Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of the holiday season, you’ve found it! The Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe is not just about flavors; it’s about memories. These cookies fill your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma while the tartness of cranberries and the zestiness of orange brighten up your festive gatherings. They are perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick dessert or for family gatherings where everyone will want to savor a bite.

What makes this cookie recipe truly special is how easy it is to whip up. You don’t have to be a baking expert to bring these delicious cookies to life. Plus, they make wonderful gifts or sweet additions to any holiday cookie platter!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple: You can have these cookies ready in just 25 minutes! Perfect for those spontaneous baking moments.
• Family Favorite: Everyone loves the combination of cranberry and orange, making them a hit with both kids and adults.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake these cookies in advance and store them for busy days. They stay fresh and tasty!
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them during the holidays or any time you crave something sweet. They’re great year-round!
• Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant colors of cranberries and orange zest make these cookies as pretty as they are delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. They come together to create a deliciously chewy cookie that everyone will adore.

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have at home or your personal taste preferences.

• Add Nuts: Consider mixing in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Use Different Dried Fruits: Swap out cranberries for raisins or cherries if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Try Different Citrus Zests: Lemon zest can add a refreshing twist if you’re looking for variation in flavor.
• Make Them Vegan: Use a flax egg instead of a regular egg and swap butter for your favorite plant-based alternative.

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 until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into your mixture, leading to wonderfully soft cookies!

Step 2: Add Egg and Citrus

Next, mix in the egg, orange juice, and orange zest until well combined. The citrus adds moisture and flavor, making every bite feel like a little holiday celebration.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Step 4: Fold in Dried Cranberries

Gently fold in the dried cranberries with a spatula. This ensures they are evenly distributed throughout your dough without breaking apart.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded dough onto a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; they bake quickly!

Step 6: Prepare Icing (Optional)

While your cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth for an optional icing. Drizzle over cooled cookies for that extra touch of sweetness!

Enjoy making these delightful treats as much as you’ll enjoy sharing them!

Pro Tips for Making Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Baking these cookies can be a delightful experience, and with a few tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature butter: This helps the butter cream more easily with the sugars, resulting in a lighter, fluffier cookie texture.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined will keep your cookies soft and chewy rather than tough. You want to preserve that lovely texture!
• Chill the dough for better flavor: Allowing your dough to chill for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavors and makes it easier to handle when forming cookies.
• Experiment with different dried fruits: While cranberries are traditional, try adding some chopped dried apricots or cherries for a delicious twist that complements the orange flavor beautifully.
• Store correctly for freshness: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness and flavor. They also freeze well if you want to save some for later!

How to Serve Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

These cookies not only taste divine but also look festive on any holiday table. Here are some fun ideas to present them beautifully!

Garnishes

• Sprinkle of powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar on top adds a touch of elegance and sweetness.
• Shredded coconut: Adding some unsweetened shredded coconut can enhance both texture and visual appeal while complementing the fruity flavors.

Side Dishes

• Warm spiced apple cider: This comforting drink pairs wonderfully with the tartness of cranberry and the zestiness of orange, creating a cozy holiday atmosphere.
• Creamy vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream served alongside the warm cookies is a delightful contrast that melts in your mouth.
• Festive fruit platter: A colorful assortment of seasonal fruits like pomegranate seeds, mandarin slices, and kiwi will brighten up your dessert spread while balancing out the sweetness of the cookies.

Enjoy baking and sharing these festive treats with family and friends!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the festive flavors whenever you desire! With the right storage techniques, you can keep these cookies fresh for days or even weeks.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• To freeze, allow the cookies to cool completely.
• Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen cookies to an airtight freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating

• If you’d like to warm the cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 10-15 seconds, but watch closely to avoid overheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe that might help you out!

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, they are tart, so consider adding more sugar or sweetener to balance the flavors.

How should I store leftovers from the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Can I substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative?

Yes! You can easily substitute butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine to make these cookies suitable for those avoiding dairy.

How do I make these cookies thicker?

To make thicker cookies, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading during baking.

What is a good topping for my cookies?

A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of orange glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice pairs wonderfully with these festive treats!

Final Thoughts

I hope this Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe brings joy and warmth to your holiday celebrations! The delightful combination of cranberry and citrus captures the essence of the season beautifully. Enjoy making these tasty treats with your loved ones—there’s nothing quite like sharing homemade goodies during this special time of year. Happy baking!