Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful holiday treat, the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe is just what you need. These cookies combine the tartness of cranberries with the zesty brightness of oranges, creating a flavor explosion perfect for festive gatherings. Ideal for cookie exchanges or as a sweet gift, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your holiday baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of cranberries and orange zest creates a refreshing taste that embodies the spirit of the holidays.
• Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time and 8 minutes of baking, you can whip up a batch in no time.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for Christmas parties, family gatherings, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee.
• Kid-Friendly Activity: Involve the little ones in baking; they’ll love mixing and decorating these colorful cookies.
• Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors make these cookies visually stunning on any dessert table.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe, having the right tools will make your baking experience seamless and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl helps in combining ingredients without mess.
• Electric mixer: This tool saves time and ensures even mixing, making your dough light and fluffy.
• Baking sheet: A good-quality sheet helps to bake cookies evenly without burning them.

Ingredients

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

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 Icing

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons orange juice
• 1/2 teaspoon orange zest

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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 that your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter with sugar and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer to cream them until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Egg and Juices

Add one egg along with two tablespoons of orange juice and one teaspoon of orange zest. Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Step 5: Fold in Cranberries

Gently fold in two cups of dried cranberries into your cookie dough. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 6: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between each cookie.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

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

Step 8: Prepare Icing

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, three tablespoons of orange juice, and half a teaspoon of orange zest until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies for added sweetness.

Enjoy the delightful burst of flavors from these Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies!

How to Serve Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

These delightful cookies are perfect for sharing during the holiday season. Here are some creative ways to serve them that will surely impress your guests.

Festive Cookie Platter

• Arrange a variety of cookies on a large platter, including the cranberry orange cookies. Add seasonal decorations like holly or pine branches for a festive touch.

Hot Cocoa Pairing

• Serve these cookies alongside a steaming cup of hot cocoa. The sweet and tart flavors complement the rich chocolate perfectly.

Gift Packaging

• Package the cookies in decorative boxes or tins as holiday gifts. Add a personal note for a heartfelt touch that friends and family will appreciate.

Holiday Dessert Table

• Include these cookies on your holiday dessert table. Their vibrant color adds visual appeal and variety to the spread.

How to Perfect Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Perfecting this recipe can elevate your cookies to another level. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out amazing every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing.
• Chill the dough: Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and enhances flavor.
• Measure flour correctly: Use the spoon and level method to measure flour accurately, avoiding dense cookies.
• Adjust baking time: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking. They should be lightly golden at the edges but soft in the center.
• Add extra zest: For an intensified orange flavor, add a bit more orange zest than the recipe calls for.
• Store properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness, ideally at room temperature.

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 feast. Consider these pairings:

1. Cheese Board
   A selection of cheeses, crackers, and fruits creates a balanced appetizer that pairs well with sweet treats.
2. Fruit Salad
   A bright fruit salad with seasonal fruits adds freshness and contrasts nicely with the rich flavors of the cookies.
3. Spiced Nuts
   Roasted spiced nuts provide a crunchy texture and savory flavor that contrasts beautifully with sweet cookies.
4. Holiday Punch
   A festive non-alcoholic punch can refresh guests and pairs well with desserts during gatherings.
5. Gingerbread Cake
   This cake complements the citrus notes in your cranberry orange cookies while adding warmth through its spices.
6. Vanilla Ice Cream
   A scoop of vanilla ice cream served alongside warm cookies creates a delicious dessert experience that’s hard to resist.
7. Pumpkin Pie Dip
   This creamy dip is perfect for dipping cookie pieces into, providing another layer of flavor during celebrations.
8. Chocolate Fondue
   Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip cookie halves into melted chocolate for an indulgent treat!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe, it’s easy to make errors that can affect the final product. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping the butter softening: Using cold butter will result in a dense cookie. Make sure to let your butter sit at room temperature before mixing.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a softer texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Scooping flour directly from the bag can pack it down and lead to too much flour in your dough. Use a spoon to aerate it before measuring.
• Ignoring ingredient freshness: Old baking soda or dried cranberries can affect the taste and texture. Always check dates and use fresh ingredients for the best results.
• Underbaking cookies: If you take them out of the oven too soon, they may not set properly. Keep an eye on them and remove them when they are lightly golden.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh 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 first.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake cookies for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds on medium power, watching carefully not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, turning occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes these the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe?

The combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange creates a delightful flavor balance that is perfect for holiday gatherings.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

While you can use fresh cranberries, they will change the texture and sweetness of the cookies. Consider adding extra sugar if you choose fresh ones.

How can I customize this Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe?

You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch or sprinkle in some spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.

How long do these cookies last after baking?

When stored properly, these cookies can last up to one week at room temperature or three months if frozen.

Can I make this cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to 72 hours before baking, allowing for convenience during busy holiday times.

Final Thoughts

The Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile, making it an excellent addition to your holiday baking lineup. These cookies offer options for customization, so feel free to get creative with ingredients that suit your taste. Whether sharing with friends or keeping them all to yourself, these treats are sure to bring joy during the festive season!

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Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

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• Author: Vanessa
• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Indulge in the festive flavors of the holiday season with the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies. This delightful recipe blends tart dried cranberries and zesty orange, creating a refreshing and vibrant treat that’s perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday gatherings, or simply as a sweet gift. With just 15 minutes of prep and 8 minutes of baking time, you can quickly whip up these visually stunning cookies that are sure to impress your guests. Their delightful combination of flavors and colorful presentation makes them a staple in any holiday baking repertoire.

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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 together softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
3. Add the egg, orange juice, and orange zest; mix until well combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda; gradually add to wet ingredients until just combined.
5. Fold in dried cranberries gently.
6. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each cookie.
7. Bake for about 8 minutes or until lightly golden at the edges; allow cooling on a wire rack.
8. Prepare icing by whisking powdered sugar with orange juice and zest until smooth; drizzle over cooled cookies.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
• Calories: 140
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 55mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: <1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg