If you are searching for the perfect balance of festive flavors, look no further than the Cranberry Orange Christmas Cookies Recipe. These enchanting cookies bring together the tartness of dried cranberries with the bright, zesty freshness of orange in a tender, buttery bite that practically melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for holiday parties or a cozy night in, this recipe will fill your kitchen with a delightful aroma and your heart with joy. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep coming back to year after year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cranberry Orange Christmas Cookies Recipe is how straightforward yet impactful the ingredients are. Each element plays its role in crafting the perfect cookie texture and flavor harmony, from the soft butter to the crunchy, tart cranberries and the vibrant orange notes that add that holiday sparkle.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and tender crumb to the cookies.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps with structure.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle molasses undertone.
- 1 large egg (room temperature): Binds ingredients and contributes to cookie softness.
- 2 tbsp orange juice: Gives fresh citrus brightness that lifts the flavor.
- 1 tsp orange zest: Adds an intense, fragrant orange aroma.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that holds everything together.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances sweetness and balances flavors.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: Ensures the cookies rise and get tender.
- 2 cups dried cranberries: The star ingredient delivering pops of tart sweetness.
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar: For making the luscious orange icing.
- 3 tbsp orange juice (fresh preferred): Keeps the icing light and citrus-forward.
- 1/2 tsp orange zest: Finishes the icing with an extra zing.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Christmas Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when your dough is set. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter with both the granulated and brown sugars until you see a light, fluffy texture forming—this is key to tender cookies. Next, mix in the egg, fresh orange juice, and vibrant orange zest to infuse that unmistakable holiday sparkle into your dough.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Whisk the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda in a separate bowl to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents. Gradually fold this dry mixture into your wet ingredients, carefully combining until a soft, cohesive dough forms. This step is crucial to avoid overmixing and tough cookies, so mix just until incorporated.
Step 3: Add Cranberries & Shape
Gently fold in the dried cranberries, making sure every bite will have a burst of tangy sweetness. Using a tablespoon-sized scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet. Leave ample space between each to allow the cookies to spread without merging—a tip that will help every cookie achieve that perfect shape.
Step 4: Bake
Slide your baking sheets into the oven and bake for approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Keep a close eye for when the edges just start to turn a light golden color, signaling that the cookies are perfectly baked. Once done, let the cookies rest on the sheet for a couple of minutes to firm up before transferring them to a cooling rack. Patience here rewards you with cookies that won’t crumble apart.
Step 5: Prepare the Icing
While your cookies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar with fresh orange juice and orange zest until silky smooth. This icing brings the fruity glaze that visually elevates the cookies and adds an extra layer of orange flavor that’s both sweet and tangy.
Step 6: Let Icing Set & Store
Drizzle or spread the icing generously over your cooled cookies, then allow it to harden completely before storing. If you’re impatient like me, placing the iced cookies in the freezer for a few minutes speeds up the hardening process, giving you that satisfying glossy finish you want at holiday celebrations.
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Christmas Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Cranberry Orange Christmas Cookies Recipe, consider adding a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios or edible gold dust after icing for a festive touch. These garnishes offer bursts of color, texture, and a hint of luxury that make your cookies look gift-worthy.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with cozy beverages like spiced hot tea, creamy eggnog, or a cup of rich, freshly brewed coffee. The citrusy brightness balances the warmth of these drinks perfectly, making your snack time a heartwarming experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the cookies stacked on a holiday-themed platter or wrapped in a clear cellophane bag tied with a ribbon for thoughtful gifting. You could even include a handwritten card with the recipe name to inspire your friends and family to recreate this delightful tradition.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once iced and fully set, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll maintain their softness and rich flavors for about a week, making them perfect for preparing ahead of time for holiday gatherings.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Cranberry Orange Christmas Cookies Recipe anytime, freezing is an excellent option. Freeze the un-iced cookies between parchment layers in a sealed bag. When ready, thaw completely, then prepare and add the fresh icing for the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
These cookies are ideal served at room temperature, but if you prefer a little warmth, pop one or two in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This brings back the soft, buttery feel and enhances the orange aroma without melting the icing.
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh cranberries for dried ones?
Fresh cranberries have high moisture and a sharper tartness, which can affect the texture of your cookies. Dried cranberries are preferred because they add chewy bursts of flavor without sogginess.
Is there an alternative to orange juice in the icing?
You can use lemon juice as a substitute, but it will change the flavor profile significantly. For the true Cranberry Orange Christmas Cookies Recipe experience, fresh orange juice is best.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend, keeping the same measurements. Just ensure your blend contains xanthan gum for proper structure.
How long do the cookies last without icing?
Un-iced cookies stored properly in an airtight container will remain fresh for up to 2 weeks, as long as they’re kept in a cool, dry place.
Can I double the recipe for larger batches?
Absolutely! This Cranberry Orange Christmas Cookies Recipe scales up well. Just keep the baking time consistent and bake in batches to ensure even cooking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully comforting about baking this Cranberry Orange Christmas Cookies Recipe and sharing the results with loved ones. The lovely balance of tart cranberries and warm orange notes wrapped in buttery dough creates a timeless cookie that embodies the holiday spirit. So grab your mixing bowls, preheat the oven, and dive into this joyful baking adventure. Trust me, these cookies will soon become one of your favorite festive treats too!
Print
Cranberry Orange Christmas Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 36–48 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cranberry Orange Christmas Cookies combine the tartness of dried cranberries with bright orange flavors in a soft, buttery cookie. Topped with a zesty orange glaze, they make festive treats perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 2 cups dried cranberries (chopped if large)
For the Orange Icing:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp orange juice (fresh preferred)
- 1/2 tsp orange zest
Instructions
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Then mix in the egg, orange juice, and orange zest until well combined.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Add Cranberries & Shape: Fold the dried cranberries into the dough. Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats, spacing them adequately to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. After baking, let them rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
- Prepare the Icing: Whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth to create the orange glaze.
- Let Icing Set & Store: Drizzle the icing over cooled cookies. Allow the icing to fully harden before storing. For faster setting, place the cookies in the freezer for a few minutes.
Notes
- Room temperature ingredients help create a smooth dough and even baking.
- Chop large dried cranberries for better distribution throughout the cookie.
- Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor in both the dough and icing.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Freezing the cookies after icing helps the glaze set quickly and keeps the cookies fresh longer.
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