Name: Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe to Brighten Your Holiday
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 32 min
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 1 cup sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 large 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 (chopped if desired); 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 3 tablespoons orange juice; 1/2 teaspoon orange zest

Introduction to Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies

The holiday season is all about warmth, festivity, and of course, delicious treats. One cookie that deserves a top spot in your festive baking lineup is the best Christmas cranberry orange cookies. With their delightful combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange, these cookies are sure to add a splash of color and flavor to your holiday gatherings.

Why These Cookies Are a Holiday Must-Have

There's something truly special about the aroma of baking cookies wafting through the house during the holidays. These cranberry orange cookies not only look beautiful on any dessert table, but they also offer a uniquely refreshing taste that contrasts wonderfully with traditional holiday sweets.

Their vibrant flavors are not just a feast for the palate—they also make a thoughtful gift! Packaged in a festive box or tin, they show your loved ones you care. Plus, dried cranberries are rich in antioxidants—a bonus during the winter months when we could all use a health boost (Healthline).

Join me in creating these delightful cookies that encapsulate the spirit of the holidays. Your friends and family will be asking for the recipe, which means you’ll be the star of the season!

Ingredients for Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies

When it comes to holiday baking, the best Christmas cranberry orange cookies truly stand out. This delightful cookie manages to balance sweet and tart flavors beautifully, making them a festive treat everyone will love. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this tasty batch:

1 cup butter, softened: This creates a rich, creamy base for your cookies.
1 cup sugar + ½ cup brown sugar: Combining these adds the perfect level of sweetness.
1 egg: This binds everything together, giving your cookies structure.
2 tablespoons orange juice + 1 teaspoon orange zest: These add a vibrant citrus flavor that brightens the cookies.
2 ½ cups flour: Essential for that perfect chewy texture.
½ teaspoon salt + ½ teaspoon baking soda: These enhance flavors and allow for the right rise.
2 cups dried cranberries: These are the stars of the show, providing bursts of sweetness and tartness.
Powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest for icing: Drizzling this simple icing gives the cookies a lovely finishing touch.

These ingredients are readily available, and you can easily find them at your local grocery store or check out helpful tutorials on YouTube for mixing techniques! What’s your favorite part of holiday baking?

Step-by-step preparation for Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies

Let’s dive into preparing the best Christmas cranberry orange cookies! This delightful treat combines sweet oranges with tart cranberries, making them a festive favorite. Follow these simple steps for cookie success.

Gather the Wet and Dry Ingredients

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This allows it to be ready when your scrumptious cookie dough is ready to bake.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together:
1 cup of softened butter
1 cup of sugar
½ cup of brown sugar

Beat these ingredients until they’re light and fluffy—this enhances the texture of your cookies!

Next, add:
1 egg
2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon of orange zest

Mix these elements well until they’re fully incorporated. The orange zest provides a refreshing hint of citrus that complements the cranberries beautifully.

Mix the Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients:

2 ½ cups of flour
½ teaspoon of salt
½ teaspoon of baking soda

Once the dry mix is ready, gradually add it to your wet mixture, stirring until the components come together into a cohesive cookie dough. Take a moment to appreciate the warm, inviting aroma of your creation.

Incorporate the Cranberries and Shape Your Cookies

Now for the fun part! If you prefer, chop your 2 cups of dried cranberries into smaller pieces for a more even distribution in your cookies. Gently fold the cranberries into your dough, ensuring they’re spread throughout.

Using a tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto your prepared cookie sheets, leaving space between each. This helps the cookies spread beautifully as they bake.

Bake Your Cookies to Perfection

Slide your trays into the oven and let the magic happen! Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden. Once baked, allow the cookies to rest on the sheets for about 2 minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely—this will enhance their soft texture.

Whip Up and Drizzle the Icing

While your cookies cool, it’s time to prepare the icing. In a medium bowl, mix together:

1 ½ cups of powdered sugar
3 tablespoons of orange juice
½ teaspoon of orange zest

Stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Drizzle this delightful icing over your cooled cookies—this adds a beautiful finish and extra sweetness!

Let the Icing Harden and Store the Cookies

Give the icing some time to set completely. If you’re in a hurry, placing the cookies in the freezer for a few minutes can speed up this process.

Once your icing is hardened, store the best Christmas cranberry orange cookies in an airtight container. This will keep them fresh and mouthwateringly delicious for days to come.

With each step clearly outlined, you’ll be well on your way to creating holiday magic in your kitchen. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, these cookies are sure to impress. Happy baking!

Variations of Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies

Adding Nuts for Crunch

To elevate the best Christmas cranberry orange cookies, consider incorporating nuts like walnuts or pecans. Chopped nuts add a delightful crunch, enhancing the texture alongside the chewy cranberries. Plus, they bring a nutty depth of flavor that complements the bright oranges beautifully. Add about 1 cup of your favorite chopped nuts during the mixing stage for an extra festive twist!

