Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Cranberry and orange come together in the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe to create a festive treat that delights everyone. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these cookies are not only delicious but also easy to make. With their vibrant flavors and chewy texture, they’re sure to brighten up any cookie platter or gift box.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Flavor: The combination of tart cranberries and bright orange zest makes every bite a burst of holiday cheer.
• Easy to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these cookies quickly, perfect for last-minute baking.
• Versatile Treat: These cookies are great for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or as a sweet gift for loved ones.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves a good cookie! These cranberry orange delights will be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
• Customizable: Feel free to add nuts or different spices to match your taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Electric mixer

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl is essential for combining ingredients without spilling, making mixing easier.
• Baking sheet: A good quality baking sheet ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
• Electric mixer: This tool saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugars together.

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

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 bake evenly right from the start.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. The softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar.
2. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Egg and Juices

Next, add:
1. The egg, orange juice, and orange zest.
2. Mix until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together:
1. The flour, salt, and baking soda.
2. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing until well incorporated.

Step 5: Fold in Cranberries

Gently fold in:
1. The dried cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto a prepared baking sheet:
1. Leave space between each cookie as they will spread while baking.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for about 8 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.

Step 7: Prepare the Glaze

While cookies cool:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth.

Step 8: Glaze the Cookies

Once cookies have cooled:
1. Drizzle the glaze over each cookie for added sweetness and decoration.

Enjoy your delightful batch of Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies!

How to Serve Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

These delightful cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings. They offer a wonderful blend of sweet and tart flavors, making them a festive treat for family and friends. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With Hot Beverages

• Serve with hot cocoa – The rich chocolate flavor pairs well with the tartness of cranberries.
• Pair with spiced tea – A warm cup of spiced tea complements the orange zest beautifully.
• Accompany with coffee – The bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of the cookies.

On a Festive Platter

• Create a cookie platter – Mix with other holiday cookies for a vibrant display.
• Add colorful sprinkles – Top some cookies with sprinkles for an extra festive touch.
• Use decorative liners – Place cookies in seasonal liners to add charm to your presentation.

As Party Favors

• Package in gift bags – Fill small bags with cookies as thoughtful gifts for guests.
• Include recipe cards – Share the joy by including recipe cards for your loved ones to try at home.

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How to Perfect Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

To ensure your cranberry orange cookies turn out perfectly, follow these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients – This helps create a smooth batter that combines well.
• Don’t overmix the dough – Mixing just until combined keeps your cookies tender.
• Chill the dough briefly – Chilling helps maintain shape and enhances flavor.
• Adjust baking time based on size – Keep an eye on smaller or larger cookies to avoid overbaking.

Best Side Dishes for Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Serving side dishes alongside your cranberry orange cookies can enhance the overall holiday experience. Here are some great options:

1. Cheese Platter – Offer a variety of cheeses that provide a savory contrast to the sweet cookies.
2. Fruit Salad – A fresh mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing element to your dessert table.
3. Spiced Nuts – The crunch and spice of nuts complement the soft texture of the cookies nicely.
4. Yule Log Cake – This traditional dessert brings additional festive flair and flavor.
5. Holiday Punch – A fruity punch can refresh guests while they enjoy their treats.
6. Mini Quiches – These savory bites are great as an appetizer before indulging in sweets.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe can be a delightful experience, but some common mistakes can ruin your batch. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Incorrect Measurements: Always measure your ingredients precisely. Use proper measuring cups and spoons for both dry and wet ingredients to maintain balance in your cookies.

• Skipping Chilling Time: If a recipe calls for chilling the dough, don’t skip this step. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances flavors.

• Overmixing the Dough: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.

• Not Preheating the Oven: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking. This helps achieve that perfect rise and golden color in your cookies.

• Using Stale Ingredients: Check the freshness of your baking soda and dried cranberries. Old ingredients can affect the taste and texture of your cookies.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

• Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for 5-7 minutes for best results.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, warming them gently on each side for 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe that may help you prepare these tasty treats:

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust sugar levels as fresh cranberries are more tart than dried ones.

How can I customize the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe?

You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even chocolate chips to enhance flavor and texture!

How do I know when the cookies are done?

The edges should be lightly golden while the center remains soft. They will firm up as they cool.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour blend, but check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

The Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe brings together delightful flavors that capture the spirit of the holidays. These cookies are versatile; you can easily customize them with nuts or chocolate. Give them a try this holiday season, and enjoy sharing these cozy treats with friends and family!