Name: Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup softened butter; 1 cup granulated 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; 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 3 tablespoons orange juice; 1/2 teaspoon orange zest

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If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the spirit of Christmas, then you’ve come to the right place! My Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe has become a cherished part of my holiday traditions. The vibrant flavors of tart cranberries and zesty oranges mingle beautifully in every bite, making these cookies not just tasty but also a joy to share with family and friends.

These cookies are perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without spending all day in the kitchen. They also shine at family gatherings or festive parties, spreading smiles and warmth wherever they go. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll understand why they hold such a special place in my heart!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to make: With just 15 minutes of prep time and only 8 minutes in the oven, these cookies come together faster than you can say “holiday cheer!”
Family-friendly: Kids love helping out in the kitchen, and these cookies are easy enough for them to get involved with.
Make-ahead convenience: Bake a batch ahead of time and store them for those unexpected holiday guests or cozy nights in.
Bursting with flavor: The combination of cranberries and orange gives these cookies a bright, festive taste that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create our scrumptious cookies! You probably have most of these on hand already. Here’s what you’ll need:

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

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients. Here are some fun variations you might enjoy:

Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
Infuse spices: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warm holiday flavors.
Swap the fruit: Use dried cherries or blueberries instead of cranberries if you’re feeling adventurous.
Make it vegan: Replace the butter with plant-based butter and use a flax egg instead for a vegan twist.

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, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into your dough, which helps your cookies rise beautifully in the oven.

Step 2: Mix in Egg and Juices

Next, add in the egg along with two tablespoons of fresh orange juice and one teaspoon of orange zest. Mix well until everything is combined smoothly. The egg helps bind all your ingredients together while adding richness.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Mixing them separately first ensures even distribution throughout your cookie dough.

Step 4: Stir in Cranberries

Fold in those lovely dried cranberries gently until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. Each bite will be packed with fruity goodness!

Step 5: Bake Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the prepared sheet about two inches apart. Bake them for about 8 minutes or until they are lightly golden around the edges. The key here is not to overbake; you want soft centers!

Step 6: Prepare the Icing

While your cookies cool, whip up some icing by combining powdered sugar with three tablespoons of orange juice and half a teaspoon of orange zest. Mix until smooth—this will give your cookies that lovely sweet finish!

Step 7: Drizzle Icing on Cookies

Once your cookies have cooled completely, drizzle your delicious icing on top. Not only does it look beautiful but it adds that extra touch of sweetness we all crave during the holidays.

And there you have it—a simple yet delightful recipe that brings warmth and joy into any occasion! Enjoy baking these festive treats!

Pro Tips for Making Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Making these cookies is a joyful experience, and with a few simple tips, you can take them to the next level!

Use room temperature butter: This helps the butter blend smoothly with the sugars, creating a light and fluffy texture that makes your cookies irresistible.
Don’t skip the zest: The orange zest enhances the flavor profile of your cookies, infusing them with a bright citrus note that balances perfectly with the tartness of the cranberries.
Chill the dough if possible: Letting the cookie dough chill for at least 30 minutes before baking helps prevent spreading, resulting in thicker, chewy cookies that hold their shape beautifully.
Check for doneness carefully: Since oven temperatures can vary, keep an eye on your cookies. They should be lightly golden around the edges but soft in the center when you take them out.
Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to customize your cookies by adding nuts or seeds. Pecans or sunflower seeds can provide a delightful crunch and additional flavor without overpowering the main ingredients.

How to Serve Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

These festive cookies are perfect for sharing during holiday gatherings or enjoying with family on cozy winter evenings. Here are some fantastic ways to present them:

Garnishes

Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a lovely snowy effect, making your cookies look even more festive.
Orange zest curls: Create small curls of orange zest to place on top of each cookie for a pop of color and an extra hint of citrus aroma.

Side Dishes

Hot cocoa: Nothing pairs better with these cookies than a warm mug of rich hot cocoa. The chocolate complements the tartness of cranberries beautifully.
Herbal tea: A soothing cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or peppermint, can provide a calming contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
Fruit platter: A colorful fruit platter featuring apples, pears, and citrus fruits not only adds freshness but also enhances the vibrant flavors in your cookies.
Cheese board: Offering a selection of mild cheeses alongside your cookies creates an interesting sweet-and-savory pairing that guests will love.

With these serving suggestions and tips in mind, you’re all set to enjoy baking and sharing these delightful Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies! Happy holidays!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe is not only delightful but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make these cookies in advance, ensuring you have a sweet treat ready to share during the holiday season.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
Place them in an airtight container at room temperature.
They can be kept fresh for up to one week.

Freezing

To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
These cookies can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating

If you’re enjoying frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature.
For a warm treat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat the cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
Enjoy them warm for that fresh-baked goodness!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful recipe.

What makes the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe special?

This recipe combines the tangy sweetness of cranberries with vibrant orange flavor, making it perfect for holiday festivities. The buttery texture and aromatic zest create an unforgettable cookie experience!

Can I substitute ingredients in the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! You can replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free option. Additionally, feel free to use other dried fruits like cherries or apricots if cranberries aren’t your favorite.

How do I know when my cranberry orange cookies are done baking?

Your cookies should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool, so be careful not to overbake!

Can I add nuts to my cranberry orange cookies?

Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a lovely crunch and flavor. Just be sure to mix them in with the dried cranberries.

How many servings does this recipe yield?

This Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe makes about four servings, perfect for sharing or gifting during the holiday season!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these scrumptious Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies! They’re not just delicious; they bring warmth and joy to any gathering. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this recipe is sure to become a cherished holiday tradition. Happy baking!

Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies

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Author: Madison
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

If you’re searching for a festive treat that embodies the joy of the holiday season, look no further than our Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe. These delightful cookies combine the tartness of cranberries with the bright zest of oranges, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. Perfect for family gatherings, cozy nights in, or as gifts for loved ones, these cookies are quick to prepare and are sure to spread cheer all around.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup softened butter
1 cup granulated 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
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons orange juice
1/2 teaspoon orange zest

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Instructions

Cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in the egg, orange juice, and orange zest until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda; gradually add to wet ingredients.
Fold in dried cranberries.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop spoonfuls of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets.
Bake for about 8 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
Cool completely before icing with a mixture of powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest.