Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe, you’ve found it! These delightful cookies combine the tartness of cranberries with the zesty freshness of oranges, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights by the fire. Their vibrant flavor and festive colors make them an appealing treat for any occasion. Plus, they’re simple to whip up, ensuring you can enjoy homemade cookies without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This cookie recipe is straightforward and requires minimal effort, making it great for bakers of all skill levels.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of cranberries and orange creates a unique taste that is both refreshing and festive.
• Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for holiday parties or as gifts, these cookies are a hit with friends and family alike.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them fresh from the oven or pack them in lunchboxes for a sweet surprise.
• Quick Baking Time: With only 8 minutes in the oven, you can have warm cookies ready in no time!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to mix ingredients without spilling, ensuring an easier baking process.
• Baking sheet: A good-quality baking sheet promotes even cooking and prevents sticking when lined with parchment paper.
• Parchment paper: It provides a non-stick surface that helps achieve perfectly baked cookies without hassle.

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 step is crucial to ensure even baking from the start.

Step 2: Prepare Cookie Dough

In a mixing bowl:
Cream together butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add in the egg, orange juice, and orange zest. Mix until combined.
In another bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients.
Fold in the dried cranberries gently until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Shape Cookies

Using a spoon or cookie scoop:
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart.

Step 4: Bake

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

Step 5: Cool Cookies

Remove from oven:
Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.

Step 6: Make Icing

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

Step 7: Ice Cookies

Once cooled:
Drizzle icing over each cookie using a spoon or piping bag. Allow icing to set before serving.

Now you have the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe ready to impress everyone this holiday season! Enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

These delightful cookies are perfect to enjoy during the holiday season. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply treating yourself, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

With Hot Beverages

• Coffee: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
• Tea: Enjoy them with a calming herbal tea to complement the citrusy flavors.
• Hot Chocolate: The rich chocolate pairs wonderfully with the tart cranberries.

As Holiday Gifts

• Gift Boxes: Place cookies in decorative boxes as thoughtful gifts for friends and family.
• Cookie Jars: Fill jars with cookies and tie them with festive ribbons for a beautiful presentation.
• Party Favors: Share them at holiday parties as delicious take-home treats.

On Dessert Platters

• Cookie Assortments: Include these cookies in a platter alongside other festive sweets for variety.
• Cheese Board Addition: Serve with soft cheese and nuts for a unique flavor combination.

As a Standalone Treat

• Dessert Table: Make them the star on your dessert table during holiday gatherings.
• After Dinner Snack: Enjoy as a sweet bite after dinner, perfect for indulging your sweet tooth.

Pin for later!

How to Perfect Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

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

• Use Room Temperature Butter: This helps create a creamy texture that’s essential for well-mixed dough.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender and soft.
• Chill the Dough: Refrigerate for 30 minutes before baking to enhance flavors and improve texture.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cranberries and orange juice will maximize flavor in your cookies.
• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the oven; cookies should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.

Best Side Dishes for Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

These cookies pair well with various side dishes that complement their sweet and tangy flavors. Here are some ideas:

1. Spiced Nuts: A mix of roasted nuts seasoned with spices provides a crunchy contrast.
2. Fruit Salad: A bright fruit salad will add freshness and balance to your dessert table.
3. Cheese Platter: Include creamy cheeses that enhance the cookie’s flavors, like brie or goat cheese.
4. Chocolate Fondue: Set up a fondue station where guests can dip fruit or marshmallows alongside cookies.
5. Pecan Pie Bites: Mini pecan pies offer another sweet option that pairs beautifully with cranberry orange flavors.
6. Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

• Using Cold Butter: Start with softened butter for the right texture. Cold butter can lead to dense cookies.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.
• Not Measuring Flour Properly: Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements. Too much flour makes cookies dry.
• Skipping Chilling Time: Allow dough to chill if recommended. This helps develop flavor and prevents spreading during baking.
• Ignoring Oven Temperature: Preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer. An inaccurate temperature can affect baking time and cookie consistency.

Pin for later!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

• Flash freeze cookies on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Warm cookies for about 5 minutes for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overdo it!
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes. Cover with a lid to retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

You can add nuts such as walnuts or pecans for extra crunch or swap out cranberries for raisins or chocolate chips!

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute regular flour with your favorite gluten-free blend, ensuring it includes xanthan gum for proper structure.

What is the best way to store leftover cookies?

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

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

Look for slightly golden edges and a soft center that will firm up as they cool.

Final Thoughts

The Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe brings warmth and joy to any holiday gathering. With their delightful flavors, they’re perfect for sharing with loved ones. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite mix-ins, making it truly your own!