Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive treat that will light up your holiday gatherings, the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe is just what you need. These cookies combine the tartness of cranberries with the bright flavor of orange, creating a delightful blend that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, gifting to friends, or enjoying a cozy night in, these cookies will surely impress and satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cranberry and orange creates a refreshing taste that’s unique and festive.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Serving Options: Great as a dessert or as part of a holiday cookie platter, they fit right into any celebration.
• Perfect Texture: Expect soft, chewy cookies that melt in your mouth with every bite.
• Great Gifting Idea: These cookies make wonderful gifts during the holidays, packaged beautifully in jars or boxes.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies, gather your tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Electric mixer

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl is essential for combining all ingredients evenly without spills.
• Electric mixer: It helps to cream butter and sugars quickly, ensuring a light texture in your cookies.

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

How to Make Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1 cup softened butter,
1 cup sugar,
1/2 cup brown sugar.

Use an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Egg and Orange Ingredients

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

Mix until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together:
2 1/2 cups flour,
1/2 teaspoon salt,
1/2 teaspoon baking soda.

Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed until just combined.

Step 5: Fold in Cranberries

Gently fold in:
2 cups dried cranberries using a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a lined baking sheet. Bake for about 8 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow cooling slightly before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 7: Prepare the Glaze

While cookies cool, mix together:
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar,
3 tablespoons orange juice,
1/2 teaspoon orange zest until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies before serving.

How to Serve Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

These delightful cranberry orange cookies are perfect for the holiday season. Their bright flavors complement festive gatherings and make a charming addition to any dessert table.

Pair with Coffee or Tea

• Coffee: A warm cup of coffee enhances the sweetness of the cookies.
• Herbal Tea: Choose a citrus-flavored tea to match the orange notes in the cookies.

Serve with a Festive Platter

• Cookie Tray: Arrange the cookies with other holiday treats like gingerbread and peppermint bark.
• Gift Box: Package them beautifully for a thoughtful homemade gift during the holidays.

Enjoy with Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture pairs perfectly with the tart cranberries.
• Orange Sorbet: A refreshing contrast that highlights the orange flavor in the cookies.

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How to Perfect Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

To achieve cookie perfection, follow these handy tips for baking your cranberry orange delights.

• Use Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for a smoother dough.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup instead of scooping, to avoid dense cookies.
• Chill Dough if Necessary: If your dough is too sticky, chill it for 30 minutes before baking.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on them; they’re done when they turn golden but still soft in the center.

Best Side Dishes for Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

These cookies can be enjoyed alongside several delicious sides, enhancing their flavor and presentation.

1. Cheese Platter: A selection of sharp cheeses balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Fruit Salad: Fresh fruits add brightness and contrast, making a colorful display.
3. Nut Mix: A mix of nuts provides a crunchy texture that pairs well with soft cookies.
4. Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into warm chocolate for a decadent treat.
5. Pecan Pie Squares: The rich flavors complement each other perfectly for dessert lovers.
6. Spiced Hot Chocolate: This cozy drink warms up cold winter evenings and complements the flavors beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe can be a joyful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Incorrect butter temperature: Using cold butter can lead to dense cookies. Always ensure your butter is softened for the best texture.
• Over-mixing the dough: Over-mixing can make cookies tough. Mix until ingredients are just combined for a softer cookie.
• Ignoring the zest: Skipping orange zest means missing out on vibrant flavor. Always add fresh zest for that holiday cheer.
• Not chilling the dough: Chilling helps flavors meld and prevents spreading. Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• Skipping parchment paper: Baking directly on a pan can lead to sticking. Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container; they last for up to three months.

Reheating Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5-7 minutes for freshness.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on low power for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe special?

The combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange creates a delightful balance of flavors, making these cookies perfect for holiday gatherings.

Can I make substitutions in this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute dried cranberries with raisins or cherries. Feel free to experiment with different nuts or chocolate chips as well.

How do I achieve perfectly soft cookies?

Ensure you measure your flour accurately and avoid over-baking. Remove them from the oven when they are slightly underdone, as they will continue cooking while cooling.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries are much more tart. If you prefer using them, consider adding extra sugar to balance their acidity.

Final Thoughts

The Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors that capture the spirit of the holiday season. They not only taste amazing but also fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Feel free to customize them by adding nuts or spices according to your preference!