There’s something truly magical about the holidays, especially when it comes to baking. The scent of warm cookies fills the air, bringing family and friends together. One delightful treat that captures the spirit of Christmas is the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies. With their bright orange flavor and sweet bursts of cranberries, these cookies are perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings. They not only taste amazing but also look festive on any dessert platter. Whether enjoyed with a cup of hot cocoa or gifted to neighbors, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Get ready to spread some holiday cheer while making a batch of these delicious treats, you won’t be able to eat just one!
How to Prepare Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
To start making your Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies, gather the following ingredients: 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 cup of brown sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon of orange zest, 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 cup of dried cranberries.
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Then, beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest until well combined.
Next, in another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Finally, fold in the dried cranberries.
Drop tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them a couple of inches apart. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden. Allow them to cool on a wire rack before enjoying the delightful flavors of your cookies!
Why You’ll Love Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
These Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are a wonderful combination of flavors that evoke the holiday spirit. The tartness of cranberries pairs beautifully with the zesty, sweet notes of orange, making every bite a refreshing treat. They’re not only festive in flavor but also in color, with specks of red from the cranberries and a warm golden hue.
These cookies are incredibly easy to make and are sure to impress everyone at your holiday parties. Their soft and chewy texture will leave you craving more. Plus, they make an excellent addition to any cookie tray or gift box. Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying your hand at holiday cookies for the first time, you’ll find joy in creating these delicious, crowd-pleasing cookies that spread love and cheer this Christmas season!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies turn out perfectly, keep these tips in mind. First, make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing. This will help create a fluffy dough. Second, don’t overmix the cookie dough after adding the dry ingredients, as this can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until everything is combined.
Using fresh cranberries would be delightful, but dried cranberries work best for sweetness and texture. For added flavor, consider adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. If you want a little extra festive flair, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top of the cooled cookies. Lastly, keep an eye on them while baking. Every oven is different, and you want them to be soft and slightly underbaked for that perfect chewy texture.
Serving Suggestions
There are many delightful ways to serve your Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies. For a cozy holiday treat, pair them with a warm cup of hot cocoa or spiced tea. You could also enjoy them alongside a festive cheese platter for a nice sweet and savory mix.
To make a wonderful holiday gift, stack them in a decorative tin or gift box, and tie it with a pretty ribbon. Imagine the smiles on your neighbors’ faces when they receive this thoughtful gift. If you’re hosting a holiday gathering, these cookies can be a centerpiece on a dessert table, adding color and sweetness. No matter how you choose to serve them, they’re sure to bring joy and deliciousness to any occasion!
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
While fresh cranberries can be used, they are a bit tart and may not give the same sweetness. Dried cranberries are recommended for the best flavor in these cookies.
2. How do I store the cookies?
Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months.
3. Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Absolutely, you can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch. Just make sure to reduce the amount of dried cranberries slightly to balance the flavors.
4. What can I substitute for orange zest?
If you don’t have orange zest, lemon zest can be a lovely alternative. It will give a different but equally refreshing citrus flavor to your cookies.
5. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to three days or freeze it for up to a month. Just allow it to soften before baking.
Print
Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful cookies with bright orange flavor and sweet bursts of cranberries, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the dried cranberries.
- Drop tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them a couple of inches apart.
- Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack.
Notes
For best results, use room temperature butter and avoid overmixing the dough. Consider adding a dash of cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Christmas cookies, cranberry orange cookies, holiday baking, festive desserts
