Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe
If you’re looking for a festive treat that captures the spirit of the season, the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe is your answer. These cookies blend the tartness of cranberries with the bright citrus flavor of oranges, creating a delightful balance that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights at home. They’re not just delicious but also easy to make, making them a wonderful addition to your Christmas cookie repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The pairing of cranberry and orange brings a refreshing taste that stands out during the holiday season.
- Quick and Easy: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, these cookies are simple enough for any baker.
- Perfect for Gifting: Pack them in a decorative box to share with friends and family as thoughtful holiday gifts.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them with coffee in the morning or as a sweet dessert after dinner.
- Kid-Friendly Cooking: Involve your little ones in the baking process for some fun family bonding.
Tools and Preparation
To make the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment can streamline your baking process and enhance your overall experience.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Measuring cups
- Whisk
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine all ingredients easily without spills.
- Baking sheet: Ensures even baking and provides plenty of space for multiple cookies.
- Measuring cups: Accurate measurements lead to perfect results every time.
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
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
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 start baking at the right temperature for optimal texture.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a mixing bowl, combine:
The softened butter
Sugar
Brown sugar
Beat until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the mixture, making your cookies tender.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Add:
The egg
Orange juice
Orange zest
Mix until combined. The wet ingredients contribute moisture and flavor to your dough.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together:
Flour
Salt
Baking soda
Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients until just combined.
Step 5: Fold in Dried Cranberries
Gently fold in:
Dried cranberries
Be careful not to overmix. This helps keep your cookies soft and chewy.
Step 6: Bake Your Cookies
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 8 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks.
Step 7: Prepare the Glaze (Optional)
While cookies cool, whisk together:
Powdered sugar
Orange juice
Orange zest
Drizzle over cooled cookies for added sweetness and flavor.
Enjoy every bite of these festive treats!
How to Serve Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe
These delightful cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings and make a wonderful treat. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience with the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe.
With Hot Beverages
- Coffee: The rich flavor of coffee pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cookies.
- Tea: A warm cup of tea complements the fruity notes in these cookies.
- Hot Chocolate: Indulge in a cozy experience by serving these cookies with creamy hot chocolate.
On a Festive Platter
- Cookie Platter: Arrange the cookies on a colorful platter alongside other holiday treats for a festive display.
- Gift Boxes: Package these cookies in decorative boxes as thoughtful gifts for friends and family.
As Dessert
- After Dinner Treat: Serve them as a sweet ending to your holiday meals, adding a touch of sweetness to your festive gatherings.
- With Ice Cream: Pair a cookie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert combination.
How to Perfect Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe
To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider the following tips:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and egg are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off for precise measurements.
- Chill Dough If Necessary: If the dough feels too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies and remove them when they are slightly golden around the edges to maintain softness.
- Add Extra Zest: For an even more pronounced orange flavor, add a bit more orange zest to the dough or glaze.
- Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness longer.
Best Side Dishes for Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe
These side dishes complement the flavors of the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe perfectly. Consider adding them to your holiday spread.
- Cheese Board: A variety of cheeses can balance out sweet flavors, making it a great pairing with these cookies.
- Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds brightness and is refreshing against the richer cookie texture.
- Spiced Nuts: Serve spiced nuts as a savory contrast to the sweetness of the cookies, enhancing your snack table.
- Mini Quiches: These savory bites provide variety and can be filled with seasonal veggies or cheeses.
- Chocolate Covered Pretzels: The salty-sweet combination makes these pretzels an excellent addition alongside your cookies.
- Peppermint Bark: This festive treat adds a crunchy texture and peppermint flavor that pairs well with cranberry and orange.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking can be tricky, especially during the holiday season. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for when making the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe.
-
Incorrect Measurements: Always measure ingredients accurately to ensure the perfect cookie texture. Use measuring cups for dry ingredients and liquid measuring cups for wet ones.
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Overmixing the Dough: Mixing the dough too much can result in tough cookies. Mix just until combined to keep them soft and chewy.
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Neglecting Chilling Time: Skipping chilling time can lead to cookies spreading too much. Chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking for better shape and texture.
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Using Old Ingredients: Fresh ingredients are key for flavor. Check that your baking soda is active and your dried cranberries are not stale.
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Not Preheating the Oven: Baking in an unpreheated oven can affect cookie rise and texture. Always preheat your oven to the correct temperature before baking.
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Ignoring Baking Time: Every oven is different, so watch your cookies closely. Pull them out when they’re lightly golden on the edges for the best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
- Ensure they are completely cooled before storing to avoid moisture buildup.
Freezing Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe
- Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
- Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake cookies for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 10-15 seconds to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid for a few minutes until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Yes, but fresh cranberries will change the cookie’s texture and sweetness. You might want to add more sugar if using fresh ones.
What can I substitute for orange juice?
Lemon juice or another citrus juice can work as a substitute, but it will alter the flavor slightly.
How do I know when my cookies are done?
Look for golden edges and a slightly soft center. They will continue cooking on the baking sheet after removal from the oven.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a delicious gluten-free version of these cookies.
Final Thoughts
The Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights at home. Their delightful flavor combination makes them versatile enough for any occasion. Try adding nuts or white chocolate chips for extra customization!
Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the holiday spirit with the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe. These delightful cookies perfectly merge the tartness of cranberries with the zesty brightness of oranges, resulting in a treat that is both refreshing and festive. Ideal for gatherings or cozy nights in, this recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, allowing you to whip up a batch in just 25 minutes. Serve them warm with your favorite hot beverage or package them as charming gifts for friends and family. Enjoy these sweet bites as an essential addition to your holiday cookie lineup!
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg, orange juice, and orange zest until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually fold this into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Gently fold in dried cranberries.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet and bake for about 8 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Allow cooling on wire racks.
- For an optional glaze, mix powdered sugar with orange juice and zest; drizzle over cooled cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