Substituting Different Dried Fruits

If cranberries aren't your favorite, try swapping them out for other dried fruits such as dried cherries, apricots, or even raisins. Each fruit offers a unique flavor profile; for instance, cherries add a tart punch, while apricots infuse sweetness. Mixing a few types can make for an exciting variety of flavors in your cookie batch, making these cookies a versatile holiday treat.

For more variations, check out this recipe on Food Network for inspiration!

Cooking Tips and Notes for Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies

When preparing the best Christmas cranberry orange cookies, a few handy tips can enhance your baking experience. First, ensure your butter is softened properly; it should feel creamy but not melted. This creates a light texture. When adding the dried cranberries, consider tossing them in a bit of flour first; this helps them incorporate evenly into the dough.

Baking sheets can influence cookie texture—using parchment paper prevents sticking and aids in even baking. Allow your cookies to cool before icing; this ensures a beautiful glaze. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for holiday gatherings. For more baking tips, check out sources like King Arthur Baking or Bon Appétit.

Serving Suggestions for Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies

When it comes to enjoying the best Christmas cranberry orange cookies, serving them right can elevate your holiday experience. Here are some delightful suggestions:

With a Warm Beverage: Pair these cookies with a piping hot cup of spiced tea or coffee. The warmth complements the zesty flavors beautifully.
Decorative Platter: Arrange the cookies on a festive platter, garnishing with fresh cranberries or orange slices for a lovely presentation that leaves an impression.
Gift Packaging: Consider wrapping some cookies in clear cellophane with a beautiful ribbon. These make charming homemade gifts that your friends and family will truly appreciate.
Dessert Table: Serve them at your holiday gatherings alongside other desserts, like gingerbread or pumpkin pie, creating a delicious cookie spread.

Each suggestion adds a personal touch to your holiday celebrations, ensuring your best Christmas cranberry orange cookies are a hit!

Time Breakdown for Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies

Preparation Time

Getting started with your best Christmas cranberry orange cookies takes just about 15 minutes. This is the time you'll need to gather your ingredients, mix the wet and dry components, and fold in the cranberries.

Baking Time

Once your cookie dough is ready, the baking process will take around 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on those edges; you want them to be golden but not overbaked!

Total Time

In total, expect to dedicate roughly 30 to 40 minutes from start to finish, including preparation, baking, and icing. Just think about how delightful your kitchen will smell as you make these festive treats!

These cookies are not only delicious but also perfect for sharing with family and friends. Try pairing them with a seasonal hot drink for a cozy treat! Want to dive deeper into baking this holiday season? Check out our other festive recipes for more inspiration!

Nutritional Facts for Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies

When indulging in these best Christmas cranberry orange cookies, it's helpful to understand the nutritional content that accompanies your festive treat.

Calories

Each cookie contains approximately 120 calories, making them a delightful but moderate option for your holiday dessert table. While they are tasty, it's easy to lose track, so enjoy them mindfully!

Sugar Content

With about 8 grams of sugar per cookie, these treats are sweet but balanced by the tartness of cranberries and citrusy notes from orange juice and zest. If you're watching your sugar intake, one or two will still hit the spot without overdoing it.

Fiber Content

You can expect to get about 1 gram of fiber in each cookie, thanks to the dried cranberries. Fiber is essential for digestion, making these cookies a slightly healthier treat option during the holiday season. Consider pairing these cookies with a warm cup of herbal tea for a comforting snack that satisfies without being overly guilty.

Enjoy baking these cookies and feel free to explore more about the benefits of cranberries and oranges on healthline.com and fooddata.central.com. Happy baking!

FAQs about Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

While you can use fresh cranberries in your best Christmas cranberry orange cookies, they will impart a more tart flavor and require additional sugar to balance that out. If opting for fresh, consider chopping them into smaller pieces and adding extra sweetness to your dough since fresh cranberries are not as sweet as the dried variety.

How should I store these cookies for freshness?

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can maintain their deliciousness for about a week. If you want to keep them for longer, they’ll last even longer in the fridge. Just remember to allow them to come to room temperature before serving to enjoy their full flavor.

Can these cookies be frozen?

Absolutely! These cookies can be frozen for up to three months. To freeze the best Christmas cranberry orange cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying!

Conclusion on Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies

In conclusion, these best Christmas cranberry orange cookies bring a delightful blend of flavors that celebrate the festive spirit. Whether shared with loved ones or enjoyed with a warm cup of tea, they are sure to become a cherished holiday tradition. Get baking and spread some holiday joy!