Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to brighten up your holiday season, you’ve come to the right place! The Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe is my go-to for festive gatherings and cozy family nights. There’s something so special about the tangy sweetness of cranberries paired with the fresh burst of orange. Each bite feels like a warm hug, making them perfect not only for Christmas but also for any chilly evening when you need a little cheer.

These cookies are super easy to whip up, even during the busiest times of year. You’ll love how quickly they come together, plus they’re sure to impress your friends and family! Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or just treating yourself, these cookies will become a beloved favorite in no time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make our delicious cookies! You likely have many of these staples in your pantry already, which makes this recipe even more inviting.

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 your additions or swaps based on what you have at home or your taste preferences.

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch.
• Use fresh cranberries: If you can find them, fresh cranberries will give an extra burst of flavor.
• Experiment with spices: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and depth.
• Make it vegan: Substitute the butter with 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 allows air to incorporate into the mixture, creating light and fluffy cookies. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes.

Step 2: Add Egg and Flavorings

Next, add in your egg along with the orange juice and zest. This not only adds moisture but also infuses that wonderful citrus flavor throughout your dough. Mix until everything is fully blended; you’ll want that gorgeous orange aroma filling your kitchen!

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. Stir just until combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies. We want them soft and tender!

Step 4: Fold in Cranberries

Gently fold in those lovely dried cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the dough. The bright red jewels look so festive and will provide bursts of tartness in every bite.

Step 5: Bake Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared sheet, leaving space between each cookie as they will spread while baking. Bake for about 8 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden brown.

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

While those cookies cool down on a wire rack, let’s make that sweet glaze! In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with orange juice and zest until smooth. This glaze adds an extra touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the tartness of the cranberries.

Step 7: Drizzle and Enjoy!

Once your cookies are completely cooled, drizzle that luscious glaze over them. Let it set for a few minutes before serving (if you can wait!). Now you’re ready to enjoy these scrumptious treats at any holiday gathering or simply as an everyday delight!

Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Baking these delightful cookies is a breeze with just a few handy tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature butter: Softened butter blends more easily with the sugars, creating a smoother dough and contributing to a tender cookie texture.

• Don’t skip the zest: Adding orange zest not only enhances the flavor but also gives your cookies an aromatic lift that’s perfect for the holidays.

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

• Monitor baking time closely: 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 when you take them out.

• Let them cool on the baking sheet: Allowing the cookies to cool on the sheet for a few minutes will help them set and makes transferring them easier without breaking.

How to Serve Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

These cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for any holiday gathering or cozy afternoon tea. Here are some creative ways to serve them!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a festive touch and enhances the sweetness without overpowering the orange flavor.

• Candied orange slices: For an elegant presentation, top each cookie with a small piece of candied orange slice. It adds both color and a burst of citrusy goodness.

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: The rich chocolate flavor of hot cocoa pairs beautifully with these zesty cookies, creating a warm and comforting contrast.

• Spiced chai tea: The aromatic spices in chai tea complement the bright flavors of cranberry and orange, making it an excellent beverage choice alongside these treats.

• Cheese platter: A selection of mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese can balance out the sweetness of the cookies. Serve with some nuts and fruits for variety!

• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits can provide a light counterpoint to these tasty cookies, adding extra color and nutrition to your spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

These delightful cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the festive flavors any time during the holiday season. With a little planning, you can bake these cookies ahead of time and store or freeze them for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Store your cranberry orange cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• To keep them fresher longer, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies. The bread will help maintain moisture.
• If you want to enjoy them even longer, consider freezing them!

Freezing

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

Reheating

• To reheat frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour.
• If you’d like a warm treat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making 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, you can use fresh cranberries. However, note that they will add more tartness; consider adjusting sugar levels accordingly.

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

You can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well!

Can I make the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe vegan?

Yes! You can replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter and swap out the egg for a flaxseed or chia seed egg (1 tablespoon ground seeds mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).

How long do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling is not necessary for this recipe. However, if you prefer thicker cookies, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help.

What other flavors pair well with cranberry and orange?

Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg or additions like chocolate chips and nuts can complement the cranberry and orange wonderfully.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe brings joy to your holiday celebrations! The bright flavors of cranberry and orange create not just delicious treats but also delightful memories shared with loved ones. Enjoy baking these festive delights, and don’t hesitate to make them your own! Happy holidays!