Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that perfectly captures the spirit of the holiday season, you’ve come to the right place! The Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe is a favorite in my home. The combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange creates a flavor that dances on your palate, evoking warm memories of family gatherings. These cookies are not just for Christmas; they’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy evening at home or a festive gathering with friends.

What makes these cookies truly special is how easy they are to whip up. They’re simple enough to make during a busy weeknight yet impressive enough to share with loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 25 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for last-minute baking!
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike adore the sweet-tart flavor combination, ensuring smiles all around.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake them fresh when needed—ideal for holiday prep!
• Versatile Treat: Great for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea.
• Festive Flair: The bright colors and flavors make these cookies a cheerful addition to any dessert spread.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients to create these delightful cookies. You’ll find everything you need right in your pantry!

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 cookie recipe is flexible, allowing you to customize it to suit your taste. Here are a few fun ideas to mix things up:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and richness.
• Swap Cranberries: Try using dried cherries or blueberries for a different fruity twist.
• Citrus Zing: Experiment with lemon or lime zest instead of orange for a refreshing change.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and depth to the flavor profile.

How to Make Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by creaming together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, leading to tender cookies. Using an electric mixer makes this process quick and easy!

Step 2: Add Egg and Citrus

Next, beat in one egg along with two tablespoons of fresh orange juice and one teaspoon of orange zest. Mixing in these ingredients will enhance the flavor profile while adding moisture to your dough.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together two and a half cups of flour, half a teaspoon each of salt and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients while mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cookies soft!

Step 4: Fold in Cranberries

Gently fold in two cups of dried cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the dough. These little gems will provide bursts of flavor in every bite!

Step 5: Bake Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake for about eight minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remember, they will continue cooking on the sheet after removing them from the oven!

Step 6: Glaze Your Cookies

While your cookies cool on wire racks, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, three tablespoons of orange juice, and half a teaspoon of orange zest until smooth. Drizzle this sweet mixture over cooled cookies for an extra touch of festive cheer!

Enjoy baking these delicious morsels with family or friends—I promise they’re sure to become a cherished tradition!

Pro Tips for Making Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Baking these cookies is a delightful experience, and with a few simple tips, you can make them even more scrumptious!

• Use room temperature butter: This helps your sugar and butter blend perfectly, resulting in a light and fluffy cookie texture.
• Don’t skip the zest: The orange zest enhances the citrus flavor and gives your cookies a fresh aroma that will fill your kitchen with holiday cheer.
• Chill the dough if time allows: Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can help the cookies maintain their shape while baking, preventing them from spreading too much.
• Measure flour correctly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off instead of scooping directly from the bag to avoid dense cookies.
• Mix in cranberries by hand: Gently folding in dried cranberries at the end ensures they are evenly distributed without breaking apart during mixing.

How to Serve Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

These delightful cookies are perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying with loved ones during the festive season. Here are some ideas on how to make them shine!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a lovely touch of sweetness and makes your cookies look extra festive.
• Candied orange peel: Adding small pieces of candied orange peel on top not only enhances the visual appeal but also brings an additional burst of citrus flavor.

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: Pair these cookies with a warm mug of hot cocoa for a cozy treat. The rich chocolate complements the tartness of cranberry beautifully.
• Spiced chai tea: The aromatic spices in chai tea harmonize perfectly with the flavors of cranberry and orange, making it an ideal pairing for your cookies.
• Fruit platter: A colorful assortment of seasonal fruits—like clementines, apples, and pomegranate—adds freshness and balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
• Cheese board: A selection of mild cheeses can provide a savory contrast to these sweet treats, creating a delightful balance on your holiday dessert table.

With these serving suggestions, you’ll be well on your way to impressing your family and friends with your deliciously festive Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These delightful cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time, making your holiday baking a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• If you want to keep them fresh longer, place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• To freeze, allow the cookies to cool completely first.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours until solid.
• Transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months!

Reheating

• When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
• For a warm treat, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried in the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe?

While dried cranberries provide sweetness and chewiness, you can use fresh cranberries. Just remember they will add more tartness, so adjust your sugar accordingly.

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

To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free as well.

What can I do if I don’t have orange zest?

If you don’t have orange zest on hand, you can substitute it with lemon zest for a slightly different flavor profile. It will still offer a refreshing citrus taste!

How should I store my Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies?

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, consider freezing them as mentioned above!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited about these Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies as I am! The flavorful combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange makes them truly special—perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holidays. Enjoy making this recipe, and may your holiday season be filled with warmth and delicious treats! Happy baking!