Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to brighten up your holiday season, the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe is just what you need! These cookies combine the tartness of cranberries with the zesty brightness of oranges, making each bite feel like a festive celebration. I adore making these cookies not just for Christmas but for family gatherings, potlucks, or even a cozy night in with loved ones. Their cheerful colors and vibrant flavors capture the spirit of the season perfectly!

Baking these cookies is a breeze and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients – just good old-fashioned baking staples that you probably already have at home. So, whether you’re an experienced baker or trying your hand at it for the first time, you’re in for a treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have delicious cookies ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone will love the sweet and tangy flavor combination – perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake them fresh when needed.
• Perfect for Gifting: Pack them up in a pretty box to share with friends and family during the holidays.
• Versatile Flavor: These cookies are delightful year-round, not just during Christmas!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients makes this recipe even more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful cookies:

For the Cookies

• 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 and adjust it to suit your taste buds. Here are some fun variation ideas:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Use Fresh Cranberries: Swap dried cranberries for fresh ones if you’re feeling adventurous – just make sure to adjust the sweetness!
• Try Different Citrus: Experiment with lemon or lime juice and zest for a different citrus twist.
• Make It Vegan: Substitute the egg with flaxseed meal mixed with water for a plant-based option.

How to Make Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into your mixture, helping your cookies rise beautifully as they bake.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg followed by the orange juice and zest. Mixing these ingredients well allows all those lovely flavors to meld together seamlessly. The orange zest will add a bright aroma that fills your kitchen!

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 while mixing on low speed. This helps prevent any flour clouds from forming!

Step 4: Fold in Dried Cranberries

Gently fold in those beautiful dried cranberries using a spatula. This ensures that every cookie will be bursting with fruity goodness!

Step 5: Bake Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake for about 8 minutes or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them – overbaking can lead to dry cookies!

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

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

Now you’re all set to share these amazing treats with friends and family (or enjoy them all yourself)! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

These delightful cookies are sure to spread holiday cheer, and with a few simple tips, you can elevate your baking game!

• Choose high-quality ingredients: Using fresh cranberries and pure orange juice can significantly enhance the flavor of your cookies, making them taste more vibrant and festive.

• Chill the dough: If you have time, chilling the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking helps prevent spreading and results in thicker, chewier cookies.

• Measure flour correctly: To avoid dry cookies, make sure to spoon your flour into the measuring cup rather than scooping it directly from the bag. This ensures you don’t pack it down too much.

• Add a pinch of spice: Consider adding a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for an extra layer of warmth that complements the cranberry and orange beautifully.

• Don’t overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies while they bake; they should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

How to Serve Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

These cookies not only taste fantastic but also look festive! Presenting them beautifully can make your holiday gatherings even more special.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a touch of elegance and sweetness.
• Orange zest garnish: A few strands of fresh orange zest can enhance the visual appeal while reinforcing that bright citrus flavor.

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: The rich, chocolatey warmth of hot cocoa is a perfect companion to these sweet cookies, balancing their tartness with creaminess.
• Spiced apple cider: Serve these cookies alongside warm spiced apple cider for a cozy, aromatic experience that embodies the holiday spirit.
• Cheese platter: Include a selection of creamy cheeses like brie or cheddar; their richness offers a delicious contrast to the tangy cranberry-orange flavor.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits like pomegranate seeds and apples will brighten up your table and complement the cookies nicely.

Enjoy baking these scrumptious treats and sharing them with friends and family this holiday season!

Make Ahead and Storage

These cranberry orange cookies are perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy them throughout the holiday season. You can prepare the dough in advance or store baked cookies to savor later.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• If you want to keep them fresher longer, refrigerate them; they can last up to 2 weeks.
• For optimal taste, let them come back to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

• To freeze the cookie dough, shape it into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
• Baked cookies can also be frozen; just make sure they are completely cool before wrapping and storing in a freezer-safe container.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen baked cookies, let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour.
• Warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes for that fresh-baked taste.
• Enjoy your cookies warm with a cup of tea or coffee!

FAQs

Here are some common questions readers may have about this delightful recipe.

What is the best way to make the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe?

The key is to cream the butter and sugars well before adding other ingredients. Don’t forget to fold in the cranberries gently to avoid breaking them apart!

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

While dried cranberries give a sweeter profile and chewy texture, you can use fresh cranberries. Just chop them coarsely and adjust sugar levels slightly if necessary.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

Cookies will appear slightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool down on the baking sheet.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it has xanthan gum included or mix your own blend for best results.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies! They embody the spirit of the season with their vibrant flavors and festive cheer. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying them during quiet moments by yourself, these cookies are sure to bring warmth and happiness. Happy baking!