Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a cookie that captures the essence of the holiday season, you’ve come to the right place! The Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe is not just a treat; it’s a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with warm, inviting aromas. These cookies are bursting with vibrant flavors of tangy cranberries and zesty orange, making them perfect for any festive gathering or cozy family night at home.

This recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it’s so easy to whip up, and the results are simply mouthwatering. Friends and family will rave about these cookies, and they make an excellent addition to any holiday dessert platter.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these delicious cookies in the oven in no time.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves the sweet-tart combination of cranberry and orange, making it a hit with both kids and adults.
• Perfect for gifting: Package these cookies up in a cute box or jar to share with friends, neighbors, or teachers during the holidays.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can easily prepare the dough ahead of time and bake them fresh when you need them!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create these delightful cookies. You probably have most of them in your pantry 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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to customize it to your taste preferences! Here are some fun ideas:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
• Use different fruits: Substitute dried cherries or blueberries if cranberries aren’t your favorite — each will bring its own unique taste!
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm spice flavor that complements the citrus beautifully.
• Make them festive: Decorate your cookies with colorful sprinkles or edible glitter for a fun holiday touch!

How to Make Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by creaming together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies that lovely soft texture we all adore.

Step 2: Mix in Egg and Juice

Next, add in one egg along with two tablespoons of fresh orange juice and one teaspoon of orange zest. This will not only add moisture but also infuse your dough with that delightful citrus aroma.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mix into your wet ingredients. Mixing them separately helps ensure that all dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout your cookie dough.

Step 4: Fold in Dried Cranberries

Once your dough comes together nicely, gently fold in two cups of dried cranberries. This adds bursts of tartness that balance perfectly with the sweet cookie base.

Step 5: Bake Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for around eight minutes until they are golden around the edges but still soft at the center. Remember, they will continue cooking as they cool on the tray!

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

While your cookies are cooling down, mix together powdered sugar with three tablespoons of orange juice and half a teaspoon of orange zest until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over cooled cookies for an extra touch of sweetness.

Enjoy sharing (or savoring) these festive delights! They truly capture everything we love about Christmas flavors.

Pro Tips for Making Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Baking can be a joyful experience, especially with these tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature butter: Softened butter blends more easily with sugar, creating a creamy texture that helps your cookies rise and become fluffy.

• Measure flour correctly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off. This prevents the cookies from becoming dense, ensuring they have that light, airy feel we all love.

• Don’t overmix: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the tender treats we want.

• Chill the dough: If time allows, refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the flavors meld together and results in thicker cookies that hold their shape better.

• Cool on wire racks: Allow cookies to cool on wire racks after baking for even cooling. This prevents sogginess and keeps them deliciously chewy!

How to Serve Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Presenting your festive treats is half the fun! Here are some delightful ways to serve these delicious cranberry orange cookies at your holiday gatherings.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a beautiful snowy finish that enhances the festive vibe.
• Orange zest: Grate a bit of fresh orange zest on top just before serving for an extra burst of citrusy aroma and flavor.

Side Dishes

• Festive Fruit Platter: A colorful assortment of seasonal fruits like pomegranates, apples, and tangerines complements the tartness of the cranberries beautifully.
• Spiced Hot Chocolate: A warm mug of spiced hot chocolate pairs wonderfully with these cookies, enhancing the cozy vibes of your holiday gathering.
• Cheese Board: A selection of creamy cheeses such as brie or goat cheese alongside crackers offers a savory contrast that balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
• Herbal Tea: A comforting cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or peppermint, serves as a soothing beverage option that pairs well with dessert.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in your back pocket, your Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies will not only taste incredible but also look stunning on any holiday table! Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful treats with family and friends this season.

Make Ahead and Storage

These cookies are perfect for meal prep, making them a delightful treat you can enjoy throughout the holiday season! Here’s how to store and maintain their freshness.

Storing Leftovers

• Store your cranberry orange cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They can last up to one week, maintaining their deliciousness.
• For extra freshness, consider placing a slice of bread in the container; it helps keep the cookies soft!

Freezing

• To freeze, let the cookies cool completely before placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Just remember to label the bag with the date!

Reheating

• To reheat frozen cookies, simply take out the desired amount and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• You can also warm them up in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that freshly-baked feel.

FAQs

Got questions? No worries! Here are some common inquiries you might have about this recipe.

What is the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe?

The Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe combines butter, sugar, dried cranberries, and a burst of fresh orange flavor to create delightful cookies that are perfect for holiday gatherings.

Can I make changes to the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute dried cranberries with other dried fruits like cherries or raisins if you prefer. You can also adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar according to your taste!

How should I store my cranberry orange cookies?

Store your cranberry orange cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

While fresh cranberries can be used, they will need additional sweetening due to their tartness. Dried cranberries are recommended for this recipe as they provide a nice balance of sweetness and texture without any modifications.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these delightful Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies! They embody the spirit of the holidays with their vibrant flavors and cheerful colors. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying them on your own, these cookies are bound to bring joy and warmth into your home. Happy baking, and may your festive season be filled with sweet moments!