As the holiday season approaches, the cozy aroma of baking cookies can transform your home into a festive haven. Let me introduce you to my favorite treat: the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe. These chewy delights combine the tartness of cranberries with the refreshing zest of orange, making them a perfect companion for tea time or a delightful addition to cookie swaps. With just 30 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a batch that’s not only quick but also make-ahead friendly, ensuring you’re ready for unexpected guests. Imagine gathering with friends, sharing laughter, and indulging in these bright, flavorful cookies that melt in your mouth. Are you ready to bake a batch and fill your home with that enchanting holiday spirit?
Why are you going to love these cookies?
Simplicity at Its Finest: With just 30 minutes of prep time, this recipe makes baking a breeze, letting you enjoy the festive season without any stress.
Bright, Bold Flavors: The tart cranberries and zesty orange combine for a deliciously unique taste that’s sure to impress everyone at your holiday gatherings.
Perfect for Gifting: Wrap these cookies up for a delightful gift or bring them along for cookie swaps, sharing joy with family and friends!
Versatile Options: Substitute dried fruit or chocolate for a fun twist; these cookies can easily adapt to your tastes or pantry staples. For more indulgent ideas, check out my Twix Cookies Taste or Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dough two days in advance or freeze it for up to three months, so you’re always ready for spontaneous holiday cheer!
Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
• Butter – Adds richness and moisture; you can substitute with margarine or solid coconut oil for a dairy-free option, though butter provides the best flavor.
• Sugar – Sweetens the dough and gives the cookies sparkle when rolled before baking; substitute powdered sugar with a blend of granulated sugar and cornstarch for the glaze.
• Brown Sugar – Contributes depth and moisture; mix white sugar with molasses for a substitute.
• Egg – Binds the ingredients for a tender texture; avoid substitutes for the best results.
• Orange Juice and Zest – Infuses the cookies with fresh citrus flavor; use bottled juice in a pinch, but fresh is always better—lemon juice offers a tasty twist.
• Flour – Provides structure to the cookies; opt for a 1:1 gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.
• Baking Soda & Salt – Acts as a leavening agent and flavor enhancer, ensuring fluffiness and balancing sweetness.
• Dried Cranberries – The star ingredient, offering chewiness and tartness; sweetened “Craisins” work best, but unsweetened can be used for a more tart experience.
For the Glaze
• Powdered Sugar – Creates a smooth glaze that adds sweetness and visual appeal; adjust the amount based on desired sweetness.
• Additional Orange Juice and Zest – Enhances the glaze with a citrus burst that complements the cookies wonderfully.
Get ready to dive into this Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies recipe—it’s sure to brighten your holiday season!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step is essential to ensure the best Christmas cranberry orange cookies bake evenly. The warm-up time will allow your cookies to spread perfectly, creating that delightful chewy texture we all love.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together ½ cup of softened butter, ¾ cup of granulated sugar, and ¾ cup of packed brown sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which is crucial for achieving the perfect soft and chewy cookie.
Step 3: Incorporate the Wet Ingredients
Next, add one large egg, 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice, and the zest of one orange to the creamed mixture. Mix well on low speed until all ingredients are fully combined and the mixture appears smooth. This citrus addition contributes to the vibrant flavors of your best Christmas cranberry orange cookies.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Be mindful not to over-mix, as this can result in a tougher cookie.
Step 5: Fold in the Cranberries
Carefully fold in 1 cup of dried cranberries by hand using a spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. This step is essential to ensure that every bite of your best Christmas cranberry orange cookies is bursting with that delicious tartness that pairs perfectly with the orange zest.
Step 6: Portion the Dough
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. This spacing allows the cookies to spread without touching, resulting in perfect chewy centers and slightly crispy edges when they come out of the oven.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the cookies are done when the edges turn light golden brown while the centers remain soft. This visual cue ensures that your Christmas cranberry orange cookies maintain their delightful chewy texture.
Step 8: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, remove the sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 2 minutes. This resting time allows them to set slightly before transferring them to wire racks for complete cooling, preventing breakage and ensuring they hold their shape.
Step 9: Prepare the Glaze
While your cookies cool, make the glaze by mixing 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice and a teaspoon of orange zest until smooth. This glaze adds a delightful finishing touch to your best Christmas cranberry orange cookies, giving them not only sweetness but also an appealing shine.
Step 10: Glaze the Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the prepared glaze over the tops using a fork or piping bag. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving or storing. This final touch not only enhances the flavor but also gives your cookies a festive look perfect for holiday gatherings.
Expert Tips for the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
• Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too soft, pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
• Perfect Butter Consistency: Ensure the butter is softened but not melted. This crucial step contributes to the ideal texture of your best Christmas cranberry orange cookies.
• Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. Remove them when the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still soft for that chewy goodness.
• Don’t Over-Mix: Mix the cookie dough just until combined. Over-mixing can lead to tough cookies; we’re aiming for soft and chewy instead!
