Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

If you ask me, the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe is a delightful treat that brings the flavors of the season into every bite. With its sweet and tart combination, this cookie is perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply enjoying at home. The bright citrus notes from orange juice and zest pair beautifully with chewy dried cranberries, making these cookies a true standout. Easy to make and even easier to love, they are sure to become a festive favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cranberry and orange creates a sweet yet tangy flavor profile that’s perfect for the holidays.
• Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a batch in no time!
• Versatile Treat: These cookies are great for various occasions, including family gatherings and holiday parties.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips for an extra twist on this classic recipe.
• Perfect Gift Idea: Pack these cookies in a festive tin for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything ready will help you enjoy making these delicious cookies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl provides ample space for combining ingredients without spilling.
• Electric mixer: Using an electric mixer saves time and ensures your butter and sugars are perfectly creamed together.
• Baking sheet: A quality baking sheet promotes even baking, resulting in perfectly cooked cookies every time.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 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 Glaze

• 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 step is crucial for ensuring your cookies bake evenly and get that perfect golden finish.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add in the egg, orange juice, and orange zest; mix until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed until just combined.

Step 4: Fold in Cranberries

Gently fold in the dried cranberries with a spatula. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Shape and Bake Cookies

Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for about 8 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool on the tray for a few moments before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies once they have set on racks.

Now you have delicious Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies ready to share with family and friends! Enjoy every flavorful bite!

How to Serve Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

These delightful cookies are perfect for any holiday gathering. Their vibrant flavors make them a festive treat that can be enjoyed in various ways.

With Tea or Coffee

• Pair with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack.

As a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a festive platter with other holiday goodies like gingerbread or chocolate chip cookies.

Gift-Wrapped Treats

• Package the cookies in decorative boxes as gifts for friends and family, adding a personal touch to your holiday giving.

On a Cookie Bar

• Set up a cookie bar at your holiday party, allowing guests to choose their favorite treats, including these cranberry orange delights.

How to Perfect Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Perfecting this recipe is easy with a few simple tips that ensure delicious results every time.

• Use room temperature butter: This helps create a smooth batter, leading to perfectly textured cookies.

• Don’t skip the zest: Adding orange zest enhances the cookie’s flavor and aroma, making them even more festive.

• Chill the dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This prevents spreading and keeps them chewy.

• Measure flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense cookies. Too much flour can lead to dry results.

Best Side Dishes for Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

To complement these festive cookies, consider serving them alongside some delicious side dishes that enhance their flavors.

1. Holiday Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

2. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese, which pair well with sweet flavors and offer a savory contrast.

3. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts provide crunch and warmth that harmonize beautifully with the cookie’s texture.

4. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruits for a light dessert that complements the richness of the cookies.

5. Hot Cocoa: A rich cup of hot cocoa creates a cozy pairing that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.

6. Caramel Sauce Dip: Serve alongside caramel sauce for an indulgent treat that enhances each bite of cookie.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking cookies can be tricky, and avoiding common mistakes will ensure your Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe turns out perfect every time.

• Using cold butter: Cold butter doesn’t cream well with sugar, leading to dense cookies. Always use softened butter for a light texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make cookies dry. Use the spoon-and-level method to measure accurately.
• Skipping the orange zest: The zest adds essential flavor. Don’t skip this step; it enhances the cookie’s aroma and taste.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a softer bite.
• Ignoring baking time: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your cookies, as they can go from perfect to overdone quickly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies 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 on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for 10-15 seconds; check frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a pan over low heat for about 1 minute, covering it with a lid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe that might help clarify any concerns.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries are too tart for this recipe. Stick with dried cranberries for the best flavor balance.

How do I customize the flavor of these cookies?

You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even swap out half of the flour for ground almonds for an interesting twist.

What is the best way to store these cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them if you prefer them chilled.

How long do these cookies last?

When stored properly, they last up to a week in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

The Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors that perfectly captures the spirit of the holidays. Their versatility means you can easily customize them with your favorite additions like nuts or spices. Give this recipe a try and enjoy these festive treats with family and friends!