Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of the holiday season, then you’ve stumbled upon the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe! These cookies are not only bursting with the bright flavors of cranberry and orange, but they also evoke warm memories of family gatherings and festive celebrations. Every bite is like a little gift, making them perfect for sharing with loved ones or simply enjoying on a cozy evening at home.

What makes this recipe even more special is its simplicity. You can whip up these cookies quickly, whether you’re preparing for a big family gathering or just need a sweet snack to brighten your week. Trust me; once you bake these cookies, they will become a staple in your holiday baking lineup!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This cookie dough comes together in just 15 minutes, so you’ll have fresh cookies in no time!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange creates a burst of flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love helping out in the kitchen, and these cookies are a hit with everyone, young and old alike.
• Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s for holiday parties, neighbor gifts, or family treats, these cookies make sharing joy easy.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it for later baking. Perfect for those busy days!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need anything fancy here—just simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need to create your batch of deliciousness:

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

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it can be! Feel free to play around with different ingredients to make these cookies your own:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Try Different Dried Fruits: You can swap cranberries for dried cherries or raisins if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Infuse Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm spice twist.
• Make Them Vegan: Substitute the egg with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use vegan butter for a plant-based option.

How to Make Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine your softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer or whisk until everything is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into your mixture. A light texture in your cookies means they will be soft and tender once baked!

Step 2: Mix in Egg and Juices

Next, add in one egg along with two tablespoons of fresh orange juice and one teaspoon of orange zest. Beat this mixture until it’s well combined. The egg helps bind all the ingredients together while adding moisture; meanwhile, the citrus adds that lovely flavor we’re after!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft ones.

Step 4: Fold in Cranberries

Now it’s time to fold in those beautiful dried cranberries! Gently stir them into your cookie dough until evenly distributed. Each cookie will have that perfect tangy burst when you bite into them.

Step 5: Bake Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop spoonfuls of dough onto lined baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake for around eight minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them—they’re best when they’re just set but still soft!

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

While your cookies cool slightly on wire racks, whisk together powdered sugar, three tablespoons of orange juice, and half a teaspoon of orange zest until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over your cooled cookies for that extra touch of sweetness.

And there you have it—the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe! Enjoy every bite as you spread holiday cheer!

Pro Tips for Making Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and with these handy tips, you’ll ensure your cranberry orange cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature butter: Softened butter incorporates better with sugar, creating a light and fluffy cookie texture that melts in your mouth.

• Don’t skip the zest: Adding orange zest enhances the flavor profile by providing a fresh burst of citrus aroma, making your cookies even more irresistible.

• Chill the dough: If time allows, chilling your cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking helps prevent spreading and results in a thicker cookie.

• Measure flour properly: Too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour accurately—scoop it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.

• Keep an eye on baking time: Every oven is different! Start checking your cookies a minute or two before the suggested baking time. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.

How to Serve Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

These delightful cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights at home. Here are some charming ways to present them!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: Lightly sprinkle powdered sugar over cooled cookies for an elegant touch that adds sweetness.
• Candied orange slices: Top each cookie with a small piece of candied orange slice for an extra zing and beautiful presentation.

Side Dishes

• Hot chocolate: A warm mug of hot chocolate makes a comforting pairing, complementing the tartness of cranberries beautifully.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits can balance the sweetness of the cookies, offering a bright contrast.
• Spiced chai tea: The warm spices in chai tea pair wonderfully with the flavors of cranberry and orange, creating a cozy holiday experience.
• Cheese platter: A selection of mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese can provide a savory contrast to the sweet cookies, making for an inviting snack table.

Now that you have all these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re ready to bake up some magic in your kitchen this holiday season! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time and store them for that festive crunch anytime you need a holiday treat.

Storing Leftovers

• Store 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 about 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. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating

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

FAQs

Here are some common questions people have about this recipe!

Can I make the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe without eggs?

Yes! You can replace the egg with a flaxseed meal or chia seed mixture. Use 1 tablespoon of flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water as a substitute.

How do I know when my Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are done baking?

The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges. They may look slightly soft in the center but will firm up as they cool.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried in this cookie recipe?

While dried cranberries give these cookies their chewy texture, you can use fresh cranberries. Just chop them finely and adjust the sugar to balance out their tartness.

What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This should make it easier to handle.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies! With their delightful mix of tangy cranberries and zesty orange, they’re sure to become a holiday favorite. Enjoy sharing them with family and friends, or keep them all to yourself—no judgment here! Happy baking!