Cranberry Orange Christmas Cookies Recipe
Introduction
Cranberry Orange Christmas Cookies offer a festive twist on a classic treat. Bursting with tart cranberries and zesty orange flavor, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 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 large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Step 3: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Step 5: Fold in the dried cranberries and orange zest evenly throughout the dough.
- Step 6: Drop rounded tablespoons of 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 and the centers are set.
- Step 8: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- For extra orange flavor, add a teaspoon of orange extract along with the zest.
- Swap dried cranberries for dried cherries or raisins if you prefer a different fruity note.
- Use white chocolate chips for a sweet contrast to the tart cranberries.
Storage
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They also freeze well—place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature and, if desired, warm in the oven for a few minutes.
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 may affect the texture of the cookies, making them softer and possibly more crumbly. It’s best to use dried cranberries for this recipe.
How do I prevent the orange zest from becoming bitter?
Only zest the colorful outer layer of the orange, avoiding the white pith underneath. The pith is bitter and can negatively impact the flavor of your cookies.
PrintCranberry Orange Christmas Cookies Recipe
These Cranberry Orange Christmas Cookies are a festive and flavorful treat combining tart cranberries with zesty orange for a perfect holiday cookie. Soft yet slightly chewy, these cookies are ideal for sharing during the Christmas season, delivering a bright, fruity twist to traditional cookie flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
Add-ins
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Then beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and salt throughout the flour.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to form a soft dough. Gently fold in the dried cranberries ensuring they are evenly distributed in the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers have set.
- Cool: Remove cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a softer cookie, slightly reduce baking time by 1-2 minutes.
- Substitute dried cranberries with fresh if desired, but slightly increase baking time and watch for moisture adjustments.
- Orange zest can be substituted with lemon zest for a different citrus flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Adding a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top before baking adds extra crunch and sparkle.
Keywords: Cranberry, Orange, Christmas, Holiday Cookies, Festive Treats
