Cranberry Orange Christmas Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These Cranberry Orange Christmas Cookies combine tart cranberries with bright orange zest for a festive flavor. They are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet seasonal treat to enjoy with a cup of tea.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
- Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Step 5: Fold in the dried cranberries and orange zest evenly throughout the dough.
- Step 6: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Step 7: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Step 8: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- Swap dried cranberries with dried cherries or raisins for a different fruity twist.
- Add a half teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a warm holiday flavor.
- For extra zing, drizzle with a simple orange glaze made from powdered sugar and fresh orange juice once cooled.
Storage
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months. Reheat briefly in a low oven to bring back their fresh-baked texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries contain more moisture and can make the dough too wet. It’s best to use dried cranberries to maintain the cookie’s texture and flavor balance.
How do I prevent the orange zest from turning bitter?
Only zest the colored outer layer of the orange peel, avoiding the white pith underneath, which can be bitter. Use a fine grater or zester for the best results.
PrintCranberry Orange Christmas Cookies Recipe
Delightfully festive Cranberry Orange Christmas Cookies that combine tart dried cranberries with fresh orange zest for a bright, holiday-inspired flavor. These cookies are lightly golden and perfect for sharing during the holiday season.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 large orange
Add-ins
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until creamy and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest, mixing until combined. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just blended. Fold in the dried cranberries evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape the cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them onto the prepared sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake the cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the middle.
- Cool and serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these festive treats with a cup of tea or hot cocoa.
Notes
- For an extra burst of citrus flavor, add a teaspoon of fresh orange juice to the dough.
- Use fresh orange zest rather than dried for best aromatic results.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- These cookies can be frozen after baking; thaw at room temperature before serving.
Keywords: cranberry cookies, orange zest cookies, Christmas cookies, holiday baking, festive cookies, dried cranberries
