Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive treat that captures the essence of the holiday season, let me share my favorite recipe with you: the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe! These cookies are a delightful combination of tangy cranberries and zesty orange, creating a burst of flavor in every bite. They’re perfect for family gatherings, cozy nights at home, or even as a sweet gift for friends. Trust me, once you bake these cookies, they’ll quickly become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.

Every time I make these cookies, I’m reminded of warm memories spent in the kitchen with loved ones. The bright colors and cheerful aroma fill the air, making them an irresistible addition to any holiday spread. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and yields delicious results that everyone will adore.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have these cookies ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love helping out in the kitchen and will enjoy tasting the sweet results.
• Make Ahead: These cookies stay fresh for days, making them perfect for holiday parties or gifting.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of dried cranberries and orange zest brings a unique twist to traditional cookies.
• Versatile: Ideal for Christmas, but tasty enough to enjoy year-round!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Gather them up and let’s get started on baking 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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
• Dried fruit mix: Swap cranberries for other dried fruits like cherries or apricots.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm spice note.
• Chocolate drizzle: Drizzle melted dairy-free chocolate over the cooled cookies for an indulgent touch.

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 it’s light and fluffy. This step is essential because it incorporates air into the mixture, leading to soft and tender cookies. Use an electric mixer if you have one; it makes the process quicker!

Step 2: Add Egg and Orange Juice

Next, beat in one egg along with two tablespoons of fresh orange juice and one teaspoon of orange zest. This adds moisture and flavor to our cookie dough. Don’t skip on the zest—it really elevates those citrus notes!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together two and a half cups of flour, half a teaspoon of salt, and half a teaspoon of baking soda. Mixing these dry ingredients separately ensures that everything is evenly distributed before adding them to your wet mixture.

Step 4: Mix It All Together

Gradually add the dry mixture into your creamed butter mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want soft cookies! Now fold in two cups of dried cranberries gently so they’re evenly spread throughout the dough.

Step 5: Bake Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for about eight minutes or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Allowing them to cool slightly on the sheet before transferring them helps maintain their shape.

Step 6: Make the Glaze

While your cookies are cooling down, prepare the glaze by combining one and a half cups of powdered sugar with three tablespoons of orange juice and half a teaspoon of orange zest. This glaze adds a sweet finish that ties all those flavors together perfectly!

Step 7: Drizzle and Enjoy!

Once your cookies are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over each cookie using a spoon or piping bag. Let them set before serving—if you can resist! Enjoy these festive delights with friends or family; they’re sure to bring smiles all around!

Pro Tips for Making Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Baking cookies should be a joyful experience, and these tips will help you nail it every time!

• Use room temperature butter: Softened butter blends easily with sugars, creating a fluffy texture that makes your cookies light and airy.
• Don’t skip the zest: Adding orange zest intensifies the citrus flavor, making each bite burst with freshness. It’s what sets these cookies apart!
• Chill the dough: If you have time, chilling the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances their flavor.
• Measure flour correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies, while just the right amount keeps them soft and chewy.
• Keep an eye on baking time: Since ovens can vary, check your cookies a minute or two before the recommended baking time. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.

How to Serve Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

These delightful cranberry orange cookies are not only delicious but also beautifully festive. Here are some fun serving ideas to make them shine during your holiday gatherings!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness.
• Candied orange peel: Add a few pieces on top for an extra pop of color and flavor that complements the orange zest beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: This rich and creamy beverage is perfect alongside your cookies. Its warmth balances out the tartness of cranberries perfectly.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits like pomegranate, kiwi, and apples adds a healthy contrast to your sweet treats.
• Cheese platter: Pair your cookies with mild cheeses like brie or cream cheese for a delightful sweet-savory combination that guests will love.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream served next to warm cookies creates an irresistible dessert experience that’s sure to please everyone at your holiday table.

These small touches will elevate your cookie presentation and enhance the overall enjoyment for you and your guests! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them in advance and enjoy them fresh throughout the holiday season.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• If you prefer softer cookies, place a slice of bread in the container to help maintain moisture.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the cookies cool completely.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating

• When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, simply thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• For a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that may arise while making these delicious cookies:

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried in the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe?

Fresh cranberries can be used, but they will add more moisture. Consider reducing the amount of orange juice slightly if you choose this option.

How do I ensure my cookies turn out soft when making the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe?

Make sure not to overbake the cookies! They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft to the touch when you take them out of the oven.

Can I substitute butter with a non-dairy alternative?

Yes! You can use plant-based butter or margarine as a substitute for butter in this recipe, ensuring your cookies remain delicious and festive!

What is the best way to add frosting to my cranberry orange cookies?

You can drizzle the orange glaze over cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag. Just mix powdered sugar with orange juice until smooth and adjust consistency as needed!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking these Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies! The combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange makes every bite feel like a hug during the holidays. Enjoy making this delightful treat with your loved ones, and I can’t wait for you to try it out! Happy baking!