Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive treat that brings joy to every gathering, then you’ve found it! The Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe is a delightful combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange that fills your home with the aroma of the holidays. These cookies are not just perfect for Christmas; they’re great for busy weeknights or family gatherings throughout the season. They’re so easy to whip up that you might find yourself making them over and over again!

Baking these cookies is a cherished tradition in my home, and I know it will be in yours too. They bring smiles to faces young and old, making them the ideal addition to any holiday cookie plate or gift basket. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have warm cookies ready to share in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the sweet and tangy flavor of cranberry and orange, making these cookies a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can easily prepare the dough ahead of time and bake whenever you’re ready, perfect for last-minute guests!
• Deliciously Festive: The vibrant colors and flavors make these cookies a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday dessert table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need to create these delightful treats!

For the Cookie Dough

• 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

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these fun variations:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch!
• Use Fresh Cranberries: If you can find fresh cranberries, they can add a wonderful tartness.
• Play with Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a lovely warmth to the flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend if needed.

How to Make Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Together Butters and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies that perfect light texture. It should be fluffy and pale!

Step 2: Add Egg and Flavors

Next, beat in one egg along with the orange juice and zest. The egg helps bind everything together while adding richness, and the citrus gives an aromatic kick that complements the cranberries beautifully.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients. Mixing dry ingredients separately ensures even distribution of leavening agents and prevents clumping.

Step 4: Fold in Dried Cranberries

Gently fold in the dried cranberries until fully incorporated. This step is where the magic happens—those little bursts of tartness in each bite make all the difference!

Step 5: Bake Your Cookies

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 minutes until they are lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them; they bake quickly!

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

While your cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest in a small bowl to make a glaze. This bright topping adds sweetness while enhancing those delightful citrus notes.

Step 7: Drizzle on Glaze

Once cooled, drizzle your glaze over the cookies using a fork or piping bag. This final touch not only looks beautiful but adds an extra layer of flavor that ties everything together.

There you have it—the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe! Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or gift them to friends; either way, they are sure to spread holiday cheer!

Pro Tips for Making Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Baking is all about joy and experimentation, so here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes can help the flavors meld together and prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies.

• Use fresh ingredients: Opting for fresh orange juice and zest will enhance the citrus flavor of your cookies, making them more vibrant and aromatic.

• Don’t overmix the dough: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy delights.

• Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to incorporate nuts like walnuts or pecans for an added crunch or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm spice note that complements the cranberry and orange beautifully.

• Store properly: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness. You can also freeze them for longer storage, allowing you to enjoy holiday flavors well into the new year!

How to Serve Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

These delightful cookies not only taste amazing but also look beautiful on any holiday table. Here are some ideas on how to present them to impress your guests!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a festive touch and makes the cookies look extra special.
• Orange zest curls: Use a vegetable peeler to create thin strips of orange zest. Scatter these curls over the cookies for a pop of color and extra citrus aroma.

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: This classic beverage pairs perfectly with cranberry orange cookies, offering a rich chocolatey contrast that warms the soul—ideal for cozying up by the fire!
• Spiced tea: A cup of spiced tea complements the citrus notes in the cookies while providing a soothing and aromatic experience.
• Cheese platter: Serving cheese alongside your cookies can create an intriguing sweet-savory balance. Try sharp cheddar or creamy goat cheese for delightful pairings.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad, perhaps featuring more cranberries or citrus fruits such as mandarin oranges, can lighten up your dessert spread while enhancing the flavors in your cookies.

With these serving suggestions and tips, you’re well on your way to delighting friends and family with this festive treat. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy delicious holiday treats whenever you crave them.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• To keep them fresh longer, consider adding a slice of bread to the container, which helps maintain moisture.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 2 hours.
• Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They will last up to three months in the freezer.

Reheating

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes.
• Enjoy them warm for that fresh-baked taste!

FAQs

Have some questions? No problem! Here are a few common queries about the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe.

Can I make the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! These cookies can be made ahead of time and stored as instructed above, making them a convenient option for holiday gatherings.

What is the best way to store my Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies?

The best way to store your cookies is in an airtight container at room temperature or frozen for longer storage. This helps retain their delightful taste and texture.

Can I substitute the dried cranberries in this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute dried cranberries with other dried fruits like cherries or blueberries for a unique twist on flavors.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh for up to one week at room temperature and three months if frozen.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies! They’re not just a treat; they’re a lovely addition to any holiday gathering, bringing warmth and joy with every bite. I’m excited for you to try this recipe and share it with friends and family. Happy baking!