Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to brighten up your holiday season, let me share with you my Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe. These cookies are not just about flavor; they bring a splash of color and joy to any gathering. The combination of sweet cranberries and zesty orange creates a festive aroma that fills the kitchen and warms the heart. They are perfect for cookie exchanges, family gatherings, or even as a special treat for yourself during those busy weeknights.

What I love most about these cookies is how simple they are to make. With just a few wholesome ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time. Plus, they’re always a hit with friends and family!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: You can mix and bake these cookies in under 30 minutes!
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves the sweet-tart flavor of cranberries paired with bright orange.
• Make-ahead option: These cookies store well, making them perfect for meal prep or holiday baking ahead of time.
• Festive appeal: The vibrant colors make them an eye-catching addition to your dessert table.
• Deliciously versatile: Enjoy them fresh from the oven or as part of a cookie platter!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these cookies is easy thanks to simple and wholesome ingredients that you probably already have at home. Here’s what you’ll need:

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 flexible, allowing you to get creative based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences. Here are some fun variations:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Mix in spices: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and depth to your cookies.
• Use fresh cranberries: If you’re feeling adventurous, try using fresh cranberries for a tart twist.
• Swap the citrus: Lemon zest and juice can be used as an alternative if you want a different citrus flavor.

How to Make Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by creaming together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl. This step is crucial because it helps incorporate air into the mixture, making your cookies light and fluffy. Aim for a pale, creamy texture.

Step 2: Add Egg and Citrus

Next, beat in the egg along with two tablespoons of orange juice and one teaspoon of orange zest. This will not only bind everything together but also infuse your dough with that wonderful citrus flavor we love so much.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Mixing them separately first ensures that all your leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 4: Fold in Cranberries

Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in the dried cranberries until they’re evenly mixed into the dough. This step adds pops of tartness that perfectly balance out the sweetness of the cookie.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 minutes or until edges start to turn golden brown. Don’t worry if they look slightly underbaked; they will continue cooking on the sheet after being removed from the oven.

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

While your cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, three tablespoons of orange juice, and half a teaspoon of orange zest until smooth. This glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness that complements your cookies beautifully.

Step 7: Drizzle and Enjoy!

Once your cookies are completely cooled, drizzle them with your homemade glaze. Let it set for a few minutes before serving. Now you’re ready to share (or enjoy all by yourself) these delightful treats!

Pro Tips for Making Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Baking these cookies is a delightful experience, and with a few simple tips, you can ensure your treats turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature butter: Softened butter blends better with sugars, giving your cookies a light and fluffy texture that’s hard to resist.
• Don’t skip the zest: Fresh orange zest adds an aromatic burst of flavor that will elevate your cookies from good to great, making them truly festive.
• Chill the dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking helps control spreading and enhances the flavors as they meld together.
• Watch the bake time: These cookies bake quickly! Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are lightly golden for that perfect chewy center.
• Experiment with toppings: Consider adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a drizzle of icing made with powdered sugar and orange juice to make each cookie even more special.

How to Serve Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Presenting your delicious cranberry orange cookies can be as joyful as baking them! Here are some ideas to make your serving stand out during the holiday celebrations.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light dusting of powdered sugar on top adds a beautiful snowy effect that enhances their holiday charm.
• Fresh mint leaves: Place a sprig of mint next to each cookie for a pop of color and a refreshing aroma that complements the citrus notes.

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: This warm beverage pairs beautifully with the sweet-tart flavors of cranberry orange cookies, making for a cozy treat.
• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits like pomegranate, grapefruit, and tangerines provides a refreshing contrast to the rich cookies.
• Cheese platter: A selection of mild cheeses such as brie or goat cheese can create an interesting savory-sweet balance when enjoyed alongside these cookies.
• Nut mix: A bowl of spiced nuts offers a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft cookies while adding another layer of flavor to your dessert spread.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll have everything you need to enjoy your Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe in style this holiday season! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe is perfect for meal prep during the busy holiday season! You can make these delightful cookies ahead of time, ensuring that you have a sweet treat ready for any occasion.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• If you want to keep them fresher for longer, place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating

• To enjoy freshly baked warmth, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the frozen cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

What makes the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe unique?

The combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange creates a flavor profile that’s both refreshing and festive, making these cookies stand out during the holiday season.

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

While dried cranberries provide sweetness and chewiness, you can experiment with fresh cranberries. Just remember they will add a bit more tartness; consider adjusting sugar accordingly!

How long do these cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies can last up to one week. For longer storage, freezing is recommended.

Can I substitute other ingredients in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can replace butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil for dairy-free options. Also, feel free to try different dried fruits if you’re looking for variety.

How can I enhance the flavor of the cranberry orange cookies?

Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the flavors even further. A pinch of vanilla extract also works wonderfully alongside the orange zest.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe as much as I do! These cookies are not only delicious but also bring that warm holiday spirit into your home. Whether you’re sharing them with family or enjoying them with friends, they are sure to delight every palate. So roll up those sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s spread some festive cheer together!