Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to brighten your holiday gatherings, you’ve come to the right place! The Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe is one that I hold close to my heart. These cookies are bursting with the bright flavors of orange and the tartness of cranberries, making them a perfect addition to any festive cookie platter. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy family gathering, these cookies will surely bring smiles all around.

I love how simple this recipe is, yet it feels special enough for any occasion. Plus, who can resist the beautiful combination of sweet and tart? It’s a wonderful way to embrace the holiday spirit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to make: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, you can whip these cookies up in no time!
• Family favorite: Kids and adults alike will adore these chewy treats filled with cranberries and the zest of orange.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare the cookie dough in advance and bake them fresh whenever you like.
• Festive flavors: The combination of cranberry and orange is not only delicious but also captures the essence of the holidays.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for our Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe. You’ll find that most are pantry staples, making this an easy recipe to whip up anytime you crave something sweet!

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 recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Use fresh cranberries: If you’re feeling adventurous, substitute dried cranberries with fresh ones for a more tart flavor.
• Try different zests: Lemon zest can be a refreshing twist instead of orange if you want a different citrus flavor.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate those with dietary restrictions.

How to Make Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key because it introduces air into your mixture, which helps create those delightfully chewy cookies we all love.

Step 2: Mix in Wet Ingredients

Next, add in the egg, orange juice, and orange zest. Mix until everything is well combined. The citrus juice not only adds flavor but also helps keep your cookies moist!

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. Stir gently until just combined—overmixing can lead to tough cookies!

Step 4: Fold in Cranberries

Now it’s time for the star ingredient! Gently fold in the dried cranberries until they are evenly distributed throughout your dough. This step adds those lovely bursts of flavor in each bite.

Step 5: Bake Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake for about 8 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; you want soft cookies that will firm up as they cool.

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

While your cookies are cooling on a wire rack, mix together powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle this delightful glaze over your cooled cookies for that perfect finishing touch.

And there you have it! The Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe brings joy not just through its taste but also through its ease of preparation. Enjoy baking and sharing these festive delights!

Pro Tips for Making Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Making cookies during the holiday season should be a joyful and stress-free experience, so here are some tips to ensure your cranberry orange cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature butter: This helps create a light and fluffy texture in your cookies. Cold butter can lead to dense cookies that won’t rise properly.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.

• Chill the dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can enhance the flavors and help the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

• Swap with fresh cranberries: If you’re feeling adventurous, use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones for a tangier burst of flavor. Just remember to chop them roughly to avoid large chunks in your cookies.

• Adjust sweetness based on preference: Feel free to reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer less sweetness; cranberries and orange already bring plenty of flavor to these cookies!

How to Serve Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

These delightful cranberry orange cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family evenings. Here are some serving ideas that will make your cookie presentation even more festive!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top of the cooled cookies adds a snowy effect that’s perfect for the holiday spirit.
• Orange zest: Grate some fresh orange zest over the cookies right before serving for an extra pop of color and aroma.

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: Rich and creamy hot cocoa pairs wonderfully with these sweet treats, creating a comforting winter beverage combination.
• Christmas fruit salad: A vibrant fruit salad with seasonal fruits like pomegranates, kiwi, and mandarin oranges brings a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
• Spiced tea: A warm cup of spiced tea complements the citrus notes in the cookies beautifully, enhancing their festive flavors.
• Cheese platter: A selection of mild cheeses can provide a savory balance to the sweetness of your cranberry orange cookies, making it an ideal pairing for holiday gatherings.

Enjoy baking these treats, and may your kitchen be filled with love, laughter, and delicious aromas this holiday season!

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe for Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies is perfect for meal prep during the busy holiday season. You can make the dough ahead of time or even bake and store the cookies, ensuring you always have a sweet treat on hand for guests or cozy evenings.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Enjoy them within a week for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

• To freeze cookie dough, scoop out balls of dough and place them on a baking sheet.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
• You can freeze baked cookies as well; just ensure they are cooled and stored in an airtight container. They will keep for up to three months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds to warm them up.

FAQs

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

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

While dried cranberries work best in this recipe for their sweetness and chewy texture, you can experiment with fresh cranberries. Just be aware that they will add tartness to your cookies, so consider adjusting the sugar accordingly!

How do I make these Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just ensure that it includes xanthan gum or add it separately if required to achieve the right texture.

Can I substitute butter with something else?

Yes! You can use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative if you’re looking for a non-dairy option. Keep in mind that this may slightly change the flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

These Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are not just delicious; they’re filled with festive cheer! The combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange brings joy to every bite, making them perfect for sharing during the holidays. I hope you enjoy making these cookies as much as I do. Happy baking, and may your holiday season be filled with warmth and sweetness!