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 cookies are a delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors, making them perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea. The combination of cranberries and fresh orange zest creates a festive treat that stands out on any dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor – The sweet cranberries and zesty orange create a refreshing taste that’s perfect for the holidays.
• Easy to Make – With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these delicious cookies without any hassle.
• Versatile Treat – Whether for holiday parties or cozy family nights, these cookies fit every occasion.
• Stunning Presentation – The vibrant colors make these cookies visually appealing, ensuring they catch everyone’s eye.
• Perfectly Soft and Chewy – Enjoy the perfect texture that is soft on the inside and slightly crisp on the edges.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your cookies, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl – A good mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients evenly.
• Electric mixer – Using an electric mixer saves time and ensures your butter and sugars become light and fluffy.
• Baking sheet – A sturdy baking sheet provides even heat distribution, crucial for perfectly baked cookies.

Ingredients

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

Ingredients:

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 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 as it ensures that your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a mixing bowl:
1. Cream together butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in the egg, followed by the orange juice, and then add the orange zest. Mix well.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients until combined.
4. Fold in the dried cranberries gently.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

1. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart.
3. Bake in preheated oven for about 8 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.

Step 4: Prepare the Glaze

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

Step 5: Glaze Your Cookies

Once cookies have cooled, drizzle the glaze over each cookie using a spoon or piping bag for better control. Let set before serving.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious holiday treats!

How to Serve Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Serving the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies is a delightful experience. These cookies not only taste amazing but also look festive on any holiday table. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie game.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee or Tea: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
• Hot Chocolate: Enjoy them with rich hot chocolate, perfect for cold winter nights.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Cookie Assortment: Include these cookies in a holiday cookie platter alongside other favorites like gingerbread and sugar cookies.
• Cheese Board: Add these cookies to a cheese board for a sweet and savory combination.

Gift-Worthy Treats

• In Decorative Boxes: Package the cookies in pretty boxes as gifts for friends and family.
• Holiday Cookie Jars: Fill jars with these cookies for an easy homemade gift idea.

Festive Occasions

• Christmas Parties: Serve them at your holiday gatherings to impress guests.
• Family Gatherings: They make an excellent addition to any family celebration or potluck event.

How to Perfect Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

To achieve the best version of the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold choice of butter: Use unsalted, softened butter for the best flavor and texture.
• Bold measurement accuracy: Make sure to measure your flour correctly; too much can lead to dry cookies.
• Bold fresh ingredients: Opt for fresh cranberries if available, as they provide better flavor than dried ones.
• Bold chill time: Allow the dough to chill for 30 minutes before baking for thicker cookies.

Best Side Dishes for Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

The Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies can be complemented by various side dishes. Here are some delightful pairings that enhance their festive charm.

1. Bold Eggnog: A classic holiday drink that pairs well with sweet flavors.
2. Bold Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds brightness and balances sweetness.
3. Bold Cheese Platter: Include assorted cheeses to create a sweet and savory contrast.
4. Bold Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts provide crunch and flavor that complements the cookies.
5. Bold Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
6. Bold Mulled Wine: This warm, spiced wine is perfect for holiday gatherings and pairs wonderfully with sweets.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe, a few common mistakes can lead to unsatisfactory results. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.

• Using cold butter – Cold butter won’t cream properly with sugars, leading to dense cookies. Always soften your butter before starting.
• Measuring flour incorrectly – Too much flour can make cookies dry. Use a spoon to fill your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
• Not chilling the dough – Skipping the chilling step can result in cookies that spread too much while baking. Chill the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes.
• Overbaking – Baking for too long will dry out your cookies. Keep an eye on them and remove them when they are lightly golden around the edges.
• Ignoring ingredient temperatures – Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing and better texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item: Store the cookies in an airtight container.
• item: They will last for up to one week in the fridge.

Freezing Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

• item: Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• item: They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

• Oven – Preheat to 300°F (150°C), place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for warm goodness.
• Stovetop – Use a skillet over low heat, place cookies inside, and cover to warm them gently.

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 will change the texture and sweetness of the cookies. You may need to adjust sugar levels accordingly.

How do I customize this cookie recipe?

You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch or swap orange juice for lemon juice for a different flavor profile.

What is the best way to store these cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking.

Final Thoughts

The Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe combines festive flavors that delight everyone during the holiday season. These cookies are versatile and can be customized with various mix-ins. Give them a try, and enjoy their deliciousness!