Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to brighten up your holiday season, you’ve come to the right place! The Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe brings together the tangy sweetness of cranberries and the bright zest of oranges, creating a festive cookie that is perfect for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a family get-together or simply need a sweet pick-me-up during a busy week, these cookies are sure to become a favorite.

What makes this recipe so special is not just its vibrant flavors but also how easy it is to whip up. In just 25 minutes, you can have these delicious cookies ready to share (or keep all to yourself!). They are sure to fill your home with the wonderful aroma of the holidays and leave everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have these cookies in the oven before you know it.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves cookies! These are perfect for kids and adults alike, making them great for holiday parties.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake them fresh when you need them.
• Delicious Flavor Combination: The sweet cranberries paired with zesty orange create a flavor explosion that’s both refreshing and comforting.
• Perfectly Festive: These cookies make an excellent addition to any holiday dessert table or as gifts for friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make these delicious cookies. You probably have most of them in your kitchen already!

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

One of the best things about this cookie recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to mix it up based on what you have on hand or what flavors you love!

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Include Chocolate Chips: Swirl in some white or dark chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
• Change Up the Fruit: Substitute dried cherries or blueberries if cranberries aren’t your favorite.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour for a gluten-free treat.

How to Make Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butters and Sugars

Start by creaming together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the mixture, making your cookies light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until everything is well combined.

Step 2: Add Egg and Juices

Next, add in the egg, orange juice, and orange zest. Mixing these ingredients will give your cookies that wonderful citrus flavor that pairs beautifully with the cranberries. Make sure they are fully incorporated before moving on.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients. This method helps prevent clumps from forming while ensuring every bite has that perfect balance of flavors.

Step 4: Fold in Dried Cranberries

Gently fold in the dried cranberries using a spatula. This step adds bursts of tartness to each cookie, enhancing their overall flavor profile. Be careful not to overmix; we want those lovely bits of cranberry evenly distributed without breaking them apart.

Step 5: Bake Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving space between each one since they will spread while baking. Bake for about 8 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. These cookies are soft when they come out but will firm up as they cool!

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

While your cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth. Drizzling this glaze over your cooled cookies adds an extra layer of sweetness and makes them oh-so-pretty!

Enjoy every bite of these Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies! They’re truly made for sharing—just make sure you save some for yourself!

Pro Tips for Making Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Baking can be a delightful experience, especially when you have a few helpful tips up your sleeve! Here are some handy suggestions to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

• Use room temperature butter: Softened butter incorporates more air into the dough, leading to lighter and fluffier cookies. Cold butter can result in denser cookies that might not spread as nicely.

• Measure flour correctly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This prevents using too much flour, which can make your cookies tough rather than tender.

• Chill the dough: If you find your dough is too sticky to handle, chilling it for about 30 minutes will make it easier to scoop and shape. It also helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake! They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out of the oven. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

• Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to add some chopped nuts or white chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture. Just remember to adjust the amount of cranberries accordingly!

How to Serve Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

These vibrant cranberry orange cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Here are some fun ideas on how to present them for a festive touch!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a touch of elegance and a snowy effect perfect for the holidays.
• Orange zest: Adding a bit of fresh orange zest on top will enhance both the aroma and flavor while brightening up their appearance.

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: Rich, creamy hot cocoa pairs wonderfully with these cookies, providing a comforting drink that complements their sweetness.
• Spiced tea: A warm cup of spiced tea brings out the citrus notes in the cookies while adding a cozy element to your holiday treat.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits balances the richness of the cookies, making for a delightful contrast.
• Cheese platter: Consider serving alongside a cheese platter with mild cheeses; this adds an unexpected savory twist that pairs nicely with the sweet-tart flavors of cranberry and orange.

With these tips and serving ideas, you’re all set to share these delightful Christmas treats with family and friends. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These delightful cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the festive flavors of cranberry and orange throughout the season. Whether you’re planning for a holiday gathering or simply want to treat yourself, these cookies can be made in advance and stored with ease.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• For longer freshness, place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.
• Keep away from direct sunlight or heat sources to maintain their texture.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Just make sure to label the container with the date!

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place frozen cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds; keep an eye on them so they don’t get too soft!

FAQs

If you have questions about this recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries that might help you out.

What makes this the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe?

This recipe combines the tartness of cranberries with the zesty brightness of oranges, creating a unique blend of flavors ideal for holiday celebrations. Its soft and chewy texture complements its delightful taste perfectly.

Can I substitute ingredients in the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! You can replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter for a plant-based option. If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, consider using gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour.

How long do these cookies last after baking?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh for up to one week. If you want them to last longer, freezing is an excellent option!

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones?

While dried cranberries work best for this recipe due to their sweetness and texture, you can use fresh cranberries if you adjust the sugar slightly. Fresh cranberries are more tart, so consider adding a bit more sugar when mixing your dough.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe brings warmth and joy to your holiday season! The combination of sweet cranberries and vibrant orange zest creates such a cheerful treat that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. Enjoy making these festive delights, and may each bite remind you of the special moments we cherish during the holidays! Happy baking!