Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to brighten your holiday gatherings, then this Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe is just the thing! The vibrant flavors of tart cranberries and zesty oranges dance together in each bite, making these cookies a festive favorite. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just want a sweet pick-me-up during a busy week, these cookies are sure to bring joy and warmth to your home.

I love how simple this recipe is, yet it yields cookies that feel special enough for any occasion. They make the perfect addition to cookie trays or as a thoughtful gift for friends and neighbors. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why this recipe has earned a place in my holiday traditions!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have delicious cookies ready in no time!
• Family-friendly: Kids love helping out in the kitchen and will enjoy these sweet treats.
• Perfect for sharing: These cookies make great gifts and are ideal for holiday cookie exchanges.
• Deliciously festive flavor: The bright cranberry and orange combination brings the spirit of the season to life.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake whenever the mood strikes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather the ingredients for our Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe! These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully.

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

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Add nuts: Mix in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Swap the fruit: Use dried cherries or blueberries instead of cranberries for a different fruity twist.
• Spice it up: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to give your cookies a warm spice flavor.
• Make them chocolatey: Stir in some white or dark chocolate chips for an indulgent treat.

How to Make Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies that delightful texture.

Step 2: Add Egg and Citrus

Next, beat in the egg along with the orange juice and zest. This not only adds moisture but also infuses your dough with wonderful citrus flavor. Don’t skip the zest – it’s where much of that bright taste comes from!

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 everything blends evenly without overworking the dough.

Step 4: Fold in Dried Cranberries

Gently fold in those beautiful dried cranberries until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. Each piece will bring bursts of flavor as you bite into your warm cookies!

Step 5: Bake Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a lined baking sheet. Bake them for about 8 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them; you want soft centers!

Step 6: Prepare Icing and Drizzle

While your cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar with orange juice and zest to make a smooth icing. Once your cookies are cool enough to handle, drizzle this sweet goodness over them for an extra festive touch.

And there you have it! A batch of delicious Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies ready to be enjoyed by all. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Baking these festive cookies can be a joyous experience, and with a few handy tips, you’ll ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature butter: Softened butter blends more easily with sugar, creating a light and fluffy texture that helps your cookies rise beautifully.
• Don’t skip the zest: Adding orange zest enhances the flavor profile, giving your cookies that vibrant citrus kick that complements the cranberries perfectly.
• Chill the dough if needed: If your dough feels too sticky, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This makes rolling easier and helps your cookies maintain their shape while baking.
• Watch the bake time: Oven temperatures may vary, so keep an eye on your cookies in the last few minutes. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center for that perfect bite.
• Let them cool properly: Allowing your cookies to cool on a wire rack ensures they firm up nicely without becoming overcooked on the bottom.

How to Serve Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Presenting these delightful cookies is just as important as making them! Here are some fun ways to serve them during the holiday season.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and looks beautiful against the deep red of the cranberries.
• Candied orange peel: For an extra festive flair, top each cookie with a small piece of candied orange peel, enhancing both taste and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: A warm cup of cocoa pairs perfectly with these cookies, balancing their sweetness and adding a cozy vibe to your dessert table.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits like pomegranates or mandarin oranges can brighten up your spread and complement the flavors in the cookies.
• Cheese platter: Offering a selection of soft cheeses alongside nuts can create a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the cookies while adding variety to your holiday gathering.
• Spiced tea: Serve these cookies with a warm spiced tea for a comforting drink option that enhances their festive flavor profile.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress friends and family 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 whip up a batch ahead of the holidays or whenever you’re in the mood for a sweet treat.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Arrange the frozen cookies on a baking sheet and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Enjoy warm for that fresh-baked taste!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious cookie recipe.

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

Yes! You can replace the egg with a flaxseed meal or chia seed mixture. Simply mix 1 tablespoon of either flaxseed meal or chia seeds with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens.

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

If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the amount of sugar used or opt for alternative sweeteners like coconut sugar or stevia according to your taste preferences.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones?

While dried cranberries provide sweetness and chewiness, you can use fresh cranberries. However, keep in mind that you’ll need to adjust the sugar level since fresh cranberries are more tart.

What can I serve with these cookies?

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. They also make delightful gifts when packaged beautifully!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe! It’s a wonderful way to spread holiday cheer and share delicious treats with loved ones. Baking is all about love and warmth, so get those ingredients ready and create something special. Happy baking!