As the holiday season approaches, the kitchen transforms into a bustling hub filled with warmth and sweet aromas. Picture this: the delightful scent of freshly baked cookies wafting through the air, mingling with the zesty notes of orange and the tartness of cranberries. That’s exactly the experience you’ll get with these Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies.
After long days filled with festive preparations, I often find solace in creating these easy and cheerful treats. They blend the perfect balance of softness and chewiness, with a light sugar crust that adds just the right crunch. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a batch that’s not only ideal for cookie swaps but also perfect for cozy afternoons paired with hot tea. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this delightful recipe that promises to brighten your holiday baking and put smiles on the faces of everyone who savors each bite!
Why are Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies a must-have?
Festive Flavor: The enchanting blend of tart cranberries and zesty orange fills your kitchen with holiday spirit and joy.
Quick to Make: With a prep time of just 30 minutes, these cookies are perfect for those last-minute holiday gatherings.
Chewy and Crisp: Each bite delivers a soft, chewy center with a delightful sugar crust that adds a satisfying crunch.
Versatility: Feel free to swap out dried cranberries for cherries or raisins to personalize this recipe to your taste.
Make-Ahead Magic: These cookies can be prepared in advance or frozen, making holiday baking a breeze.
Indulge in these festive cookies that are sure to impress your friends and family, and for a deeper dive into holiday treats, check out the best holiday cookie recipes for more delicious ideas!
Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Ingredients
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For the Dough
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Butter – Provides richness and moisture; ensure it’s at room temperature for the perfect texture.
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Sugar – Adds sweetness and contributes to the chewy texture of these delightful cookies.
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Brown Sugar – Adds depth of flavor and moisture; substitute with a mix of white sugar and molasses if out of brown sugar.
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Egg – Binds ingredients together for a tender texture.
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Orange Juice – Introduces moisture and citrus flavor; bottled juice works if fresh oranges aren’t available.
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Orange Zest – Enhances aroma and flavor, making the cookies feel especially festive.
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Flour – The main structure-building ingredient essential for a perfect cookie consistency.
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Dried Cranberries – Adds tartness and chewiness, perfect for a holiday touch; can swap with dried cherries or raisins if desired.
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Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of your cookies.
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Baking Soda – A leavening agent to ensure a light and fluffy texture.
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For the Icing
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Powdered Sugar – Creates a sweet drizzle to finish your cookies beautifully.
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Additional Orange Juice – Added to the icing for an extra citrus kick, tying nicely with the cookie’s flavor.
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Extra Orange Zest – A touch in the icing adds a charming visual appeal and flavor burst.
Indulge in the irresistible charm of these Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies, perfect for sharing during the festive season!
How to Make Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
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Preheat Oven: Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for even baking and developing those lovely cookie edges!
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Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup softened butter, 1 cup sugar, and 1/2 cup brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
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Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Next, add 1 egg, 2 tablespoons of orange juice, and 1 teaspoon of orange zest. Mix until all the wet ingredients are nice and blended with the buttery mixture.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. This ensures a lump-free, well-mixed dry component.
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Form Dough: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a dough forms. Now, fold in 2 cups of chopped dried cranberries by hand to keep their shape and texture intact.
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Shape Cookies: Using a tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of the dough onto prepared cookie sheets, allowing space for spreading. You want about 2 inches apart!
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Bake: Pop those trays in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Take a moment to enjoy the delightful aroma filling your kitchen!
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Cool: Once baked, let the cookies sit on the sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to cooling racks. This helps them maintain their shape and prevents crumbling.
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Prepare Icing: For a delightful finish, mix together 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of orange juice, and 1/2 teaspoon of orange zest until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of sweetness.
Optional: Roll cookie dough balls in sugar before baking for an added sweet crunch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
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Room Temperature Butter: Ensure the butter is at room temperature, not melted, for the perfect texture in your cookies.
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Avoid Overmixing: Be gentle when incorporating flour to maintain the cookies’ tenderness; overmixing can lead to a tough texture.
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Chill the Dough: Consider chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and improves texture.
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Roll in Sugar: For an added crunch and sweetness, roll the cookie dough balls in sugar before placing them on the baking sheet.
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Timing is Key: Keep a close eye on your cookies during baking; they should be lightly golden for the best chewy and crisp results in your Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies.
Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Variations
Customize your festive cookie experience with these fun and delightful twists!
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Dried Fruit Swap: Replace dried cranberries with raisins, dried cherries, or chopped apricots for a unique flavor and texture. Each fruit brings its own character, allowing for endless combinations.
