Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

If you ask me, the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe is a delightful treat that captures the essence of the holiday season. With their vibrant flavors and chewy texture, these cookies are perfect for festive gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of tea. The combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange creates an irresistible taste that will leave everyone asking for more!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• How to Make Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
• Step 3: Add Egg and Juices
• Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
• Step 5: Stir in Cranberries
• Step 6: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet
• Step 7: Bake Cookies
• Step 8: Prepare Glaze (Optional)
• How to Serve Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe
• Cookie Platter
• Coffee or Tea Pairing
• Gift Jar
• Holiday Dessert Table
• Ice Cream Sandwiches
• How to Perfect Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe
• Best Side Dishes for Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe
• Reheating Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
• How do I make my cookies chewier?
• Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
• What can I add to customize these cookies?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The sweet and tangy blend of cranberries and orange zest makes these cookies a standout treat.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these up in no time.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Christmas, a party, or just a cozy evening at home, these cookies fit right in.
• Great Gift Idea: Pack them in a festive box to share with friends and family as a heartfelt gift.
• Make Ahead Option: These cookies freeze well, so you can prepare them ahead of time for the holidays.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will make your cookie-making experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A good mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients smoothly without spills.
• Electric mixer: This tool saves time by quickly blending butter and sugars until creamy.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even cooking of your cookies without burning.

Ingredients

If you ask me, cranberry and orange are a match made in holiday heaven.

Ingredients:
– 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
– 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

How to Make Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly for that perfect golden color.

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar.
* Use an electric mixer to beat on medium speed until light and fluffy. This should take about 2–3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Egg and Juices

Add in one egg, along with orange juice (2 tablespoons) and orange zest (1 teaspoon).
* Mix until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda.
* Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 5: Stir in Cranberries

Fold in the dried cranberries. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet

Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
* Leave space between each cookie to allow for spreading while baking.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for about 8 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
* Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack.

Step 8: Prepare Glaze (Optional)

While cookies cool, mix together powdered sugar, orange juice (3 tablespoons), and orange zest (1/2 teaspoon) to create a glaze.
* Drizzle over cooled cookies if desired for an extra touch!

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies!

How to Serve Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

These delightful cookies are perfect for the holiday season and can be served in several fun and festive ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying them at home, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

Cookie Platter

• Arrange a beautiful platter with the cookies alongside other holiday treats like gingerbread and sugar cookies for a delightful dessert spread.

Coffee or Tea Pairing

• Serve these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or tea. The citrusy flavors enhance both beverages, creating a cozy atmosphere.

Gift Jar

• Pack the cookies in a decorative jar tied with a ribbon. This makes for a thoughtful homemade gift that friends and family will appreciate.

Holiday Dessert Table

• Include the cookies as part of your holiday dessert table. Their vibrant colors make them visually appealing alongside cakes and pies.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Use two cookies to make an ice cream sandwich. Add a scoop of vanilla or orange-flavored ice cream for an extra treat!

How to Perfect Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh butter and eggs contribute to better texture and flavor in your cookies.
• Measure accurately: Using precise measurements for flour and sugar is crucial to achieving the right consistency.
• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the cookie dough for 30 minutes helps prevent spreading while baking, resulting in thicker cookies.
• Watch the baking time: Bake only until the edges are lightly golden. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies.
• Mix well but not overmix: Combine ingredients until just incorporated; overmixing can make cookies tough.
• Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to add nuts or white chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor in your cranberry orange cookies.

Best Side Dishes for Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your cranberry orange cookies can enhance your holiday feast. Here are some fantastic options that complement their flavors beautifully.

1. Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses, crackers, and fruits creates a savory contrast to sweet cookies.
2. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with oranges, apples, and pomegranate seeds refreshes the palate after indulging in sweets.
3. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms can balance out the sweetness of the cookies while adding variety to your spread.
4. Spiced Nuts: Roasted nuts seasoned with spices provide a crunchy texture that pairs well with soft cookies.
5. Glazed Ham: The rich flavors of glazed ham offer a hearty option that complements sweet treats during holiday meals.
6. Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of creamy pumpkin soup offers comfort and pairs well with sweet baked goods on chilly nights.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe can be a joy, but there are some common pitfalls. Here are mistakes you should avoid:

• Skipping the butter softening: Using cold butter results in cookies that are tough. Always soften your butter before mixing.
• Neglecting orange zest: Orange zest adds vital flavor. Don’t skip it; use fresh zest for the best taste.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing leads to dense cookies. Mix just until combined for light and fluffy results.
• Not chilling the dough: Chilling helps with texture and prevents spreading. Allow at least 30 minutes of chill time before baking.
• Ignoring the baking time: Baking too long makes cookies hard. Keep an eye on them and remove when edges are golden.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

• Freeze cookies in a single layer, then transfer to an airtight container.
• They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-7 minutes for a fresh taste.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for 10-15 seconds for quick warmth.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering it for even warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries regarding the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

You can use fresh cranberries, but you may need to adjust the sugar as they are more tart than dried ones.

How do I make my cookies chewier?

To achieve chewier cookies, try using slightly less flour and adding an extra egg yolk.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to create delicious gluten-free versions of these cookies.

What can I add to customize these cookies?

Feel free to mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or even spices like cinnamon for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

The Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Their delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors makes them versatile enough for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to experiment with mix-ins or toppings to make them your own!