As the holiday season approaches, there’s nothing quite like the scent of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home, filling it with warmth and cheer. I discovered this Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies recipe while searching for a treat that would truly embody the spirit of the season. Each bite offers a delightful balance of tart cranberries and zesty orange, reminding me of cherished moments spent with loved ones. Whether you’re preparing for a cookie swap or simply enjoying an afternoon break with a cup of tea, these soft and chewy delights come together in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for any last-minute baking needs. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll find these festive cookies quickly become a holiday favorite!
Why are Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies special?
Bursting with Flavor: Each cookie is a joyful celebration of tart cranberries and bright orange zest, creating a taste experience that perfectly captures the essence of the holiday season.
Quick & Easy: With just a 30-minute prep time, these cookies are perfect for those unexpected guests or impromptu gatherings.
Versatile Treats: They make excellent additions to cookie swaps or dessert tables, bringing festive flair to any occasion.
Chewy Perfection: Enjoy a delightful soft center with crispy edges, offering a comforting texture that keeps you reaching for more!
Make-Ahead Fun: Prepare the dough in advance and freeze for a delicious quick dessert during busy holiday weeks.
Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- Butter – Provides richness and tenderness; substitute with margarine or solid coconut oil if needed.
- Sugar – Sweetens the dough and adds light crispiness; use granulated or brown sugar for the best flavor.
- Egg – Binds ingredients together and ensures the right texture; no substitutes recommended.
- Orange Juice & Zest – Adds moisture and bright flavor; bottled juice works if fresh isn’t handy, or try lemon juice for a twist.
- Flour – The main structural component of these cookies; standard all-purpose flour is essential, or opt for a gluten-free blend as a 1:1 substitute.
- Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor; don’t skip this!
- Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent for that perfect light texture; fresh baking soda is key.
- Dried Cranberries – The star ingredient adding tartness; choose sweetened dried cranberries for the best results.
For the Icing
- Powdered Sugar – Forms the base of the icing; sifting helps achieve a smooth consistency.
- Additional Orange Juice & Zest – Intensifies the orange flavor in the icing; can be adjusted to taste for desired sweetness.
Elevate your holiday baking with these Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies—you won’t regret it!
How to Make Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
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Preheat oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cookies bake evenly and get that lovely golden edge.
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Cream butter and sugars: In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. This step is essential for a delightful texture!
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Mix in wet ingredients: Add the egg, orange juice, and orange zest into the creamed mixture. Mix until everything is well incorporated and smooth, filling your kitchen with that warm citrus scent.
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Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually mix this dry blend into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix; it should be slightly sticky.
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Fold in cranberries: Gently fold in the dried cranberries, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough for bursts of flavor in every bite.
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Drop onto baking sheets: Using a tablespoon, drop dollops of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading while baking.
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Bake cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. They’ll be soft in the center but will firm up as they cool.
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Cool slightly: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This helps them maintain their shape and prevents breakage.
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Prepare the icing: For a festive touch, mix powdered sugar with additional orange juice and some orange zest until smooth. Drizzle this icing over the cooled cookies for a beautiful, sweet finish.
Optional: Sprinkle some extra dried cranberries on top of the icing for added color and flavor!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and refrigerating it in an airtight container. For longer storage, the dough can be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking. To maintain quality, ensure the dough is well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop and drop the chilled dough onto a baking sheet, and bake as directed for delicious, fresh cookies that bring festive joy with minimal effort!
Storage Tips for Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their soft and chewy texture.
Fridge: If you’re in a warmer climate, refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week to prevent them from becoming too soft or stale.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.
Dough Storage: Prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months, making it easy to whip up fresh Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies anytime!
Expert Tips for Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
- Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature, not melted, for a light and fluffy cookie texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you combine the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mix just until a dough forms. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies; they should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Remove them promptly to maintain a chewy texture.
- Storage Tips: For the best results, store your Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and chewy.
Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize your cookies to match your festive mood or dietary needs!