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Citrus Zest Change: Swap the orange zest for lemon or tangerine zest to create a new citrus profile. The brightness of lemon, for example, can elevate the tartness for an invigorating taste.
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Nuts Galore: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture and rich flavor. Nuts can complement the tart cranberries beautifully, making each bite an adventure.
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Spice It Up: Incorporate 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced twist. These spices bring comforting notes reminiscent of holiday gatherings, enhancing the dough’s sweetness.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the cookies instead of icing for a decadent touch. The combination of fruity cookies with chocolate creates a delightful contrast in flavors.
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Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs. Ensure that the baking soda is gluten-free as well to enjoy these treats worry-free.
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Vegan Treat: Replace the egg with a flaxseed meal (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water, set for 5 min) and use coconut oil instead of butter. This swap guarantees a lovely texture while keeping it plant-based.
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Minty Fresh: Add a few drops of mint extract to the dough for a refreshing holiday twist. This will provide a surprising flavor that pairs surprisingly well with the orange and cranberry combination.
Let your creativity shine with these variations and make this holiday favorite truly your own!
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are a fantastic choice for meal prep during the bustling holiday season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 2 days in advance; simply refrigerate it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. For longer storage, consider rolling the dough into balls and freezing them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just place the frozen balls directly onto the baking sheet and add an extra minute or two to the baking time. This way, you can enjoy warm, freshly baked cookies without the last-minute rush—a perfect treat for festive gatherings!
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
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Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them soft and fresh.
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Fridge: If you’re worried about longer storage, keep them in the fridge for about a week, making sure they’re sealed well to maintain moisture.
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Freezer: For extended storage, freeze cookies for up to 3 months. Layer them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container to prevent sticking and preserve texture.
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Reheating: When ready to enjoy, simply thaw your cookies at room temperature for a few hours or warm them in the oven for a few minutes to rejuvenate their delightful chewiness.
What to Serve with Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies?
There’s nothing quite like the joy of sharing festive treats that spark delight and warmth, creating a memorable holiday feast.
- Hot Spiced Tea: A comforting blend of spices enhances the citrus notes of the cookies, making each bite feel cozy and inviting.
- Cream Cheese Icing: For those who crave extra sweetness, this creamy topping adds a rich contrast to the tangy cranberries, transforming your cookies into a delightful indulgence.
- Festive Fruit Salad: A mix of oranges, pears, and berries offers a refreshing side, providing a burst of freshness that beautifully balances the richness of the cookies.
- Cheese Platter: Include a variety of cheeses like brie or sharp cheddar to create a savory counterpoint that draws out the flavors of the cranberry and orange.
- Eggnog: This classic holiday drink adds a festive flair with its rich and creamy texture, perfectly complementing the sweetness of the cookies.
- Chocolate Drizzle: A simple melted chocolate drizzle elevates your cookies further, offering a luxurious touch that delights the senses.
- Mulled Wine: The warm spices in mulled wine harmonize beautifully with the flavors of the cookies, creating an enchanting pairing that warms the heart.
- Nutty Biscotti: For an extra crunch, serve alongside some almond or hazelnut biscotti, creating a delightful texture contrast.
- Cranberry Sauce: A dollop of homemade cranberry sauce brings a tart element that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cookies, adding depth to each bite.
Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of cranberries should I use?
I recommend using dried cranberries for this recipe as they add the perfect tartness and chewiness to your cookies. If you can’t find dried cranberries, feel free to swap them out for dried cherries, raisins, or even chopped dried apricots for a different flavor profile.
How long can I store Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies?
You can store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’d like to keep them a bit longer, refrigerating them can extend their freshness for up to a week. Just make sure they are well-sealed to maintain their moist texture!
Can I freeze these cookies, and if so, how?
Absolutely! These cookies freeze really well. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just place the cookies in a freezer-safe container and layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a couple of minutes to bring back that fresh-baked taste.
What should I do if my cookies spread too much during baking?
If your cookies spread too much, it could be due to using warm butter or not chilling the dough before baking. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps improve their shape during baking, resulting in those lovely thick cookies you desire.
Are these cookies safe for pets?
As tempting as it may be to share, keep in mind that these Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies contain ingredients like sugar and butter which aren’t healthy for pets. Always refrain from sharing sweets with your furry friends!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can roll the dough into balls and freeze them for up to 3 months prior to baking. Just pop them straight into the oven—no need to thaw!
Festive Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies That Wow!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg, orange juice, and orange zest, mixing until blended.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring gently.
- Fold in dried cranberries by hand.
- Drop dough onto prepared cookie sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on the sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to racks.
- Mix icing ingredients until smooth and drizzle over cooled cookies.