Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive treat that combines the tartness of cranberries with the bright flavor of orange, then this Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe is just what you need. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying at home with a warm cup of tea. Their vibrant color and delightful taste make them a standout addition to any dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and quick steps, you’ll have fresh cookies in no time.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of cranberries and orange creates a refreshing and zesty taste.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for Christmas, but delicious enough to be enjoyed year-round.
• Gift-Worthy: These cookies make great gifts during the holiday season when packaged beautifully.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The unique flavor profile is sure to impress family and friends alike.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl allows you to easily combine all ingredients without spills.
• Baking sheet: A good-quality baking sheet ensures even baking and prevents sticking.
• Electric mixer: While optional, an electric mixer saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar.

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 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) to ensure it’s ready for baking when your cookie dough is prepared.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Add softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar.
2. Use an electric mixer or a wooden spoon to cream them together until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Incorporate Egg and Orange Juice

Add:
– 1 egg,
– 2 tablespoons of orange juice,
– 1 teaspoon of orange zest.

Mix until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Step 5: Fold in Cranberries

Gently fold in:
– 2 cups of dried cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

On a parchment-lined baking sheet:
1. Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough.
2. Space them about two inches apart as they will spread while baking.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Place in the preheated oven:
– Bake for about 8 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.

Step 8: Prepare the Glaze

While cookies cool, whisk together:
– 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar,
– 3 tablespoons orange juice,
– 1/2 teaspoon orange zest until smooth.

Step 9: Drizzle Glaze over Cookies

Once cookies are cooled completely, drizzle glaze over each cookie for a festive touch.

Enjoy your delicious batch of Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies, perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself!

How to Serve Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

These delightful cookies are perfect for sharing during the holidays. They can be served in various ways that enhance their festive charm.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic treat. The creamy texture complements the tartness of cranberries.

As a Holiday Gift

• Place cookies in decorative tins or jars. This makes for an excellent homemade gift that friends and family will cherish.

On a Festive Dessert Table

• Arrange them on a platter alongside other holiday desserts. Their vibrant colors add a beautiful touch to any dessert spread.

With Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these cookies with your morning coffee or afternoon tea. The citrus notes balance perfectly with warm beverages.

At Holiday Parties

• Serve them at gatherings or parties. Their unique flavors are sure to impress your guests and spark conversations.

How to Perfect Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips:

• Use fresh ingredients: Always opt for fresh cranberries and high-quality butter. This enhances the flavor and texture of your cookies.
• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes helps prevent spreading and results in thicker cookies.
• Measure flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour accurately. This prevents dry cookies that lack moisture.
• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. They should be lightly golden at the edges but soft in the center when done.

Best Side Dishes for Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

These cranberry orange cookies pair well with several side dishes, enhancing your holiday spread.

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits that balances sweetness with tartness.
2. Cheese Platter: Include a variety of cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits for an elegant touch.
3. Spiced Hot Chocolate: A warm drink with spices complements the flavors of the cookies beautifully.
4. Gingerbread Cookies: Offer another festive flavor that pairs wonderfully with cranberries.
5. Pecan Pie: Its rich sweetness contrasts nicely with the tart cranberry orange cookies.
6. Roasted Nuts: Provide a crunchy texture that enhances the overall dining experience.
7. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of ice cream adds creaminess and balances the cookie’s tartness.
8. Christmas Punch: A fruity holiday beverage pairs well and keeps guests refreshed during celebrations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe can be delightful, but certain pitfalls can spoil your fun. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Not measuring ingredients correctly: Accurate measurements are key. Use proper measuring cups for dry and liquid ingredients to ensure consistent results.
• Using cold butter: Cold butter can lead to dense cookies. Always use softened butter for a light and fluffy texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can make cookies tough. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a tender cookie.
• Skipping chilling time: Chilling the dough helps flavors meld and improves texture. If time allows, chill for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Ovens can vary in temperature. Always preheat your oven and consider using an oven thermometer for accuracy.

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

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm.
• Transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag; they can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on low power for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, warming each cookie for about 1 minute per side.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Check that other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the sugar since fresh cranberries are tart. Consider adding more sugar or sweetener to balance the flavors.

What are some variations of the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe?

You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans, or include white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.

How do I store leftover cookies from the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe?

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Final Thoughts

The Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe is not just delicious; it brings festive cheer with every bite. Their bright flavors make them perfect for holiday gatherings or as gifts. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even spices like cinnamon to suit your taste!