• Glaze Timing: Drizzle the glaze over the cookies only after they’ve completely cooled. This will prevent the glaze from melting into the cookie, ensuring a beautiful finish.
How to Store and Freeze Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
Airtight Container: Store your best Christmas cranberry orange cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and chewiness.
Freezing Cookies: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to an airtight freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Dough Preparation: Make the cookie dough ahead of time and shape it into balls. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months; just thaw and bake when you’re ready!
Reheating Tips: To restore that fresh-baked taste, warm frozen cookies in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Enjoy the delightful aromas as they come back to life!
Make Ahead Options
These Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 48 hours in advance and refrigerate it. To maintain the quality, be sure to wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odors. Alternatively, you can scoop the dough into balls and freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls directly onto the baking sheet without thawing, adding a minute or two to the baking time. This way, you’ll have warm, delicious cookies ready to delight your guests with minimal stress!
What to Serve with Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
The perfect festive spread pairs beautifully with these cookies, making your holiday gatherings a true delight.
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Creamy Hot Cocoa: Rich, velvety hot cocoa adds warmth and a sweet contrast to the tartness of the cookies.
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Classic Eggnog: This holiday favorite brings a cozy creamy spiciness that perfectly complements the citrus notes in the cookies.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing touch, balancing sweetness and enhancing holiday cheer.
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Whipped Cream and Berries: A dollop of fresh whipped cream paired with mixed berries offers a delightful, light finish after indulging in the cookies.
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Cheddar Cheese Platter: A selection of sharp cheeses brings an unexpected savory element that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cookies.
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Sparkling Apple Cider: The bubbly sweetness of sparkling cider elevates your gathering, celebrating the festive spirit with every sip.
Elevate your holiday baking and serving experience with these complimentary ideas, ensuring each bite and sip brings joy.
Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Variations
Feel free to jazz up this cookie recipe with delicious twists perfect for your taste buds and pantry!
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Fruit Swap: Substitute dried cranberries with dried cherries or chopped dried apricots for a delightful twist on fruit flavors. Each adds its unique sweetness, brightening up your cookies even more!
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Nutty Addition: Toss in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch and richness. These will elevate the texture and make each bite extra special.
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Chocolate Boost: Add white chocolate chips to your dough for a creamy contrast. The richness of chocolate pairs beautifully with the tanginess of cranberries, creating a delightful balance.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version. This allows everyone to enjoy the holiday spirit without any dietary concerns.
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Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor. These aromatic spices will enhance the comforting essence of these cookies, making them a true holiday favorite.
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Zesty Lemon: Replace some of the orange juice with lemon juice for a citrusy twist. The brightness of lemon will add a refreshing zing, making your cookies even more irresistible.
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Personalized Glaze: Experiment with flavored glazes by adding a splash of vanilla extract or a hint of almond extract to the glaze. This small alteration can take your cookies to an entire new flavor realm.
For more delightful baking ideas, why not try my Cinnamon Roll Cookies that blend classic flavors with fun twists, or dive into the rich indulgence of Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies? Enjoy exploring the possibilities!
Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of cranberries should I use?
I recommend using sweetened dried cranberries, often referred to as “Craisins,” for a lovely burst of sweetness in each bite. If you prefer a tarter flavor, unsweetened dried cranberries can also work beautifully, adding a delightful contrast to the sweet orange notes.
How should I store these cookies?
To keep your best Christmas cranberry orange cookies fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you notice them starting to dry out, consider adding a slice of bread to the container; it helps maintain moisture and can keep your cookies perfect longer.
Can I freeze the cookies or the dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze your cookies by first placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until they’re firm, then transferring them to an airtight freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. If you want to freeze the dough, shape it into balls, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze. Just thaw and bake once you’re ready to enjoy fresh cookies!
What should I do if my cookie dough is too soft?
If your dough feels too soft to handle, don’t worry! Just pop it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This chilling time will firm it up, making it easier to scoop and shape into perfect cookies while ensuring they hold their shape during baking.
Are there any substitutions for dietary restrictions?
If you’re looking for substitutions, you can use margarine or solid coconut oil as a dairy-free alternative to butter. For gluten-free folks, a 1:1 all-purpose gluten-free flour blend works wonderfully in this recipe. Just be mindful that certain substitutions might slightly alter the flavor or texture, so I recommend trying the original if you can!
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Definitely! You can make the dough up to 2 days ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can shape the dough into balls and freeze them for up to 3 months. This makes it super convenient for spontaneous baking or holiday gatherings—just thaw and bake when you’re in the mood for fresh cookies!
Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add one large egg, 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice, and the zest of one orange to the creamed mixture and mix well on low speed.
- In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in dried cranberries by hand until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are light golden brown while the centers remain soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 2 minutes before transferring them to wire racks for complete cooling.
- Prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with fresh orange juice and zest until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving or storing.
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