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 a seasonal favorite in my home. These cookies are not only colorful and cheerful, but they also have a perfect balance of tart cranberry and zesty orange flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or simply want to brighten up a busy weeknight, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around.

Every bite is like a little holiday celebration, and the best part? They’re so easy to whip up! You can even make them ahead of time and have them ready for those last-minute guests. Trust me, they’ll be asking for your recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious flavor: The combination of sweet cranberries and zesty orange is simply irresistible.
• Easy to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have fresh cookies in no time.
• Family-friendly: Kids love these cookies, making them perfect for family gatherings or holiday parties.
• Make-ahead convenience: Bake a batch today and enjoy them throughout the week!
• Perfectly festive: The vibrant colors make these cookies an eye-catching addition to any holiday spread.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These cookies use simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Gather your supplies, and let’s get started!

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! Feel free to get creative with some fun variations:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Use different fruits: Try swapping cranberries for cherries or blueberries for a twist on flavor.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend if needed.
• Spice it up: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough for warm winter spices.

How to Make Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is important because it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies that wonderful texture we all love.

Step 2: Add Egg and Orange Flavors

Next, beat in the egg followed by the orange juice and zest. This not only adds moisture but also infuses those essential citrus notes that make these cookies stand out during the holidays.

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 helps ensure an even distribution of all those lovely flavors.

Step 4: Fold in Cranberries

Gently fold in the dried cranberries until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. This is where each cookie starts to take shape—each bite will be packed with fruity goodness!

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them; you want soft centers!

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

While your cookies cool down, whisk together powdered sugar with orange juice and zest in a small bowl until smooth. This glaze adds not only sweetness but also enhances that vibrant orange flavor.

Step 7: Drizzle and Enjoy!

Once cooled, drizzle your glaze over each cookie. Let it set for a few moments before enjoying these festive treats with your loved ones. Each bite will remind you why this is truly the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe!

Pro Tips for Making Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Baking these delightful cookies is a breeze, and with a few simple tips, you can elevate them to perfection!

• Use fresh orange juice and zest: The freshness of the orange will brighten the cookies and enhance their flavor profile. Store-bought options often lack that vibrant taste.

• Chill the dough: Allowing your cookie dough to chill for at least 30 minutes helps prevent spreading during baking. This gives you beautiful, thick cookies that hold their shape!

• Don’t overmix: When combining your ingredients, mix just until they’re combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the tender treats we all love.

• Experiment with add-ins: While dried cranberries are fantastic, consider adding chopped nuts or white chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

• Keep an eye on baking time: Ovens can vary, so check your cookies a minute or two before the suggested bake time. You want them lightly golden but still soft in the center.

How to Serve Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

These cranberry orange cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Here are some fun ideas to present them beautifully!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a festive touch and enhances their wintery charm.
• Orange slices: Place thin slices of fresh orange on the serving platter for a pop of color and added citrus aroma.

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: The rich and creamy flavors of hot cocoa pair perfectly with these sweet cookies, creating a warm and comforting treat.
• Spiced tea: A warm spiced tea complements the zesty notes of the cookies while offering a soothing contrast.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits adds a lightness that balances out the richness of the cookies.
• Cheese platter: A small cheese board with mild cheeses can provide a savory contrast to the sweetness of the cranberry orange cookies.

Whether you’re sharing these delicious treats with family or enjoying them solo, they are sure to bring warmth and joy to your holiday season!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are perfect for meal prep, making them an excellent addition to your holiday baking repertoire. You can whip them up ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy more moments with loved ones during the festive season.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Enjoy within 1 week for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

• Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Store for up to 3 months; just remember to label the bag with the date!

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and reheat for about 5-7 minutes, just until warm.
• Alternatively, use the microwave for about 10-15 seconds per cookie if you’re in a hurry.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe.

What makes these the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe?

The combination of sweet dried cranberries and zesty orange creates a perfectly balanced flavor that captures the essence of the holiday season. Plus, the soft and chewy texture makes them irresistible!

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

While dried cranberries work best for this recipe due to their sweetness and chewiness, you can experiment with fresh cranberries. Just keep in mind that they are tart, so you may want to adjust the sugar accordingly.

How long does it take to make the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe?

This delightful recipe takes about 25 minutes from start to finish, including both prep and cooking time. Perfect for when you’re short on time but still want something special!

Can I add nuts to these cookies?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a delicious crunch. Just fold them into the dough alongside the dried cranberries.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

The edges should be lightly golden, while the center will look slightly underbaked. They will continue to firm up as they cool outside of the oven.

Final Thoughts

These Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are not just treats; they’re little bites of joy that bring warmth and cheer during the holidays! I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do. Whether you share them with friends or keep them all to yourself (no judgment here!), I’m sure they’ll be a hit. Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with sweetness!