Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive treat that captures the essence of the holiday season, you’ve come to the right place! The Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe combines tangy cranberries and zesty oranges, creating a delightful flavor that’s perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. I love making these cookies with my family; they fill the kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma that just makes everything feel more cheerful.

These cookies are not only delicious but also super easy to whip up. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or simply indulging in a sweet snack after dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to make them every year!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of tart cranberries and bright orange zest creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
• Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have fresh cookies ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore these festive treats, making them great for holiday gatherings.
• Perfect for Gifting: Package these cookies in cute boxes or tins, and they make wonderful gifts for neighbors and friends.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake whenever you’re ready, saving you time during busy holiday weeks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to make your cookies shine! These are all easy to find and perfect for creating that delicious holiday treat.

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 quite flexible! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients. Here are some fun variations you might enjoy:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch.
• Use Different Dried Fruits: Swap cranberries for dried cherries or apricots if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Try Different Citrus Zests: Lemon zest can also be used instead of orange for a refreshing twist.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.

How to Make Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar. Using an electric mixer (or a whisk if you’re feeling strong!), cream these together until light and fluffy. This step is important because it incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in soft and tender cookies.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, add in the egg, orange juice, and orange zest. Mix until everything is well combined. The addition of fresh orange juice not only enhances flavor but also helps keep your cookies moist.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—overmixing could lead to tough cookies!

Step 4: Fold in Dried Cranberries

Now comes the fun part! Fold in those beautiful dried cranberries until they are evenly distributed throughout your dough. Each bite will be bursting with fruity goodness!

Step 5: Bake Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you scoop tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto lined baking sheets. Give them space as they will spread slightly while baking. Bake for about 8 minutes or until golden around the edges but still soft in the center.

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

While your cookies cool on wire racks, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth. Drizzle this over your cooled cookies for an extra burst of sweetness.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies! They’ll be gone before you know it!

Pro Tips for Making Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

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

• Use room temperature butter: This helps create a smooth batter, ensuring your cookies turn out light and fluffy.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined helps retain the tender texture of the cookies. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies!
• Chill the dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can enhance the flavors and prevent spreading during baking.
• Bake in batches: Baking one tray at a time allows for even cooking and prevents overcrowding in your oven.
• Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to mix in some chopped nuts or white chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

How to Serve Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

These cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Presenting them well can make your holiday gatherings feel even more special.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a festive touch and enhances the sweetness without overwhelming the flavors.
• Orange zest garnish: A few strands of fresh orange zest on top gives a vibrant color and hints at the delightful citrus flavor within each cookie.

Side Dishes

• Festive Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits like pomegranate, kiwi, and apple provides a refreshing contrast to the rich cookies while adding color to your dessert table.
• Creamy Vanilla Pudding: The smooth texture and subtle sweetness of vanilla pudding complements the tartness of cranberries perfectly, creating a delightful duo.
• Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate served with fruits or marshmallows makes for an interactive dessert option that pairs wonderfully alongside these cookies.
• Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of hot chocolate is perfect for dunking these cookies, enhancing their flavors while making for a cozy treat during chilly holiday evenings.

Enjoy baking and sharing these lovely Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies with family and friends this holiday season!

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious holiday treats whenever the mood strikes. Whether you want to make these cookies in advance for a gathering or simply keep some on hand for snacking, here’s how to store them properly.

Storing Leftovers

• Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• For optimal freshness, place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours until solid.
• Transfer frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to three months.

Reheating

• To enjoy your frozen cookies, simply thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• If you prefer warm cookies, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe that might help you!

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

While fresh cranberries can be used, they are much more tart than dried cranberries. If you choose to use fresh ones, consider adding a bit more sugar to balance the tartness.

How do I ensure my Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe turns out soft?

To achieve soft cookies, avoid overmixing the dough and do not bake them longer than the suggested time. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

Can I substitute butter with margarine in this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute butter with margarine if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. Just ensure it’s softened similarly before using it in your dough.

What can I use instead of egg in the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe?

You can substitute one egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for an egg-free version.

Final Thoughts

These Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are not just treats; they’re little bites of holiday cheer! The delightful combination of tangy cranberries and zesty orange makes them truly special. I hope you have as much fun making these as I do sharing them with friends and family. Enjoy the joy of baking, and don’t hesitate to share your creations!