Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of the holidays, then you’ve stumbled upon the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe! These cookies are bursting with the bright flavors of citrus and tart cranberries, making them a festive addition to any gathering. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family night or preparing for a holiday party, these cookies will surely impress everyone. They are not just delicious; they also create wonderful memories in the kitchen as you share the process with loved ones.

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is. You won’t need any fancy ingredients or equipment—just some basic pantry staples and a little holiday spirit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip these cookies up quickly.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves cookies, and these are perfect for kids and adults alike!
• Make-ahead convenience: Bake them in advance and store them for up to a week—perfect for busy holiday weeks.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of sweet orange and tangy cranberry is simply irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baking should be fun and stress-free! For this recipe, you’ll only need a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have at home. Here’s what you’ll need to create these tasty cookies:

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients based on what you have or your personal preferences.

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Use fresh fruit: If you’re feeling adventurous, substitute dried cranberries with chopped fresh cranberries for a burst of freshness.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the warm flavors.
• Make it gluten-free: Swap out regular flour for your favorite gluten-free blend.

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 mixing bowl. This step is key because it creates air pockets in your dough, which will help your cookies rise beautifully. Mix until it’s light and fluffy—about 3-5 minutes should do the trick!

Step 2: Add Egg and Citrus

Next, beat in the egg along with the orange juice and orange zest. The citrus adds moisture and flavor while the egg helps bind everything together. Make sure to incorporate everything well; we want these flavors to mingle!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together your flour, salt, and baking soda. This ensures even distribution of dry ingredients throughout your cookie dough. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients while mixing gently until just combined.

Step 4: Fold in Cranberries

Now it’s time to fold in those lovely dried cranberries! Gently stir them into your cookie dough using a spatula. They will add that lovely tartness that balances perfectly with sweetness.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of dough onto lined baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake for about 8 minutes until they are lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them; we want soft cookies!

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

While your cookies cool down on a wire rack, let’s make that delicious glaze! In a small bowl, mix together powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies for an extra touch of sweetness.

And there you have it—the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe! Enjoy these delightful treats with friends and family during this joyful season!

Pro Tips for Making Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Baking these festive cookies is a delightful experience, and with a few handy tips, you’ll ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature butter: This helps to create a light and fluffy texture in your cookie dough, allowing for better incorporation of air, which leads to softer cookies.

• Measure flour accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method instead of scooping directly from the bag. This prevents dense cookies, ensuring that each one is just the right amount of chewy!

• Chill the dough briefly: If you have time, refrigerate your cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking. It helps to firm up the butter, resulting in cookies that spread less and maintain a lovely shape.

• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out. They’ll continue to cook slightly as they cool on the baking sheet.

• Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor! This can elevate your cookie experience even more.

How to Serve Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Presenting your delicious cranberry orange cookies can be just as enjoyable as baking them! Here are some fun ideas for serving them during your holiday gatherings.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: Lightly sprinkle powdered sugar over the cooled cookies for an elegant touch that’s visually appealing and adds a hint of sweetness.
• Citrus zest finish: Grate a bit of fresh orange zest over the top before serving. It enhances the citrus aroma and gives each bite a refreshing burst of flavor!

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: A warm cup of cocoa pairs beautifully with these cookies, balancing their tart sweetness with rich chocolatey goodness.
• Vanilla ice cream: Serve alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream; its smooth texture contrasts nicely with the chewy cookies while enhancing their flavors.
• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits like oranges and pomegranates complements the cookies well, providing a refreshing palate cleanser during dessert.
• Tea or coffee: Offer a selection of herbal teas or coffee; their warm, comforting qualities make them perfect companions for enjoying these holiday treats.

Now you’re all set to bake, serve, and relish these delightful Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These delightful cookies are perfect for meal prep, making them an excellent choice for the busy holiday season. You can bake them in advance and store them properly to enjoy whenever the craving strikes!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
• Store at room temperature for up to a week.
• For best results, layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
• Label with the date and use within three months for optimal flavor.

Reheating

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

FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions about the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe.

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

Yes! You can substitute with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free version that still tastes great.

How can I make the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe healthier?

Consider reducing the sugar by using natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey (if not vegan) and adding whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.

What can I use instead of dried cranberries?

You can substitute with dried cherries, raisins, or any dried fruit you prefer if cranberries aren’t available.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

The edges should be just lightly golden, and they will firm up as they cool. Avoid overbaking for soft, chewy cookies!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to bake these Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies! They’re not just delicious but also fill your home with the festive aroma of orange and cranberry. Enjoy making this recipe with friends or family—it’s sure to spark joy! Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with warmth and sweetness!