Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of the holiday season, you’ve landed on the right recipe! The Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe combines the tartness of cranberries with the bright flavor of oranges, creating a festive delight that will leave your guests asking for more. These cookies are not only perfect for holiday gatherings but also make a sweet addition to busy weeknights when you want to add a little cheer to your family’s dessert table.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to whip up a batch. Whether you’re baking with kids or surprising friends with a thoughtful gift, these cookies are sure to spread joy and warmth. Trust me—once you taste them, they’ll become a staple in your holiday baking traditions!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep and 8 minutes of baking, you can have delicious cookies ready in no time!
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will adore the sweet-tart combination, making these cookies a hit at any gathering.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: These cookies store well, so you can bake them in advance and enjoy them when the holiday rush begins.
• Bright Flavor: The zesty orange juice and zest elevate the flavors, making every bite a refreshing experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple and wholesome ingredients is part of the fun! You’ll find everything you need right in your pantry or local grocery store. Let’s get started on creating some holiday 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

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to get creative and make it your own with these fun variations:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Switch Up the Fruit: Use dried cherries or blueberries instead of cranberries for a different fruity twist.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to give your cookies a warm spice flavor that complements the orange beautifully.

How to Make Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, leading to tender cookies!

Step 2: Mix in Wet Ingredients

Next, add in the egg, orange juice, and orange zest. Mix well until everything is combined. The orange juice adds moisture while infusing those wonderful citrus notes into your dough.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies!

Step 4: Add Dried Cranberries

Fold in those beautiful dried cranberries. They will provide bursts of tartness in every bite! Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Bake Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Leave space between each scoop as they will spread while baking. Bake for about 8 minutes or until they are lightly golden around the edges.

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

While your cookies cool down, mix together powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest in a small bowl until smooth. This glaze will add that perfect finishing touch!

Step 7: Drizzle and Enjoy!

Once cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over each cookie using a fork or spoon. Let them sit for a few minutes before serving so that the glaze can set. Now they’re ready to be enjoyed by family and friends!

These Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are sure to bring smiles all around—happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Making cookies is a delightful experience, and with these tips, you’ll be sure to bake the perfect batch every time!

• Use room temperature butter: Softened butter blends better with sugar, creating a light and fluffy texture that ensures your cookies are soft and chewy.

• Don’t skip the zest: Adding orange zest enhances the flavor profile of your cookies. It brings out the citrus notes beautifully, making each bite taste refreshing and vibrant.

• Chill your dough: If you have time, let your cookie dough chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thicker cookies.

• Check for doneness: Since every oven is different, keep an eye on your cookies as 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.

• Experiment with mix-ins: While dried cranberries are fantastic on their own, adding nuts or white chocolate chips can give your cookies an extra layer of flavor and texture.

How to Serve Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Presenting your delicious cranberry orange cookies can make them even more special! Here are some ideas to inspire you.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a beautiful touch and a hint of sweetness.
• Orange slices: Fresh orange slices on the side not only enhance presentation but also echo the flavors in the cookies.
• Cranberry sauce drizzle: A thin drizzle of homemade cranberry sauce can elevate the dish visually and provide an additional burst of flavor.

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: Pairing these cookies with a warm mug of hot cocoa creates a cozy dessert experience perfect for chilly evenings.
• Spiced tea: A cup of spiced tea complements the citrusy notes in the cookies while adding warmth and comfort to your snack time.
• Fruit salad: A fresh fruit salad balances out the sweetness of the cookies and adds a refreshing element to your dessert spread.
• Cheese platter: Offering a selection of mild cheeses alongside these sweet treats provides an interesting contrast in flavors that guests will love.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress family and friends with your Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe! Enjoy baking and sharing this festive delight!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the festive flavors throughout the holiday season without the rush. Here’s how you can store them and keep them fresh!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week.

Freezing

• Freeze cookies after they have cooled completely.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Heat for about 5 minutes, just until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that may help you further with your cookie-making adventure!

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

The combination of tart cranberries and zesty oranges creates a delightful flavor profile that captures the essence of Christmas. Plus, they’re easy to make and perfect for sharing with loved ones!

Can I substitute any ingredients in the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! You can use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version. For an egg replacement, consider using applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water).

How do I know when my cranberry orange cookies are done baking?

Your cookies should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a bit underbaked when you first take them out!

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones?

While dried cranberries provide sweetness and chewy texture, you can use fresh cranberries. Just note that you might want to add a bit more sugar to balance their tartness.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe brings warmth and joy to your holiday celebrations! The vibrant flavors are sure to delight family and friends alike. Enjoy making these delightful treats, and don’t hesitate to share your baking experience with others. Happy baking!