If you’re on the lookout for a festive treat that bursts with bright flavors and cozy vibes, then you’ve just found the answer: the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe. These delightful cookies perfectly balance the sweet, tangy zing of orange with the tart pop of cranberries, wrapped in a buttery, soft cookie that melts in your mouth. They’re an absolute must-bake for the holiday season, bringing warmth, color, and joy straight to your kitchen and holiday table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients, each playing a vital role in crafting these irresistible cookies. From the creamy butter providing that tender texture to the zing of fresh orange zest adding festive brightness, every item contributes to making these cookies unforgettable.
- Butter (1 cup, softened): The foundation for tenderness and richness in the cookie dough.
- Sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps cookies achieve that lovely golden color.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Brings a hint of molasses flavor and extra moisture for chewiness.
- Egg (1 large): Binds ingredients while adding a bit of structure.
- Orange juice (2 tablespoons): Infuses the dough with fresh citrus brightness, perfectly complementing the cranberries.
- Orange zest (1 teaspoon): Concentrated flavor punch that wakes up the palate.
- Flour (2 1/2 cups): The sturdy base that holds everything together.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies puff up slightly for a soft texture.
- Dried cranberries (2 cups): The star ingredient—tart, chewy bursts of holiday joy.
How to Make Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures perfect baking temperature right from the start, so your cookies will bake evenly and get that light golden edge everyone loves.
Step 2: Cream the Sugars and Butter
Using an electric mixer, beat together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This stage is crucial for creating a tender texture and incorporating air that makes your cookies soft and not dense.
Step 3: Add Liquid Ingredients
Mix in the egg, then pour in the orange juice and add the orange zest. The combination of juice and zest amplifies citrus flavor, ensuring every bite sings with holiday spirit.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually blend these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined to avoid overmixing, which keeps your cookies tender and soft.
Step 5: Fold in the Dried Cranberries
Gently fold in the dried cranberries so they distribute evenly without breaking apart. These little bursts of tartness are what make this cookie a standout festive treat.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them apart so they have room to spread slightly. Pop them in the oven, and bake for about 8 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
Step 7: Cooling
Once baked, let the cookies cool on a wire rack. This step is key to prevent sogginess and lets the cookies set perfectly before enjoying.
Step 8: Optional Icing
For a lovely finishing touch, whisk powdered sugar with a little orange juice to create a simple glaze that you can drizzle over cooled cookies, adding an extra layer of sweet and citrus flavor.
How to Serve Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra dried cranberries or a delicate dusting of powdered sugar atop your cookies for added charm. Orange zest curls can add a bright, elegant touch that immediately catches the eye.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a mug of hot spiced tea, a cup of coffee, or even creamy eggnog for a perfect holiday snack. Their citrusy tang balances well with warm, cozy beverages, making every bite rewarding.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your cookies on a festive platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary or pine for a natural holiday vibe. You can also stack them in a clear jar tied with a ribbon, making a lovely edible gift that shows you care.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They usually stay soft and tasty for up to a week, perfect for lingering holiday treats.
Freezing
If you want to prepare early or save some for later, you can freeze the unbaked dough balls in a single layer on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time for fresh-from-the-oven goodness whenever you desire.
Reheating
To revive slightly stale cookies, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for five minutes. This reawakens the orange and cranberry flavors while restoring a tender, chewy texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh cranberries for dried in this recipe?
Fresh cranberries can be quite watery and tart, which may affect the dough’s texture and moisture balance. It’s best to stick with dried cranberries for that chewy, sweet-tart pop essential to the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe.
What if I don’t have orange zest or fresh oranges?
If fresh zest or juice isn’t available, you can use high-quality orange extract sparingly to bring out citrus flavor, but fresh ingredients always yield the brightest, most natural taste.
Are these cookies gluten-free or can they be made gluten-free?
This recipe calls for all-purpose wheat flour, but you can try substituting a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just be sure to check that your blend includes xanthan gum or a similar binder for best results.
How do I make these cookies more festive for a holiday party?
Adding a colorful drizzle of white chocolate or sprinkling festive sugar crystals on top will amp up the holiday cheer. Using cookie cutters to create different shapes before baking is also a fun twist.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Absolutely! Just double all ingredients and bake in batches, as overcrowding the oven affects cookie quality. These cookies keep beautifully once baked, so it’s a great way to spread holiday cheer far and wide.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about baking the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe. It’s a simple, joyful way to fill your home with the scents of the season and share moments of warmth with loved ones. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and discover just how delicious holiday baking can be!
Print
Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies combine the tartness of dried cranberries with fresh orange zest and juice, creating a festive and flavorful holiday treat. Soft, buttery, and lightly sweetened, these cookies are perfect for sharing at Christmas gatherings or enjoying with a cup of tea.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Add-ins
- 2 cups dried cranberries
Icing
- Powdered sugar, quantity not specified (approximately 1 cup)
- Orange juice (to mix with powdered sugar for icing, amount to consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which incorporates air and improves texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, orange juice, and orange zest into the creamed mixture until everything is well combined, infusing the dough with citrus flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda to ensure even distribution of leavening and seasoning agents, then gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking.
- Fold in Cranberries: Gently fold the dried cranberries into the dough to evenly distribute them without crushing.
- Scoop the Dough: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them apart to allow room for spreading while baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for about 8 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating they are done, then transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Icing: Whisk powdered sugar with orange juice until smooth to create a glaze that complements the cookies with a sweet and citrusy finish.
- Decorate: Once cookies have cooled, drizzle or spread the orange glaze on top and allow it to set before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly grated orange zest for optimal flavor.
- If desired, nuts such as chopped walnuts or pecans can be added for texture.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Make the dough a day ahead and refrigerate to enhance flavor and texture.
- The icing quantity can be adjusted to your preferred consistency, thicker for spreading or thinner for drizzling.
