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! The Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe is one of my absolute favorites. These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with vibrant flavors, making them perfect for cozy family gatherings or last-minute holiday parties. Plus, they’re so easy to whip up during those busy weeknights when you just need a little festive cheer!

What makes these cookies truly special is how the tartness of cranberries perfectly balances with the bright notes of orange. Every bite feels like a warm hug in cookie form! Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a staple in your holiday baking routine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, these cookies come together quickly. Perfect for any skill level!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet-tart flavor combo. They’re sure to be a hit at any gathering.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: These cookies store well, so you can bake them in advance and enjoy them throughout the season.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cranberry and orange is festive and refreshing—perfect for holiday snacking!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create our delicious cookies! You might already have most of these on hand for your holiday baking.

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 get creative with these fun variations:

• Add Nuts: Throw in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Use Fresh Cranberries: If you have fresh cranberries available, chop them up instead of using dried ones for a burst of tartness.
• Spice it Up: Add some cinnamon or nutmeg to give your cookies a warm spice kick.
• Orange Alternative: Swap out orange juice and zest for lemon if you prefer a different citrus flavor.

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 mixing bowl. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the mixture, which helps make your cookies light and fluffy. Beat until everything is smooth and creamy!

Step 2: Add Egg and Citrus Juice

Next, add in your egg along with the orange juice and zest. Mixing in these ingredients not only adds moisture but also infuses those lovely citrus flavors right into your dough! Stir 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 them separately first ensures that everything combines evenly without overworking the dough—this helps keep your cookies tender.

Step 4: Fold in Cranberries

Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in the dried cranberries into your dough. Make sure they are evenly distributed so every cookie has that delicious fruity punch!

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 minutes or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them; they can go from perfect to browned quickly!

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

While your cookies cool on a wire rack, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest for that delightful glaze. Drizzle it over each cookie once they are completely cooled for a finishing touch that adds sweetness and zing!

Now you’re ready to enjoy your Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies! They make wonderful gifts or simply a tasty treat to savor during this joyful season. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Baking is all about love and a little bit of know-how! Here are some pro tips to ensure your cookies turn out absolutely delightful.

• Use room temperature butter: Softened butter blends more easily with sugars, creating a creamier texture that will make your cookies tender and delicious.

• Don’t skimp on zest: Fresh orange zest adds a burst of flavor that elevates the cookie. The essential oils in the zest bring out the citrus notes beautifully.

• Chill the dough: If you have time, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. It helps prevent spreading and results in thicker, chewier cookies.

• Watch your baking time: Every oven is different! 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.

• Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to add chopped nuts or white chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Just remember to keep it balanced!

How to Serve Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Presenting your holiday cookies can be just as fun as baking them! Here are some ideas to make your cookie platter shine at any festive gathering.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a lovely touch of sweetness and makes the cookies look extra festive.
• Orange slices: Place thin slices of fresh orange beside the cookies for a colorful contrast and a hint at the refreshing flavor within.

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: This classic drink pairs perfectly with sweet cookies, providing warmth and richness. Top it with whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free treat.
• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits can balance the sweetness of the cookies while adding vibrant colors to your table.
• Cheese platter: A selection of mild cheeses can complement the tartness of cranberries beautifully. Consider including some nut-based cheeses for a plant-based option.
• Spiced tea: Offering spiced tea adds warmth and holiday cheer, making it a cozy pairing with your cookie spread.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll surely impress your guests with your delicious Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time, ensuring you have delicious treats ready to share during the festive season.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week.

Freezing

• To freeze, place the cooled cookies 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 kept in the freezer for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy!

Reheating

• For best results, reheat cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through.

FAQs

Got questions? Here are some common ones about our Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe!

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried for this recipe?

While dried cranberries provide sweetness and a chewy texture, you could use fresh cranberries. Just keep in mind that they will alter the texture and sweetness of your cookies. You may want to increase the sugar slightly to balance their tartness.

How do I make my Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies more festive?

You can add festive sprinkles on top of the icing or mix in some white or dark chocolate chips into the batter for an extra touch of holiday cheer.

Can I substitute butter with a non-dairy alternative?

Yes! You can use non-dairy butter substitutes or coconut oil instead of regular butter. This will give your cookies a different flavor but still keep them delicious!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies! They bring such warmth and joy to any gathering, and the delightful combination of flavors makes them unique and special. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, these cookies are sure to spread holiday cheer. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with love this season!