Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to brighten your holiday season, you’ve come to the right place! The Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe is not just another cookie; it’s a festive explosion of flavor that combines the tartness of cranberries with the vibrant zest of oranges. Whenever I bake these cookies, my kitchen fills with a warm, inviting aroma that instantly brings back cherished memories of family gatherings and joyful celebrations. They are perfect for sharing with loved ones or simply enjoying while cozying up by the fire.

These cookies shine not just during Christmas but throughout the entire holiday season. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or need a special dessert for a busy weeknight, this recipe will become one of your favorites!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious batch ready in no time.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet and tangy flavor combo.
• Make-ahead convenience: Whip up a batch ahead of time and store them for whenever you need a sweet treat.
• Perfectly festive: The vibrant colors and flavors make them an eye-catching addition to any holiday spread.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create these scrumptious cookies. You likely have many of these items in your pantry already!

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 these variations that will give your cookies a personal touch.

• Add nuts: Stir in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch.
• Change up the fruit: Substitute dried cranberries with dried cherries or apricots for different flavors.
• Try different glazes: Experiment with lemon glaze instead of orange for a zesty twist.
• Make them gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour as a substitute to accommodate dietary preferences.

How to Make Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

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

Step 2: Add Egg and Flavorings

Next, add in the egg, orange juice, and orange zest. Mix well until everything is combined. The egg helps bind everything together while adding moisture, and the orange juice and zest bring out those festive flavors.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. This gentle approach prevents flour from flying everywhere!

Step 4: Fold in Dried Cranberries

Once your dough is formed, gently fold in the dried cranberries. These little gems add bursts of tartness that perfectly balance out the sweetness of the cookies.

Step 5: Bake Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake for about 8 minutes or until golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them; they can go from perfect to overdone quickly!

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

While your cookies cool on wire racks, whip up that delightful glaze! In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with orange juice and zest until smooth. This glaze adds an extra layer of flavor and makes your cookies look festive!

Step 7: Drizzle Over Cookies

Once your cookies are cooled completely, drizzle that beautiful glaze over each cookie using a spoon or piping bag. Allow it to set before serving so everyone can admire their festive glow!

Enjoy every bite of these Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies! They’re sure to be a hit at any celebration!

Pro Tips for Making Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Baking cookies can be a delightful experience, especially when you have a few tricks up your sleeve!

• Use room temperature butter – Softened butter blends more easily with sugar, creating a light and fluffy texture that makes your cookies tender and delicious.
• Don’t skip the zest – Adding orange zest enhances the cookie’s flavor profile, giving it that refreshing citrusy aroma that pairs beautifully with cranberries.
• Chill the dough – If you have time, chilling the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents them from spreading too much in the oven.
• Adjust baking time – Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Ovens can vary, and removing them just as the edges start to turn golden will result in a soft and chewy cookie.
• Experiment with mix-ins – Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Just make sure not to overwhelm the delicate cranberry-orange balance.

How to Serve Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

These lovely cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Presenting them well can make all the difference!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting – A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top gives these cookies a festive touch and adds a sweet finish.
• Orange zest curls – For an elegant look, use a vegetable peeler to create thin curls of orange zest to place on top of each cookie before serving.

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa – Rich and creamy hot cocoa makes for a warm beverage pairing that complements the tartness of the cranberry-orange flavors beautifully.
• Spiced chai tea – The aromatic spices in chai tea provide a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of the cookies, creating a comforting experience.
• Eggnog (non-alcoholic) – This creamy holiday favorite is perfect alongside our cookies, adding an extra layer of indulgence without any alcohol.
• Fruit salad – A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits balances out the sweetness of the cookies while adding vibrant color to your table.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re well-equipped to enjoy your holiday baking adventure! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the festive flavors without the last-minute rush. You can easily store leftovers or freeze them for future celebrations.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Freeze for about 1-2 hours until firm.
• Transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• If you’d like to enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
• Enjoy them fresh out of the oven!

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might arise while making this delicious recipe.

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

Fresh cranberries can be quite tart and may alter the texture of the cookies. If you prefer using fresh cranberries, consider adding more sugar to balance the tartness.

How do I make the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure it includes xanthan gum for proper texture.

Can I add nuts to the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would make a delightful addition. Just fold them into the dough along with the cranberries.

Final Thoughts

These Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are not just treats; they are little bites of holiday joy! With their sweet and tangy flavors, they’re sure to bring warmth and cheer to your gatherings. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share these delightful cookies with your loved ones!