Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Delight in the festive flavors of our Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies. Bursting with tart cranberries and zesty orange, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings.
These cookies have become a holiday tradition in our family. The combination of sweet and tart flavors pairs perfectly with a cup of hot cocoa, making them a favorite for Christmas parties.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Bursting with festive flavors that celebrate the season
- Soft and chewy texture with a delightful crunch
- Easy to make and perfect for gifting or sharing
The Perfect Holiday Treat
Christmas is a time for gathering, celebration, and indulging in delightful treats that warm the heart. Our Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies encapsulate all these festive sentiments in each bite. The combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange brightens up the traditional cookie experience, making these treats a standout on any holiday dessert table. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or sharing gifts with friends and family, these cookies are sure to impress.
The soft and chewy texture of these cookies is complemented by the satisfying crunch of walnuts, adding an extra layer of flavor that enhances the overall experience. As they bake, your kitchen will be filled with the inviting aromas of citrus and sweetness, creating the perfect backdrop for holiday festivities. These cookies are not just a dessert; they are a celebration of the season's best flavors.
Easy to Make and Share
One of the best aspects of this cookie recipe is its simplicity. With straightforward steps and easily accessible ingredients, even novice bakers can whip up a batch of these festive cookies without any hassle. The recipe requires minimal prep time, making it easy to fit into your busy holiday schedule. You can quickly prepare the dough and have delicious cookies ready to enjoy or share in no time.
Additionally, these cookies make for excellent gifts during the holiday season. Package them in decorative tins or festive boxes, and they become a thoughtful homemade gift that friends and family will cherish. Sharing the joy of baking not only spreads holiday cheer but also creates lasting memories with your loved ones.
Storage and Enjoyment Tips
To ensure your cookies stay fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week, maintaining their soft and chewy texture. If you want to enjoy them longer, consider freezing the cookies. Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they can last for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, just thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven.
These cookies are versatile too! You can serve them alongside a cup of hot cocoa or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. They also make a lovely addition to holiday cookie platters, bringing a burst of color and flavor to your festive gatherings. No matter how you enjoy them, these cookies are bound to become a beloved holiday tradition in your home.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Mix all ingredients well to ensure a uniform dough.
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Mix Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Fold in Cranberries and Zest
Gently fold in the chopped cranberries, orange zest, and walnuts (if using).
Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy these festive cookies with family and friends!
Nutritional Information
When indulging in these delicious cranberry orange cookies, it's important to consider their nutritional value. Each cookie is filled with wholesome ingredients like fresh cranberries and nuts, providing a dose of vitamins and antioxidants. While they are a treat, being aware of portion sizes can help you enjoy them guilt-free during the festive season.
These cookies offer a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, making them a satisfying snack. If you want to lighten the recipe, consider substituting some of the butter with a healthier fat or reducing the sugar slightly. Regardless, the key is moderation, allowing you to enjoy the festive spirit without compromising your health goals.
Customization Ideas
Feel free to get creative with this cookie recipe! While cranberries and orange are a perfect match, you can experiment with other flavors as well. Try adding chocolate chips for a richer flavor or swapping out cranberries for dried cherries or blueberries. You can also adjust the nuts, using pecans or almonds for a different twist.
For an added touch of festivity, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice over the cooled cookies. This not only enhances their appearance but also adds an extra layer of citrusy sweetness that complements the flavors beautifully. Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute dried cranberries, but the texture and flavor will differ slightly.
→ How can I store leftover cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before baking.
→ What can I use instead of walnuts?
You can omit the walnuts or substitute with pecans or your favorite nut.
Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe
Delight in the festive flavors of our Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies. Bursting with tart cranberries and zesty orange, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings.
Created by: Cassidy Moore
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Gently fold in the chopped cranberries, orange zest, and walnuts (if using).
Using a cookie scoop, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 55mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g