Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the spirit of the holidays, then you’ve come to the right place! The Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe is one of my all-time favorites. The sweet-tart cranberries paired with zesty orange create a burst of flavor that feels festive and joyful. These cookies are perfect for everything from busy weeknights to family gatherings, making them a must-have during the holiday season.

Every bite of these cookies reminds me of cozy evenings spent with loved ones, sharing stories and laughter. They are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—spending quality time with those you cherish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to make: With only 15 minutes of prep time and 8 minutes in the oven, you’ll have these cookies ready in no time.
• Family-friendly: Everyone will love the sweet and tangy combination, making them a hit for kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake them fresh when guests arrive.
• Bright flavors: The blend of cranberry and orange creates a refreshing taste that feels like a breath of fresh air during the holiday season.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make these delightful cookies. Most are pantry staples, which means you won’t have to make an extra trip to the store!

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 Icing

• 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 fun variations:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Try different fruits: Substitute dried cherries or blueberries for a different fruity twist.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour for a safe option.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to give your cookies an extra warmth.

How to Make Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in soft, chewy cookies. It also helps dissolve the sugars evenly throughout.

Step 2: Mix in Egg and Juices

Add in your egg, orange juice, and orange zest. Mix until fully combined. The egg adds moisture and binds everything together while the citrus juices bring that cheerful flavor we love!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together your flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Mixing slowly prevents clumps and keeps your dough smooth.

Step 4: Fold in Cranberries

Gently fold in those beautiful dried cranberries until they are evenly distributed throughout your dough. This is where all those lovely flavors come together!

Step 5: Bake Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop spoonfuls of dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 8 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them; they can go from perfect to overbaked quickly!

Step 6: Prepare the Icing

While your cookies cool down slightly, mix together powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth. Drizzle this delightful icing over your cooled cookies for that finishing touch!

And there you have it—the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe! Enjoy baking these gems and sharing them with friends and family this holiday season!

Pro Tips for Making Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Baking these cookies is a delightful way to embrace the festive spirit! Here are some pro tips to ensure your cranberry orange cookies turn out perfectly.

• Use room temperature butter: Starting with softened butter allows for better mixing, resulting in a smoother dough and lighter cookies.
• Measure flour correctly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This prevents your cookies from being too dense due to excess flour.
• Chill the dough if needed: If your dough feels too sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes. Chilling helps firm up the dough, making it easier to scoop and shape.
• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center for that perfect chewy texture.
• Add extra cranberries: For a burst of flavor and color, sprinkle a few extra dried cranberries on top of each cookie before baking.

How to Serve Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

These cookies are not just delicious; they’re beautiful too! Present them in a charming way that’ll impress your guests.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a lovely snowy effect, enhancing their festive appearance.
• Orange zest sprinkle: Grating fresh orange zest over the cookies right before serving brightens up the flavors and adds visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: A warm cup of hot cocoa complements these cookies perfectly, providing a cozy beverage to enjoy during the holiday season.
• Spiced chai tea: The aromatic spices in chai tea harmonize beautifully with the citrusy notes of the cookies, creating a comforting pairing.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits can cleanse the palate and balance out the richness of the cookies.
• Cheese platter: Pairing these sweet treats with a selection of cheeses provides a delightful contrast that guests will love.

Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful cranberry orange cookies this holiday season! Your friends and family will surely appreciate this tasty addition to their festivities.

Make Ahead and Storage

These delightful cranberry orange cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them in advance and enjoy their festive flavor throughout the holiday season.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• If your kitchen is warm, you may want to refrigerate them to keep them fresh longer.

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, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Reheating

• If you prefer warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and warm them for about 5 minutes.
• Alternatively, microwave each cookie for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this 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 not provide the same sweetness as dried cranberries. If using fresh, consider adding extra sugar to balance out the flavors.

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

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for better texture!

What other flavors can I add to these cookies?

You could add chocolate chips, nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for a unique twist!

How long do these cookies last after baking?

If stored properly in an airtight container, they will stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature or longer if refrigerated.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe as delightful as I do! The combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange creates a festive treat that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. Enjoy making these cookies, and let their cheerful flavors fill your holiday season with joy. Happy baking!