Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies

The holiday season is here, and what better way to celebrate than baking a batch of cookies? Today, I’m excited to share my Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe with you. These cookies are a delightful blend of tart cranberries and zesty oranges, creating a cookie that tastes like Christmas in every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a fun project to do with the family, this recipe is perfect for you.

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The crisp edges and soft middle make for a just-right cookie, and the orange glaze adds a festive touch. Imagine the aroma of fresh orange and sweet cranberries wafting through your kitchen as these cookies bake. They make great gifts, too! So, grab your apron, and let’s get started on creating some holiday magic with this scrumptious cookie recipe!

Why This Recipe Works

The balance of sweet and tart flavors creates a festive treat that stands out during holiday gatherings. The dried cranberries combine beautifully with the fresh orange zest, which offers an aroma that is simply irresistible. Plus, using both brown and white sugars provides an excellent texture that makes these cookies soft and slightly chewy.

Why You’ll Love This Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make, making it perfect for bakers at any level. They’re not just tasty; these cookies are also perfect for holiday gifts or cookie exchanges. With a unique twist on traditional flavors, they’ll surely impress your friends and family.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (preferably King Arthur)
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 2 tbsp orange juice
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 tsp orange zest (from 1 large orange)
• 2 cups dried cranberries (chopped if large)
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1/2 tsp fine orange zest (avoid the white pith)
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Creaming the Butter and Sugars

Start with Preheating

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for the cookies when they’re prepared.

Combine the Butters and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step takes just a few minutes but makes a big difference in texture.

Mix in the Egg and Orange Juice

Next, add in your large room temperature egg, 2 tablespoons of orange juice, and 1 teaspoon of orange zest. Mix everything together until it is fully combined. You should smell that beautiful orange aroma already!

Preparing the Dry Ingredients

Whisk Together the Dry Mixture

In a different bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. This helps to ensure that the ingredients blend well together and form a smooth cookie dough.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry mixture into the wet mixture. Stir gently but don’t overmix. You want a cohesive cookie dough but not a tough one!

Adding the Cranberries

Incorporate Dried Cranberries

If your dried cranberries are large, chop them up a bit. Then, gently fold the 2 cups of cranberries into the dough by hand. This helps ensure they’re evenly distributed throughout the cookies, adding that lovely burst of flavor with each bite.

Baking the Cookies

Scoop and Space on Cookie Sheets

Using a tablespoon, drop cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Remember to space them out appropriately as these cookies will spread a little while baking.

Bake and Cool

Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for about 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Once they’re done, allow the cookies to rest on the sheets for about 2 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks for cooling.

Preparing the Icing

Mix the Icing Ingredients

While your cookies are cooling, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice, and 1/2 teaspoon of fine orange zest in a medium bowl until smooth. This icing will add a sweet and tangy finish to your cookies.

Drizzle Over Cookies

Drizzle the icing over the cooled cookies and let it set. If you want to speed up the setting, you can pop the cookies in the freezer for a few minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve your beautiful cookies with a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee to enhance the festive mood.
• Package them in decorative boxes to give as holiday gifts; they’re sure to be appreciated!

Tips for Success

• Make sure your butter is adequately softened for easier mixing.
• Always use fresh oranges for the best flavor.
• Avoid overmixing the dough after adding flour. This helps to keep your cookies tender and delicious.

Variations

• Consider substituting dried cranberries with dried cherries or apricots if you’re looking to change things up.
• For an extra special touch, add chopped nuts or white chocolate chips for a rich texture and flavor.

Storage Tips

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week.
• For longer-lasting cookies, freeze them; they can be kept for up to 3 months in the freezer.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries are much too tart; stick with dried cranberries for the best balance of flavors.

2. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Easily! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days; just let it sit at room temperature before baking.

4. What can I substitute for orange juice?
You could use lemon juice for a different citrus kick, but the flavor will change a bit.

5. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Ensure your butter is at room temperature, and consider chilling the dough a bit before baking if needed.

Enjoy these festive, flavorful cookies this holiday season! The combination of cranberry and orange not only delivers a taste of winter but also brings warmth and joy to any gathering. Perfect for sharing with loved ones, these cookies will surely become a holiday tradition in your home. Happy baking!

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