Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the spirit of the holidays, you’ve come to the right place! This Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe combines the tangy sweetness of cranberries with the zesty brightness of oranges. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family gathering or simply treating yourself after a long day, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to your face.

What makes these cookies extra special is their vibrant flavor and chewy texture. They’re perfect for sharing with friends or leaving out for Santa on Christmas Eve. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why this recipe is one of my all-time favorites!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip these cookies up in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the bright flavors and chewy texture of these cookies.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: These cookies store beautifully, making them perfect for holiday baking marathons.
• Festive Flavor: The combination of cranberry and orange brings a festive touch that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients! You won’t need anything fancy here—just some good old-fashioned staples that blend together beautifully to create these delicious cookies.

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups dried cranberries

For the Glaze:

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons orange juice
• 1/2 teaspoon orange zest

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

This cookie recipe is wonderfully flexible, so feel free to get creative! Here are some ideas to customize your batch:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Use Different Dried Fruits: Swap cranberries for dried cherries or blueberries for a unique twist.
• Mix in Chocolate Chips: For those who love chocolate, add some semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.

How to Make Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together your softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is essential because it incorporates air into the mixture, helping your cookies rise beautifully!

Step 2: Add Egg and Flavorings

Next, beat in one egg along with the orange juice and zest. This not only adds moisture but also infuses those wonderful citrus flavors into the dough. Mix until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Mixing slowly will help prevent any flour clouds from forming!

Step 4: Fold in Dried Cranberries

Gently fold in the dried cranberries until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. Each bite should be bursting with fruity goodness!

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto lined baking sheets. Bake for about 8 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; you want them soft and chewy!

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

While your cookies cool, whip up that delicious glaze! In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with orange juice and zest until smooth. Drizzle generously over cooled cookies for that extra festive touch.

And there you have it—your very own batch of Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies! Enjoy every last bite and share them with loved ones this holiday season!

Pro Tips for Making Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Baking these cookies is a delightful experience, and with a few pro tips, you can make them even better!

• Use room temperature butter: This ensures that the butter creams well with the sugars, resulting in a light and fluffy texture for your cookies.

• Fresh orange zest is key: Opt for fresh zest instead of bottled juice. It brings out a vibrant flavor that really enhances the holiday spirit in each bite.

• Don’t overmix the dough: When combining your dry ingredients with the wet ones, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies—nobody wants that!

• Chill the dough if possible: If time allows, chill your cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the flavors meld and can prevent spreading during baking.

• Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to add a handful of white chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor. Just ensure they complement the cranberries and oranges!

How to Serve Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

These festive cookies not only taste amazing but also look beautiful on any holiday table. Let’s explore some creative serving ideas!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a lovely touch that makes them feel extra special.
• Candied orange peel: Top each cookie with a small piece of candied orange peel for a pop of color and an additional citrus flavor.

Side Dishes

• Holiday fruit platter: A vibrant array of seasonal fruits like pomegranates, kiwis, and mandarin oranges beautifully complements the sweetness of your cookies.
• Spiced hot cider: Serve these cookies alongside a warm mug of spiced apple cider. The spices enhance the flavors of both treats and create a cozy atmosphere.
• Vanilla almond milk: This creamy alternative pairs wonderfully with your cranberry orange cookies. Its subtle sweetness balances nicely with the tartness of cranberries.
• Cheese platter: A selection of mild cheeses such as brie or gouda can provide a savory contrast to the sweet cookies, making for an exciting flavor combination.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies will be a hit at any holiday gathering! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These delightful cookies are perfect for meal prep during the busy holiday season. You can make a batch ahead of time, store them, and enjoy their festive flavors whenever you want.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator where they can last for up to two weeks.

Freezing

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container; they can be stored for up to three months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe.

Can I use fresh cranberries in this recipe?

While dried cranberries provide sweetness and texture, you can experiment with fresh cranberries. Keep in mind that they are more tart, so you may want to adjust the sugar accordingly.

How do I ensure my Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe turns out soft?

To keep these cookies soft, avoid overbaking them. Watch closely during the last minute of baking; they’re done when the edges are lightly golden but the center looks slightly underbaked.

Can I substitute butter with another fat?

Yes! If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, consider using coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. This will still yield delicious results!

How long do these cookies last?

When stored properly as mentioned above, these cookies can last up to one week at room temperature and longer if refrigerated or frozen.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe brings warmth and joy to your holiday celebrations! The combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange is sure to delight family and friends alike. Enjoy making these cookies as part of your festive traditions, and don’t hesitate to share your creations with loved ones. Happy baking!