Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive treat that fills your home with the delightful aroma of citrus and sweet berries, then you’ve stumbled upon the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe! These cookies are not only a staple during the holiday season but also perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Each bite is a little morsel of joy, bringing together the tartness of cranberries and the refreshing zest of orange. Trust me, once you try these cookies, they will become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With just a handful of simple steps, you can whip up these cookies in no time!
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves the bright flavors of cranberry and orange; even picky eaters will enjoy these treats.
• Perfect for sharing: Whether it’s a cookie exchange or a gathering with friends, these cookies are sure to impress.
• Make-ahead option: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake them fresh when you need them.
• Deliciously festive: The vibrant colors and flavors make these cookies an ideal addition to any holiday spread.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these cookies is super simple with just a few wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we 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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to customize it to suit your taste. Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and richness.
• Use other dried fruits: Feel free to substitute dried cherries or raisins if cranberries aren’t your favorite.
• Spice it up: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and depth to the flavor.
• Make them gluten-free: Swap out regular flour for a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary preferences.

How to Make Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butters and Sugars

Start by creaming together butter, sugar, and brown sugar. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into your mixture, making your cookies light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until everything is well combined and creamy.

Step 2: Add Egg and Citrus Juice

Next, mix in the egg, orange juice, and orange zest. These ingredients not only add moisture but infuse your dough with that wonderful citrus flavor. Make sure everything is blended smoothly before moving on.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Adding dry ingredients separately helps ensure that everything is evenly distributed throughout the dough. Gradually mix this into your wet ingredients until just combined—overmixing can lead to tough cookies!

Step 4: Fold in Cranberries

Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in the dried cranberries. This step allows those beautiful bits of fruit to be evenly distributed without breaking them apart too much.

Step 5: Bake Your Cookies

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one for spreading. Bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 minutes or until they’re golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them; they’ll be ready when they look just set.

Step 6: Prepare the Icing

While your cookies are cooling, whisk together the ingredients for the icing: powdered sugar, orange juice, and more orange zest. This will add that delightful finishing touch on top of each cookie.

Step 7: Drizzle Icing Over Cookies

Once your cookies have cooled completely, drizzle the icing over them using a spoon or piping bag. The icing adds an extra layer of sweetness that perfectly complements the tart cranberries.

And there you have it—the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe! Enjoy every bite with loved ones; they’re sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Baking these delightful cookies is easier than you might think, and with a few simple tips, you’ll ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature butter: This helps create a smooth and creamy batter that traps air, leading to a lighter cookie texture.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined keeps the cookies tender. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies due to gluten development.

• Chill the dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can enhance the flavors and prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

• Adjust baking time for your oven: Every oven is different! Start checking your cookies a minute or two before the suggested baking time to ensure they don’t overbake.

• Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to customize this recipe by adding nuts or white chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture!

How to Serve Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Serving your cookies beautifully can make them even more special during the holidays. Here are some creative ideas on how to present these festive treats!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness that complements the orange flavor.

• Candied orange peel: Placing a small piece of candied orange peel on top of each cookie offers a beautiful pop of color and an extra hint of citrus.

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: This classic beverage pairs wonderfully with the tartness of cranberries and sweetness of orange in your cookies. It’s cozy and perfect for holiday gatherings.

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy vanilla ice cream contrasts nicely with the chewy texture of the cookies, creating a delightful dessert experience.

• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits like pomegranate, kiwi, and mandarin oranges balances out the richness of the cookies.

• Tea or coffee: Serving these cookies with a warm cup of tea or coffee enhances their flavors while making for a comforting afternoon treat during chilly winter days.

Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions, it’s time to bake up some joy this holiday season! Enjoy your Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies!

Make Ahead and Storage

These delicious cranberry orange cookies are perfect for meal prep, making them an ideal treat to whip up ahead of time for the holiday season. Here’s how you can store and enjoy them later!

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

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

Reheating

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place frozen or refrigerated cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Bake for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some answers to common questions you might have about this delightful recipe!

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

Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal or a commercial egg replacer. Use 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens.

What makes the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe so special?

The combination of tart cranberries and refreshing orange flavor creates a festive cookie that captures the essence of Christmas. Plus, they’re easy to make and perfect for sharing!

How long do these cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh for up to one week. If you freeze them, they can last up to three months.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried in this recipe?

While dried cranberries provide sweetness and chewiness that complements the cookie texture, you can use fresh cranberries if you don’t mind a tart bite! Just consider adding a bit more sugar to balance their acidity.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies! They not only fill your home with delightful scents but also bring joy to anyone who gets to taste them. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying them yourself, these cookies are sure to become a cherished holiday tradition. Happy baking!