Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive treat that will fill your home with the warm, delightful scent of the holidays, you’ve come to the right place! The Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe is one of my all-time favorites. There’s something so cheerful about the combination of tart cranberries and sweet orange in these cookies. They are perfect for busy weeknights or for sharing at family gatherings. Trust me, once you try these, they will become a cherished addition to your holiday baking traditions!

These cookies not only taste amazing, but they also look beautiful on any holiday dessert table. Plus, they are quick to whip up, making them a fantastic choice for last-minute baking sessions or cookie exchanges with friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have delicious cookies ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the sweet and tangy flavor combination; kids and adults alike will reach for seconds.
• Perfect for Gifting: Package them up as gifts for neighbors or bring them to holiday parties—they’re sure to impress!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it until you’re ready to bake.
• Deliciously Festive: The bright colors and flavors make these cookies a joyful addition to your holiday treats.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry! Gather these lovely items, and let’s get started on creating some festive magic.

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

What I love most about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily customize it to suit your taste or whatever you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Change Up the Fruit: Substitute dried cherries or blueberries if cranberries aren’t your favorite.
• Spice It Up: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance those warm holiday flavors.
• Make It Vegan: Swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative and use flaxseed meal mixed with water instead of an egg.

How to Make Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butters and Sugars

Start by creaming together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl. This step is crucial because it helps incorporate air into the mixture, making your cookies light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.

Step 2: Add Egg and Flavorings

Next, beat in the egg, orange juice, and orange zest. This adds flavor and moisture to the dough. The aromatic citrus notes will make your kitchen smell incredible! Mix until everything is fully incorporated.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients. By mixing slowly, you’ll avoid flour clouds in your kitchen. Stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix!

Step 4: Fold in Cranberries

Now it’s time to fold in those beautiful dried cranberries. They add bursts of tartness that perfectly complement the sweetness of the dough. Use a spatula to gently mix them into your cookie dough without breaking them apart.

Step 5: Bake Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie since they will spread while baking. Bake them for about 8 minutes or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them; every oven is different!

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze (Optional)

While your cookies cool on a wire rack, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over cooled cookies for an added touch of sweetness.

And there you have it! A delightful batch of Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe ready to be enjoyed by friends and family alike. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Baking cookies can be a delightful experience, and with a few simple tips, you can make your cranberry orange cookies truly shine!

• Use room temperature butter: This ensures that your butter creams evenly with the sugars, leading to a lighter and fluffier cookie.
• Don’t skip the orange zest: The zest adds an incredible burst of citrus flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cookies.
• Chill the dough if needed: If your dough feels too soft or sticky, chilling it for about 30 minutes will help it hold its shape during baking.
• Watch the baking time closely: Ovens can vary, so 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.
• Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to add chopped nuts or white chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor. Just ensure they complement rather than overwhelm the cranberry and orange.

How to Serve Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Serving these delightful cookies is all about presentation and pairing them with complementary flavors. Here are some ideas to make your serving experience even more special.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a festive touch and enhances their visual appeal.
• Orange slices: Fresh orange slices not only look beautiful but also echo the citrus notes in your cookies, making them a perfect accompaniment.

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: A warm cup of rich hot cocoa is a classic pairing that balances sweetness with warmth – perfect for cozy winter gatherings.
• Spiced tea: The aromatic notes of spiced tea (like chai) bring out the flavors of cranberry and orange beautifully while adding a comforting element.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits can provide a light contrast to the richness of the cookies, making for a well-rounded dessert spread.
• Cheese platter: Soft cheeses like cream cheese or mascarpone served with crackers provide a savory balance to the sweet cookies, creating an inviting snack board.

Now that you have all these tips and serving ideas, it’s time to bake up a batch of these scrumptious Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies! Enjoy sharing them with family and friends during this festive season!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a festive treat whenever the mood strikes! You can make these cookies in advance and keep them fresh for your holiday gatherings or cozy evenings at home.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• For optimal freshness, place a slice of bread in the container to help keep them soft.
• If you have multiple layers of cookies, separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Allow baked cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the desired number of frozen or refrigerated cookies on a baking sheet.
• Heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe!

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

While dried cranberries provide sweetness and chewiness, fresh cranberries are quite tart. If you want to use fresh cranberries, consider adding a bit more sugar to balance the flavors.

What makes the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe so special?

This recipe combines the vibrant flavors of cranberry and orange, creating a delightfully festive cookie that captures the essence of Christmas. The bright citrus notes paired with the chewy sweetness make these cookies irresistible!

How long do the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh at room temperature for about one week. If you freeze them, they can last up to three months!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies! The combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange will surely bring warmth and cheer to your holiday celebrations. Enjoy every bite and share them with loved ones—after all, nothing brings people together like homemade treats! Happy baking!