Why Make This Recipe
Christmas is a time for joy, warmth, and delicious treats. The Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are perfect for the holiday season. They combine the tangy flavor of cranberries with the sweet zest of oranges, making each bite a burst of festive happiness. These cookies are easy to make and will fill your home with delightful smells. They are great for sharing with family and friends during holiday gatherings.
How to Make Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix well until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Fold in the chopped cranberries, orange zest, and orange juice.
- Drop tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
How to Serve Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
Serve these delicious cookies warm or at room temperature. They make a wonderful snack with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also arrange them on a festive plate and serve them during holiday parties.
How to Store Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will last for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Tips to Make Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough.
- If you like, drizzle some icing made of powdered sugar and orange juice on top of the cooled cookies.
Variation
You can change the cranberries to other dried fruits like cherries or raisins. You can also add nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries can be too tart for this recipe. It’s better to use dried cranberries, but if you want to try fresh ones, consider adding extra sugar.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. You can also bake the cookies and store them for later.
What’s the best way to freeze the cookies?
Make sure they are cooled completely before freezing. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag.
Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure your butter is at room temperature.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped Try to chop them for even distribution.
- 1 Zest of 1 orange
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix well until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Fold in the chopped cranberries, orange zest, and orange juice.
- Drop tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Baking
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.