- Dried Fruit Swap: Replace dried cranberries with dried cherries or raisins for a unique spin. Each option offers a subtle twist in flavor, keeping it exciting!
- Nutty Addition: Toss in a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch that complements the chewy texture beautifully.
- Chocolate Delight: Add white chocolate or dark chocolate chips for a rich contrast that highlights the tartness of the cranberries. Rich flavors simply elevate any cookie!
- Citrus Burst: Experiment with lemon or tangerine zest instead of orange for a refreshing citrus touch. Different zests bring their own personality to each bite!
- Spiced Up: Dust some ground cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter for a warm spice that beautifully complements the holiday spirit. The aroma alone will draw everyone in!
- Vegan Friendly: Swap the butter for coconut oil and use a flax egg to make these cookies vegan. You won’t sacrifice flavor or texture!
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend as a 1:1 substitution for the all-purpose flour to ensure everyone can enjoy these festive treats. Delightful for all diets!
- Sweeteners Variety: Switch granulated sugar for coconut sugar or honey for a different sweetness profile. Each will add their unique flavor notes, giving you plenty of tasty options!
What to Serve with Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies?
Imagine a joyful holiday gathering filled with laughter, warmth, and the aroma of sweet treats that complement these festive cookies.
- Warm Spiced Tea: The aromatic spices in a warm spiced tea beautifully contrast the vibrant citrus notes of the cookies, creating a cozy pairing.
- Cocoa with Marshmallows: Rich hot cocoa topped with fluffy marshmallows adds a delightful sweetness that enhances the cookies’ tart cranberry flavor, perfect for chilly evenings.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream has a mild flavor that balances well with the tangy cranberries, creating a comforting dessert that pleases everyone.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese adds a rich, creamy contrast to the zesty cookies, appealing to those who enjoy savory and sweet combinations.
- Cranberry Juice Spritzer: The refreshing bubbles of a cranberry juice spritzer lighten up the palate and echo the fruitiness of the cookies, making it a refreshing drink option.
- Candied Pecans: Crunchy, sweet candied pecans provide a delightful texture that complements the soft cookies while adding a nutty flavor element beautifully.
- Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness, making for a light and tasty accompaniment.
- Holiday Punch: A festive holiday punch with hints of citrus will resonate with the flavors in the cookies, elevating the entire dining experience.
- Gingerbread Slice: Include a slice of classic gingerbread for a traditional touch; its spiced flavor contrasts nicely with the bright notes of the cookies.
Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of cranberries should I use for the cookies?
For the best flavor, I recommend using sweetened dried cranberries, as they provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness. Unsweetened dried cranberries can be too tart for some, losing the delightful balance in your cookies.
How do I store Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies to keep them fresh?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, which helps maintain their soft and chewy texture. If you’re in a warmer climate, it’s wise to refrigerate them for up to a week to avoid spoilage; they’ll be just as delicious cold!
Can I freeze Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a sealed freezer bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature — they’ll taste freshly baked!
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your cookie dough feels too sticky to handle, don’t worry! Chill it in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes. This will not only make it easier to scoop and shape but will also help the cookies maintain their structure while baking.
Are there any dietary considerations for these cookies?
If you’re baking for someone with allergies, note that this recipe contains eggs and gluten. For egg-free options, you could try a commercial egg replacer or a flaxseed meal substitute (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg). Additionally, for a gluten-free treat, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it’s designed for baking. Always double-check specific product labels for any allergens.
Can I prepare the cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw the dough overnight in the refrigerator before baking your Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies. This makes it incredibly convenient for busy holiday schedules!
Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe for Festive Joy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg, orange juice, and orange zest into the creamed mixture. Mix until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually mix this dry blend into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Gently fold in the dried cranberries.
- Drop dollops of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes before transferring them to wire racks.
- Mix powdered sugar with additional orange juice and zest until smooth, then drizzle this icing over the cooled cookies.