Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Cranberry and orange come together in the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe to create a delightful treat that is perfect for any holiday gathering. These cookies offer a burst of flavor, making them ideal for festive occasions like Christmas parties or family gatherings. With their vibrant colors and zesty taste, they will surely stand out on any dessert table.

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 tart cranberries and zesty orange creates a refreshing taste that’s hard to resist.
• Perfect for Gifting: Pack these cookies in a decorative box for a lovely homemade gift that friends and family will appreciate.
• Versatile Treat: These cookies are great for Christmas but can also brighten up any winter gathering or celebration.
• Chewy and Soft Texture: Enjoy the perfect balance of chewy and soft with every bite, thanks to the right blend of ingredients.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable. Here’s what you need to create the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl provides enough space to blend ingredients without mess.
• Electric mixer: This tool saves time and ensures a smooth consistency when creaming butter and sugars.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet helps ensure even cooking of your cookies.
• Parchment paper: Using parchment paper prevents sticking, making it easy to transfer cookies from the sheet.

Ingredients

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

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

How to Make Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This prepares it for baking those delicious cookies evenly.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a mixing bowl:
1. Add the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar.
2. Use an electric mixer to blend until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Egg and Flavors

Mix in:
– The egg,
– Orange juice,
– And orange zest until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda.
2. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 5: Fold in Cranberries

Gently fold in:
– Dried cranberries into your cookie dough until evenly distributed.

Step 6: Shape Cookies on Baking Sheet

Using two spoons or a cookie scoop:
1. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Leave space between each cookie for spreading during baking.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake in your preheated oven for about 8 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.

Step 8: Prepare Icing while Cooling

While cookies cool:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth.

Step 9: Drizzle Icing on Cookies

Once cooled:
1. Drizzle icing over each cookie using a spoon or piping bag as desired.

Now enjoy your deliciously festive Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe!

How to Serve Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Serving your Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe can elevate your holiday gatherings. These cookies not only taste delightful but also present beautifully. Here are some fun ideas for serving them.

With a Festive Beverage

• Hot Cocoa – Pairing your cookies with rich hot cocoa creates a cozy winter vibe.
• Eggnog – This traditional holiday drink complements the flavors of cranberry and orange wonderfully.

On a Dessert Platter

• Holiday Assortment – Include other festive cookies, like gingerbread and sugar cookies, for variety.
• Fruit Garnish – Add fresh cranberries or orange slices on the platter for an attractive presentation.

Gift-Wrapped

• In Decorative Boxes – Package your cookies in festive boxes to share with friends and family as thoughtful gifts.
• Cookie Jars – Fill jars with cookies and decorate them with ribbons for a charming gift idea.

As Part of a Holiday Brunch

• Brunch Spread – Serve these cookies alongside muffins and scones for a delightful brunch experience.
• With Cheese Board – Include them on a cheese board for a sweet contrast to savory cheeses.

How to Perfect Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

To achieve the perfect batch of your Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe, follow these helpful tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh butter and eggs make a significant difference in flavor.
• Chill the Dough – Refrigerating the dough for at least an hour prevents spreading, resulting in thicker cookies.
• Measure Flour Correctly – Spoon flour into your measuring cup instead of scooping it to avoid dense cookies.
• Mix Well – Ensure all ingredients are well combined but do not overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
• Watch Baking Time – Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be golden brown and firm around the edges.
• Cool Completely Before Icing – Let the cookies cool thoroughly before icing to prevent melting.

Best Side Dishes for Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Complementing your Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe with side dishes can create a balanced holiday spread. Here are some delicious options:

1. Cheese Platter – A variety of cheeses pairs well with the sweet flavors of cranberry and orange.
2. Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad adds freshness and balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
3. Nut Mix – A spiced nut mix provides a crunchy contrast that enhances the cookie experience.
4. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a refreshing side dish option.
5. Savory Crostini – Top toasted bread with goat cheese and herbs to provide savory bites alongside sweet treats.
6. Spiced Tea or Cider – These warm beverages enhance the holiday feel while complementing the cookie flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially when making the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

• Skipping the room temperature butter: Using cold butter will not cream properly with the sugars, resulting in dense cookies. Always let your butter soften before mixing.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Use a spoon to aerate the flour before measuring, and level it off with a knife.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can create tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a tender texture.
• Ignoring chilling time: Chilling the dough helps flavors meld and prevents spreading. If you find time, chill your cookie dough for at least 30 minutes.
• Not using fresh cranberries and oranges: Stale or dried-out ingredients can affect flavor. Fresh cranberries and zesty oranges will enhance the holiday spirit in your cookies.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

• Freeze unbaked dough for up to 3 months; wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
• Baked cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months; store in an airtight container.

Reheating Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat cookies for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Warm one cookie at a time on medium power for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones?

You can use fresh cranberries, but they will add more moisture and require extra sugar to balance tartness.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Ensure other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Can I add nuts to the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe?

Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add great texture and flavor. Just mix them in gently with the cranberries.

What can I substitute for orange juice?

Lemon juice or apple cider can work as substitutes if you want a different citrus flavor.

Final Thoughts

The Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe is not only festive but also versatile. You can customize it by adding nuts or adjusting sweetness levels to suit your taste. These cookies will surely bring joy to your holiday gatherings, so give them a try!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the festive spirit with the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe! These delightful cookies combine the tartness of cranberries with the bright zest of orange, creating a perfect treat for holiday gatherings. With their vibrant colors and chewy texture, these cookies are not only a feast for the eyes but also a burst of flavor in every bite. They are easy to make and ideal for sharing, whether at Christmas parties or as thoughtful gifts wrapped beautifully. Enjoy them alongside your favorite winter beverages or as part of a festive dessert platter. Elevate your holiday baking with this scrumptious recipe!

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Ingredients

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• 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

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, cream butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in egg, orange juice, and orange zest until well combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda; gradually add to wet ingredients.
5. Fold in dried cranberries gently.
6. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Bake for about 8 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
8. Cool completely before drizzling with icing made from powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 70mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg