Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive treat that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas, look no further! The Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe is not just a cookie—it’s a slice of holiday joy. With the bright flavors of cranberry and orange, these cookies are perfect for sharing at family gatherings or enjoying during cozy nights in. I love how they capture the essence of the season, making them a staple in my holiday baking lineup.

These cookies are easy to whip up, and their vibrant taste always brings smiles. Whether you’re preparing for a busy weeknight or planning a festive party, this recipe delivers comfort and cheer in every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have these cookies baking away in no time.
• Family-friendly: Everyone will adore these sweet treats, making them a hit with kids and adults alike!
• Make-ahead convenience: Bake them ahead of time and store for those unexpected guests or holiday gatherings.
• Deliciously festive: The combination of cranberry and orange is the perfect way to celebrate the season.
• Versatile treat: Great as a dessert or even as a sweet snack with coffee or tea!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! These simple, wholesome items make all the difference in creating delicious cookies that will be loved by everyone.

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 these variation ideas to make it your own:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
• Mix in chocolate chips: If you’re a chocolate lover, adding dark or white chocolate chips can elevate these cookies to another level.
• Use fresh cranberries: Swap dried cranberries for fresh ones if you want a tart twist!
• Experiment with spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and depth to your cookies.

How to Make Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine your softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar. Creaming these ingredients together until light and fluffy is essential because it incorporates air into the mixture, helping your cookies rise beautifully. This step sets the stage for that dreamy texture we all love in cookies!

Step 2: Add Egg and Orange Essence

Next, mix in one egg along with the orange juice and zest. This not only binds everything together but also infuses your dough with that delightful citrus flavor. Trust me; this step is where the magic happens!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies. We want them soft and chewy!

Step 4: Fold in Cranberries

Carefully fold in those beautiful dried cranberries. They add sweetness and that lovely pop of color! Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout your dough so every bite is bursting with flavor.

Step 5: Bake Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you scoop out dollops of dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake them for about 8 minutes until they’re lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them; you want that perfect balance between chewy centers and crispy edges.

Step 6: Glaze It Up!

While your cookies cool on a wire rack, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth. Drizzle this sweet glaze over your cooled cookies for an irresistible finish that ties everything together beautifully.

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

Pro Tips for Making Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Baking cookies is all about enjoying the process and creating delightful treats for loved ones. Here are some pro tips to ensure your cookies come out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature butter: This helps in achieving a light and fluffy cookie dough, which leads to a better texture once baked.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for that soft and chewy finish.
• Chill the dough: If you have time, chilling your cookie dough for at least 30 minutes can enhance the flavors and prevent spreading during baking.
• Watch your baking time: Each oven is different, so 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 properly: Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set up nicely without breaking apart.

How to Serve Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Serving these festive cookies can create a lovely holiday atmosphere! Here are some fun ideas on how to present them beautifully.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and makes the cookies look extra festive.
• Orange zest: Grate some orange zest over the top of the cooled cookies for a burst of color and additional citrus aroma.

Side Dishes

• Hot chocolate: A warm mug of rich hot chocolate pairs perfectly with these sweet cookies, creating a cozy treat.
• Spiced apple cider: Serve alongside spiced apple cider for a refreshing contrast that complements the flavors of cranberry and orange.
• Vanilla ice cream: For those who enjoy contrast in temperature, a scoop of vanilla ice cream can balance out the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad offers a fresh accompaniment, enhancing the fruity notes in your cookies while keeping things on the lighter side.

Now you’re all set to bake and serve these delightful Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These delightful cranberry orange cookies are not only festive but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time and store them for later enjoyment, ensuring you have a sweet treat ready when the holiday spirit strikes.

Storing Leftovers

• Let the cookies cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• For added freshness, you can layer parchment paper between the cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• To freeze, allow the cookies to cool fully.
• Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours).
• Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating

• For a warm cookie experience, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them for 10-15 seconds if you’re in a hurry!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe that you might find helpful.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones in the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe?

Fresh cranberries can be used, but they will result in a different texture and flavor. Dried cranberries provide sweetness and chewiness that complements the cookie well. If you choose fresh cranberries, consider adding extra sugar to balance their tartness.

How long do these cookies last after baking?

After baking, the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to one week. If you want them to last longer, freezing is an excellent option!

Can I substitute margarine for butter in this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute margarine for butter if you prefer. Just ensure it’s softened before mixing it with sugars for the best results.

What can I use instead of orange juice?

If you’re out of orange juice, lemon juice can be used as an alternative; however, it will change the flavor profile slightly. For a similar taste, consider using another citrus juice like grapefruit or tangerine.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies! They encapsulate the essence of the holidays with their vibrant flavors and cozy aroma. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying them as a personal treat, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking, and may your holiday season be filled with warmth and sweetness!