fresh crispness, this method is ideal. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Cover the cobbler loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the top from browning further or becoming too dry, and place it in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through to the center. This method helps maintain the texture better than the microwave for larger quantities.
- Room Temperature: Sometimes, simply letting a refrigerated slice come back to room temperature for 20-30 minutes before eating is all it takes to enjoy its wonderful flavors and textures. As noted earlier, many find the cobbler truly shines at room temperature, making it a perfectly acceptable and delicious way to enjoy leftovers without reheating.
- Freezing: While cobblers are generally at their peak when fresh or refrigerated, you can freeze individual portions for longer storage, up to 1-2 months. To do this, wrap cooled slices tightly first in plastic wrap, then again in a layer of aluminum foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. To serve, thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat using either the microwave or oven method as desired.
With these comprehensive storage and reheating tips, you can extend the joy of your Christmas Cranberry Cobbler throughout the holiday season, ensuring you always have a delightful treat on hand to savor and share.
We truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this festive Christmas Cranberry Cobbler! If you try this recipe, please consider leaving a rating or a comment below. Your feedback means the world to us, and we always love hearing about your culinary creations and experiences. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions you might have in the comments section – we’re here to help! And if you share your beautifully baked cobbler on social media, be sure to tag us on Instagram or Facebook. Seeing these recipes come to life in your homes is our favorite part of sharing them with you!
Christmas Cranberry Cobbler
10 minutes
30 minutes
40 minutes
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Equipment
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12-inch Cast Iron Skillet (or 10-inch diameter/1 1/2-quart baking dish)
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Mixing Bowls (one large, one medium)
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Long Wooden Spoon or rubber spatula
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Whisk
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Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries (thawed and drained if frozen)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt (omit if using salted butter)
- 9 Tbsp unsalted butter (melted, plus more for buttering the pan)
- 1 cup + 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup whole milk (at room temperature)
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
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1. Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350˚F (175°C). Generously butter a 12-inch cast iron skillet or a comparable 10-inch diameter/1 1/2-quart baking dish.
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2. Sugar Cranberries: In a small bowl, gently toss the fresh cranberries with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar until coated. Set aside.
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3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt until well combined.
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4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, remaining sugar (1 cup + 2 Tbsp), whole milk, large eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
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5. Mix Batter: Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine.
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6. Assemble Cobbler: Scrape the batter into the prepared cast iron skillet. Evenly scatter the sugared cranberries over the top of the batter.
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7. Bake & Serve: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cobbler is golden brown on the edges and cooked through (a toothpick inserted into the cake part comes out clean). Serve warm or allow to cool to room temperature (it’s surprisingly delicious either way!).
Notes
Breakfast, Dessert, Holiday