Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to brighten your holiday season, look no further! The Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe is not just any cookie; it’s a sweet celebration of flavors that truly captures the spirit of Christmas. The tartness of cranberries combined with the zesty brightness of orange makes these cookies a festive favorite. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, they are bound to bring smiles and warmth to your home.

Every bite of these cookies is like a little hug from the holidays. They are not only delicious but also easy to whip up, making them an ideal choice for bakers of all levels. Whether you’re enjoying them with a warm cup of tea or sharing them as gifts, these cookies will surely make your festive moments even more special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cranberry and orange creates a sweet and tangy explosion in every bite.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll have these cookies ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these vibrant cookies; they’re perfect for family baking sessions.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake a batch ahead of time and store them for quick treats throughout the holiday season.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe is a breeze! These simple, wholesome ingredients come together to create something magical.

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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are a few fun variations to consider:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Use Different Fruits: Experiment with dried cherries or blueberries instead of cranberries for a unique twist.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a cozy spiced flavor.
• Make it Vegan: Substitute the butter with coconut oil and use flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg replacement.

How to Make Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat them together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it creates air pockets in the dough, leading to soft and chewy cookies!

Step 2: Mix in Egg and Citrus

Add in the egg, orange juice, and orange zest into your creamed mixture. Mix well until everything is fully combined. The citrus will infuse your cookies with that lovely bright flavor we all adore!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients while stirring gently. This helps avoid overmixing, which can lead to tough cookies.

Step 4: Fold in Cranberries

Gently fold in the dried cranberries until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Each cookie should have plenty of those tangy little gems!

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto lined baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake for about 8 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them; you want them soft!

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

While your cookies cool, mix together powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth. Once cooled completely, drizzle this sweet glaze over each cookie for that extra festive touch!

Now that you know how to make these delightful treats, I hope you’ll enjoy sharing them with loved ones this holiday season! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Baking these delightful cookies is a breeze, and with a few simple tips, you can make them even better!

• Use room temperature butter: Softened butter mixes more easily with sugar, creating a light and fluffy texture in your cookies. This ensures they rise beautifully and have that perfect bite.

• Don’t skip the zest: Adding orange zest amplifies the citrus flavor in your cookies. It brings out the bright notes of the orange juice and complements the tartness of the cranberries.

• Chill your dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking helps prevent spreading. This results in thicker cookies that maintain their shape and chewy texture.

• Monitor baking time closely: Every oven is different! Start checking your cookies at around 8 minutes to avoid overbaking. You want them to be slightly golden on the edges while still soft in the center.

• Store properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for several days, but I bet they won’t last long!

How to Serve Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

These cookies are not just tasty; they also make a lovely addition to any holiday gathering or cookie platter. Here are some fun ways to serve them up!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a festive touch and enhances their visual appeal.
• Candied orange slices: Top each cookie with a small slice for an elegant look and extra burst of flavor.

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: This classic warm drink pairs perfectly with the sweet and tart flavors of cranberry orange cookies, making it a cozy treat.
• Cheese platter: A mix of creamy cheeses balances the sweetness of these cookies, offering a savory contrast that’s sure to please guests.
• Spiced chai tea: The warm spices in chai complement the citrus notes beautifully, creating a delightful pairing for enjoying these treats.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits like pomegranate and kiwi can lighten up the dessert table while enhancing those fruity flavors.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re all set to impress family and friends with your Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the festive flavors anytime! Whether you’re planning for a holiday gathering or simply want to bake a batch for yourself, these cookies store beautifully.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week.
• If you live in a humid area, consider refrigerating them to maintain their texture.

Freezing

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in freezer-safe bags or containers, separating layers with parchment paper.
• The cookies will keep well in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat them for about 5 minutes.
• Enjoy them fresh out of the oven with a delightful aroma filling your kitchen!

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might pop up as you embark on making these delicious treats.

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

Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or use unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup) for a great result.

How do I get the best texture from my Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe?

Ensure that your butter is softened but not melted. Creaming it well with sugars adds air and leads to light, fluffy cookies. Also, don’t overmix after adding flour.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried in this recipe?

While dried cranberries provide sweetness and chewiness, you can use fresh cranberries if you’d like. Just be mindful that they are tart; you may want to increase sugar slightly.

How long does it take to prepare the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe?

The total time is about 25 minutes—15 minutes of prep and just 8 minutes of baking!

Final Thoughts

I hope this Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe brings joy and warmth into your kitchen this holiday season! These delightful little treats not only taste amazing but also make your home smell incredible. Enjoy making these cookies with loved ones, and don’t forget to share your experiences! Happy baking!