why make this recipe
Cranberry orange cookies are a perfect treat for the holiday season. The sweet taste of cranberries combined with the bright flavor of oranges makes these cookies festive and delightful. They are easy to make, and they fill your home with a wonderful aroma while baking. These cookies are not only great for your own family but also make lovely gifts for friends and neighbors.
how to make Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
- Fold in the dried cranberries, orange zest, and orange juice until everything is evenly mixed.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
how to serve Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
Serve these cookies warm or at room temperature. They are perfect for holiday gatherings, with a cup of tea, or alongside a glass of milk. You can also dress them up by adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of icing for an extra festive touch.
how to store Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Just make sure to let them cool completely before storing.
tips to make Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
- Make sure your butter is softened properly for easy creaming.
- Don’t skip the orange zest; it adds a fresh flavor that enhances the cookies.
- If you like a chewier cookie, slightly underbake them; they will continue to firm up as they cool.
- You can add chopped walnuts or pecans for some crunch if you prefer.
variation
You can switch dried cranberries with dried cherries or raisins for a different flavor. Adding white chocolate chips can also give a sweet twist to the cookies.
FAQs
-
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones?
Fresh cranberries are too tart for cookies. It’s best to stick with dried cranberries for sweetness. -
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just let it soften a bit before baking. -
What can I do if my cookies come out too dry?
Make sure not to overbake the cookies. You can also add a little more orange juice to the dough for moisture. -
Can I add spices to the cookie dough?
Yes! A pinch of nutmeg or ginger can complement the flavors nicely.
Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, orange zest, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the dried cranberries.
- Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto a prepared baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are golden.
- While cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice until a smooth glaze forms.
- Drizzle or spread the glaze over the cooled cookies.