Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe, you’ve come to the right place! These delightful cookies blend the tartness of cranberries with the bright citrus flavor of orange, making them a perfect treat for holiday gatherings. Their chewy texture and sweet glaze will have everyone reaching for seconds. Ideal for cookie exchanges or festive celebrations, these cookies are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This cookie recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of cranberries and orange zest creates a refreshing taste that embodies the holiday spirit.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a Christmas party or a winter gathering, these cookies fit right in.
• Chewy and Delicious: Each bite offers a satisfying chewiness, complemented by a sweet glaze.
• Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake them fresh when needed.

Tools and Preparation

To create your delicious cookies, you will need some essential tools that streamline the baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A good mixing bowl allows you to combine ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
• Baking sheet: This is crucial for even baking and helps cookies maintain their shape.
• Parchment paper: Using parchment paper prevents cookies from sticking and makes cleanup effortless.

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

How to Make Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure that your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Add Egg and Orange Juice/Zest

Add in the egg, orange juice, and orange zest. Mix until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Step 6: Fold in Dried Cranberries

Gently fold in the dried cranberries into the cookie dough using a spatula or wooden spoon.

Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake in your preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks.

Step 9: Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with orange juice and zest until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe, perfect for sharing with family and friends during this joyful season!

How to Serve Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

These delightful cookies are perfect for sharing during the holiday season. Their sweet and tangy flavors make them a festive treat that everyone will enjoy.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pairing your cookies with a glass of cold milk enhances their flavor and adds creaminess to each bite.

As a Holiday Gift

• Package the cookies in decorative tins or boxes. This makes for a thoughtful gift that friends and family will appreciate.

With Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these cookies alongside your favorite hot beverage. The warmth of coffee or tea perfectly complements the citrus notes in the cookies.

At Festive Gatherings

• Serve them at parties or family gatherings. Their vibrant color and rich flavor will be a hit among guests, adding to the festive atmosphere.

How to Perfect Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these tips for success.

• Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter mixes better with sugar, leading to a lighter texture.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense cookies; this keeps them fluffy.
• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for about 30 minutes helps prevent spreading and improves texture.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be lightly golden around the edges for perfect chewiness.
• Add Extra Zest: For more intense citrus flavor, consider increasing the orange zest slightly in both the cookie and icing.

Best Side Dishes for Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

These cranberry orange cookies can be complemented with various side dishes that enhance your holiday spread.

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of fresh seasonal fruits adds brightness and balance to your dessert table.
2. Cheese Platter: Offering a variety of cheeses can create an interesting contrast to the sweet cookies.
3. Hot Chocolate Bar: Set up a station with toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, and sprinkles for extra fun.
4. Spiced Nuts: Roasted nuts seasoned with spices provide a crunchy, savory counterpoint to the sweetness of the cookies.
5. Yule Log Cake: A classic holiday dessert that pairs beautifully with cranberry flavors.
6. Mini Cupcakes: Bake an assortment of mini cupcakes in festive flavors to delight guests alongside your cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking cookies can be a delightful experience, but common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results.

• Incorrect Measurements: Using the wrong amount of flour or sugar can affect texture. Always measure ingredients accurately.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too long can make cookies tough. Mix until just combined for best results.
• Skipping Chilling Time: Not chilling the dough can cause cookies to spread too much. Chill for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• Ignoring Oven Temperature: Every oven is different; temperatures may vary. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
• Not Using Parchment Paper: Baking directly on a pan can lead to sticking. Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

• Place cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Heat cookies for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, placing a lid on top. Heat for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Yes, but fresh cranberries are more tart. You might want to adjust the sugar if you decide to use them.

How do I enhance the flavor of my cookies?

Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the flavor profile. Also, consider adding nuts for crunch.

What is the best way to store these cookies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s one that measures like all-purpose flour.

Final Thoughts

The Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe captures the essence of holiday flavors with its delightful blend of sweet and tart elements. These cookies are versatile and perfect for customizing—consider adding nuts or using lemon zest instead of orange for a different twist. Try this recipe and impress your family and friends!