Name: Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup softened butter; 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; 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 3 tablespoons orange juice; 1/2 teaspoon orange zest

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If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the spirit of the season, the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe is just what you need! These cookies are bursting with flavor and bring a cheerful pop of color to your holiday table. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie with the bright tang of orange and the tart sweetness of cranberries—pure bliss!

What I love about this recipe is how easy it is to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. You can make these cookies in no time, and they always impress guests. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a staple in your holiday baking tradition!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple to make: With just a few easy steps, anyone can bake these delicious cookies.
Family-friendly: Kids love the sweet and tangy flavors, making them a hit for all ages.
Perfect for sharing: These cookies are great for gifting or bringing to parties; they look beautiful on any dessert table.
Make-ahead friendly: Prepare the dough ahead of time and bake when you’re ready for fresh cookies!
Festive flavors: The combination of cranberry and orange is truly holiday magic!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that you’ll feel good about using. Let’s gather what we need to create these delightful cookies.

For the Cookies

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

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative and tailor it to your taste.

Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
Spice it up: A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and depth to the flavor.
Swap out cranberries: Use dried cherries or blueberries if you want to mix things up.
Make them festive: Add festive sprinkles on top of the glaze for a fun touch!

How to Make Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butters and Sugars

Start by creaming together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into your mixture, resulting in light and fluffy cookies. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until everything is well-combined.

Step 2: Mix in Wet Ingredients

Next, add in one egg along with two tablespoons of fresh orange juice and one teaspoon of orange zest. Mixing these ingredients adds moisture and flavor, creating that delightful citrusy profile we love. Beat until everything is nicely blended.

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 helps ensure that your leavening agent (baking soda) distributes evenly throughout the dough—this leads to perfectly risen cookies!

Step 4: Fold in Cranberries

Now it’s time to fold in those lovely dried cranberries! Gently stir them into your dough using a spatula. This step adds bursts of tartness that contrast beautifully with the sweetness of your cookie base.

Step 5: Bake Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto lined baking sheets. Bake them for about eight minutes or until edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them; overbaking can make these cookies tough instead of soft and chewy!

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

While your cookies cool down, let’s whip up that zesty glaze! In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar with three tablespoons of orange juice and half a teaspoon of orange zest. Mix until smooth—this glaze will add a beautiful finish to your cookies!

Step 7: Drizzle Away!

Once your cookies are cool, drizzle the glaze over each one using a spoon or piping bag for more precision. Let them sit for a few minutes so that glaze sets slightly before serving.

And there you have it—your very own batch of Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies! Enjoy sharing these treats with friends and family; I know they’ll be as enchanted as I am by their deliciousness!

Pro Tips for Making Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Baking cookies can be a delightful experience, and with a few simple tips, you can elevate your cranberry orange cookies to new heights!

Use room temperature ingredients: Starting with softened butter and egg helps create a smooth, creamy dough that incorporates air better, resulting in light and fluffy cookies.
Don’t overmix the dough: Mix until just combined to keep your cookies tender. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies because it develops the gluten in the flour.
Chill the dough if needed: If your dough feels too soft or sticky, refrigerating it for about 15-30 minutes can make it easier to handle and shape.
Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to add chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for added texture and flavor. Chocolate chips could also complement the tartness of cranberries beautifully!
Store properly: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This helps maintain their freshness; you can also freeze them for longer storage.

How to Serve Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Presenting your delicious cranberry orange cookies in a festive way can make them even more enjoyable! Here are some delightful serving suggestions.

Garnishes

Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a touch of elegance and sweetness to each cookie.
Orange zest sprinkle: Adding a bit more fresh orange zest on top gives a vibrant color and enhances the citrus aroma.
Cranberry garnish: Placing a few dried cranberries on top of each cookie not only looks appetizing but also emphasizes the cookie’s main ingredient!

Side Dishes

Hot cocoa: A warm cup of rich hot cocoa pairs perfectly with these cookies, enhancing their flavors while providing comforting warmth during chilly holiday gatherings.
Spiced chai tea: The spices in chai tea complement the citrusy notes of the cookies, creating a cozy pairing that is perfect for winter afternoons.
Vanilla almond milk: For something lighter, serve these cookies with chilled vanilla almond milk. It’s refreshing and adds a nutty flavor that blends well with cranberry.
Fruit platter: A colorful platter filled with seasonal fruits like oranges, apples, and pears not only looks beautiful but also offers a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.

With these tips and serving ideas, your Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies will surely shine at any gathering this holiday season! Enjoy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious cookies throughout the holiday season without the stress of last-minute baking.

Storing Leftovers

Allow cookies to cool completely before storing.
Place them in an airtight container at room temperature.
They will stay fresh for up to one week.

Freezing

Individually wrap each cookie in plastic wrap or place in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag.
Store in the freezer for up to three months.
For best results, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

Reheating

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Arrange cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes until warm.
Enjoy fresh as if they were just baked!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful recipe.

Can I make the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe without eggs?

Yes! You can use a flaxseed egg as a substitute. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for a few minutes until thickened, and use it in place of one egg.

How can I adjust the sweetness in the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe?

If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup or substitute part of the sugar with unsweetened applesauce for a healthier twist.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

While dried cranberries provide a chewy texture, you can use fresh cranberries; just note that they’ll add more moisture and tartness to the cookies.

What other flavors can I add to these cookies?

Feel free to experiment! Adding chocolate chips, nuts, or spices like cinnamon can elevate your Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe even further.

How do I ensure my cookies turn out soft?

Make sure not to overbake them. Remove from the oven as soon as they are lightly golden around the edges and still soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe brings warmth and joy to your holiday gatherings! The delightful balance of tart cranberry and zesty orange makes these cookies truly special. Don’t hesitate to share this recipe with friends and family—there’s nothing quite like sharing homemade treats during this festive season. Happy baking!

Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies

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Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

Experience the joy of the holiday season with our Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe! These delightful treats are a perfect combination of soft, chewy cookie texture and the vibrant flavors of tart cranberries and zesty orange. Easy to make, they’re ideal for busy family gatherings or as gifts for friends. With their festive appearance and delicious taste, these cookies will become a favorite addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Impress your guests and family with each bite that captures the spirit of the season!

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup softened butter
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
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons orange juice
1/2 teaspoon orange zest

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Instructions

Cream together softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
Mix in one egg, two tablespoons of orange juice, and one teaspoon of orange zest until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add to wet ingredients until just mixed.
Fold in dried cranberries gently.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized dough onto lined baking sheets and bake for about 8 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
For the glaze, combine powdered sugar with three tablespoons of orange juice and half a teaspoon of orange zest until smooth; drizzle over cooled cookies.