Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to brighten up your holiday celebrations, I have just the thing! The Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe is a cherished favorite in my home. There’s something magical about the combination of tart cranberries and zesty oranges that instantly brings the spirit of Christmas to life. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or simply indulging during cozy nights at home, these cookies are sure to bring joy to your table.

Not only are they incredibly delicious, but they also fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that will make everyone feel at home. Plus, they’re so easy to whip up that even beginner bakers can join in on the fun!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have these mouth-watering cookies ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone from kids to grandparents will love the sweet and tangy flavor combo!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake them ahead of time and store them for when unexpected guests arrive.
• Perfect for Gifting: These cookies make lovely homemade gifts during the holiday season, packaged beautifully with a ribbon.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need to create these festive cookies!

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! You can easily adapt it to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Use Fresh Cranberries: If you prefer fresh over dried, feel free to substitute them!
• Experiment with Spices: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a warm twist to your cookies.
• Make it Vegan: Swap out the egg for flaxseed meal mixed with water and use a plant-based butter alternative.

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. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the mixture, making your cookies light and fluffy. Beat until it’s smooth and creamy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes.

Step 2: Add Egg and Citrus

Now it’s time to add in your egg, along with the orange juice and orange zest. Mix until combined. The citrus not only adds flavor but also provides moisture that helps bind everything together.

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. This helps evenly distribute the leavening agent and prevents clumps from forming in your dough.

Step 4: Fold in Dried Cranberries

Gently fold in those gorgeous dried cranberries until they’re evenly distributed throughout your dough. Each bite will be bursting with fruity goodness!

Step 5: Portion and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop spoonfuls 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; overbaking will lead to dry cookies!

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

While your cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest for that lovely glaze. Drizzle it over your cooled cookies for a sweet finish that ties everything together beautifully.

And there you have it! The Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe is perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself). Enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

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

• Use room temperature butter: This ensures that the butter blends smoothly with the sugars, creating a light and fluffy texture in your cookies.

• Don’t skip the zest: The orange zest adds an incredible burst of flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cookies. It’s what makes them truly festive!

• Chill the dough if needed: If your dough feels too sticky or warm after mixing, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

• Keep an eye on baking time: These cookies bake quickly! Set a timer and check them at 8 minutes to avoid overbaking. They should be lightly golden around the edges.

• Let them cool before glazing: Allow your cookies to cool completely before adding the glaze. This prevents it from melting and ensures a beautiful finish.

How to Serve Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Serving these delightful cranberry orange cookies is just as fun as making them! They’re perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights at home.

Garnishes

• Sprinkle of powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar on top of each cookie adds a charming touch that looks like fresh snow.

• Orange slices: Thinly slice some fresh oranges and place one on top of each cookie for added color and an extra hint of citrus flavor.

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: A warm cup of hot cocoa pairs perfectly with these cookies, creating a comforting holiday treat that everyone will love.

• Spiced tea: A mug of spiced tea complements the flavors in the cookies beautifully, making it a wonderful addition to your holiday spread.

• Cheese platter: Offer a selection of cheeses alongside your cookies for a savory contrast. Cream cheese or goat cheese works particularly well with the sweet and tart notes of cranberry and orange.

• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad can balance out the sweetness of your cookies. Consider using citrus fruits to echo those vibrant flavors!

Now gather your loved ones around, serve up these scrumptious cookies, and enjoy every delightful bite together!

Make Ahead and Storage

These cookies are not only delightful but also perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the holiday season.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• To freeze, layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.
• When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or pop them into the microwave for a few seconds.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Alternatively, reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a quick treat!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious recipe!

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

The combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange creates a festive flavor that’s perfect for celebrating the holidays. These cookies are chewy, sweet, and have just the right amount of citrusy brightness!

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 texture, you can use fresh cranberries. However, you may want to adjust the sugar levels since fresh cranberries are more tart.

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

This recipe is quick and easy! It takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare and just 8 minutes to bake, making it perfect for last-minute holiday baking.

Can I substitute other fruits in this cookie recipe?

Absolutely! If you’re looking for alternatives, feel free to experiment with dried cherries or raisins. Just remember that it will change the flavor profile slightly!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies as much as I do! They capture the magic of the season with their bright flavors and festive spirit. Don’t hesitate to share them with friends and family—they’re sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!