Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies: A Festive Holiday Recipe

Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies: the very name conjures up images of twinkling lights, crackling fireplaces, and the warm, inviting aroma of holiday baking. But what if I told you that you could capture all of that festive magic in a single, delectable bite? These aren’t just any cookies; they’re a celebration of the season, a symphony of flavors that dance on your tongue and leave you craving more.

The combination of cranberry and orange is a classic for a reason. While the exact origins of pairing these two fruits in baked goods are somewhat hazy, their complementary profiles have been enjoyed for generations, particularly around the holidays. Cranberries, native to North America, offer a tartness that perfectly balances the sweet, citrusy notes of orange. This delightful contrast is what makes these Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies so irresistible.

What’s not to love? The soft, chewy texture, the burst of juicy cranberries, the bright zest of orange – it’s a sensory experience that’s both comforting and invigorating. Plus, these cookies are surprisingly easy to make, making them the perfect treat to bake with family and friends. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping addition to your holiday cookie platter or simply want to indulge in a little festive cheer, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit. So, grab your apron, preheat your oven, and let’s get baking!

Ingredients:

• For the Cookies:
• 2 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup (150g) packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon orange zest, finely grated
• 1 cup (113g) dried cranberries, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup (57g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• For the Orange Glaze (Optional):
• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1/2 teaspoon orange zest, finely grated

Preparing the Dough:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the baking soda is evenly distributed, leading to a consistent rise. Set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. The mixture should be noticeably lighter in color and texture. Scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally helps ensure everything is evenly incorporated. The creaming process is crucial for incorporating air into the dough, which contributes to the cookies’ soft texture.
3. Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure the egg is fully incorporated before moving on to the next step. Then, stir in the orange zest. The zest adds a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the cranberries beautifully.
4. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in tough cookies. Mix until you no longer see streaks of flour.
5. Stir in Cranberries and Nuts (Optional): Gently fold in the chopped dried cranberries and nuts (if using). Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. I like to roughly chop the cranberries so they are smaller and more evenly dispersed.
6. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking and also allows the flavors to meld together. If you chill the dough for longer than 2 hours, you may need to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.

Baking the Cookies:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
2. Scoop and Arrange Dough: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. This allows for spreading during baking.
3. Bake: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers may still appear slightly soft, but they will continue to set as they cool. Keep a close eye on the cookies, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
4. Cool: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking apart while they are still soft.

Preparing the Orange Glaze (Optional):

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. Start with 2 tablespoons of orange juice and add more, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the cookies but thin enough to drizzle.
2. Glaze the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the orange glaze over the tops. You can use a spoon or a fork to drizzle the glaze.
3. Let Glaze Set: Allow the glaze to set completely before serving or storing the cookies. This usually takes about 30 minutes.

Tips for Perfect Cranberry Orange Cookies:

• Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter is key to achieving a light and fluffy texture. Make sure your butter is truly softened, but not melted. It should be soft enough to press your finger into easily, but still hold its shape.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also allows the flavors to meld together.
• Use Parchment Paper: Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheets and makes cleanup easier.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Bake until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
• Cool Completely Before Glazing: Make sure the cookies are completely cool before glazing, or the glaze will melt.
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough for up to 2 months. Scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months.

Variations:

• White Chocolate Cranberry Orange Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of chopped white chocolate to the dough along with the cranberries.
• Dark Chocolate Cranberry Orange Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of chopped dark chocolate to the dough along with the cranberries.
• Gingerbread Cranberry Orange Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients.
• Lemon Cranberry Orange Cookies: Substitute lemon zest for the orange zest.
• Spiced Cranberry Orange Cookies: Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg to the dry ingredients.

Troubleshooting:

• Cookies are spreading too much: Make sure you are using softened, but not melted, butter. Also, make sure you are chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes. If the dough is still spreading too much, try adding a tablespoon or two of flour to the dough.
• Cookies are too dry: Make sure you are not overbaking the cookies. Also, make sure you are using the correct amount of flour.
• Cookies are too tough: Make sure you are not overmixing the dough.
• Glaze is too thick: Add more orange juice, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
• Glaze is too thin: Add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per cookie without glaze):

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

• Calories: 150
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 70mg
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Sugar: 10g
• Protein: 1g

Enjoy your delicious homemade Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies! They are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are more than just a recipe; they’re a little slice of holiday magic, baked right in your own kitchen. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe this season, and here’s why: the delightful combination of tart cranberries, zesty orange, and warm spices creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and invigorating. The soft, chewy texture is simply irresistible, and the aroma that fills your home while they bake is pure Christmas bliss. Forget those store-bought cookies; these homemade treats are guaranteed to impress your family and friends, and become a cherished tradition for years to come.

But the best part? They’re incredibly easy to make! Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you can whip up a batch of these beauties in no time. The recipe is straightforward, the ingredients are readily available, and the results are consistently delicious. Plus, the vibrant colors of the cranberries and orange zest make them visually appealing, perfect for gifting or adding a festive touch to your holiday dessert table.

Looking for serving suggestions? These cookies are divine on their own, enjoyed with a steaming mug of hot cocoa or a glass of cold milk. But why stop there? Try crumbling them over vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert, or use them to create a festive cookie crumble topping for your favorite yogurt parfait. They also pair beautifully with a cup of spiced tea or a glass of sparkling cider.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of variations you can try to make this recipe your own. Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. Substitute dried cherries or blueberries for the cranberries. Drizzle them with melted white chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness. Or, for a truly indulgent treat, sandwich two cookies together with a layer of cream cheese frosting. You could even add a touch of rum or brandy to the dough for a boozy holiday kick!

Get Creative with Your Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies!

Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with it! Baking should be a joyful experience, so let your creativity shine. The possibilities are endless, and I’m confident that you’ll discover your own unique twist on this classic recipe.

I’m so excited for you to try these Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies! I know you’ll love them as much as I do. They are the perfect way to spread holiday cheer and create lasting memories with your loved ones.

So, what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake up a batch of holiday happiness. And most importantly, don’t forget to share your creations with me! I’d love to see your photos and hear about your experiences. Tag me on social media using [Your Social Media Handle] and let me know what you think. Did you try any variations? What were your favorite serving suggestions? I’m eager to hear all about it!

Happy baking, and happy holidays! I hope these cookies bring you and your loved ones much joy and deliciousness this Christmas season. I can’t wait to see your amazing creations!

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