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Ah, the holiday season is upon us, and with it comes one of my absolute favorite traditions—baking cookies that fill the whole house with warmth and cheer. The first time I made these delightful cranberry orange cookies was during a family gathering years ago. The aroma of zesty orange mingling with the tartness of fresh cranberries wrapped around us like a cozy blanket. As we mixed and baked together, laughter and the scent of vanilla wafted from the kitchen, creating moments that we cherish even now.
As the cookies came out of the oven, they were the perfect golden-brown, but it was the first bite that truly won me over. The sweet and tangy burst of cranberries combined with the bright notes of orange zest created a flavor explosion that sang of the season. We couldn’t help sneaking a few while they were still warm, and I just knew I had stumbled upon a holiday classic. Let’s make your kitchen the heart of your home this Christmas with these irresistible cookies—you’ll love them just as much as my family and I do!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Whip these up in under 30 minutes, from prep to oven!
- Festive Flavors: The perfect balance of sweet and tart with zesty notes that scream “holiday cheer.”
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether for a party platter or a cozy night in, these cookies are always a hit.
- Make Ahead: Perfect for prepping in advance—you can bake them fresh or chill the dough for later.
- Great for Gifting: Tie them up with a festive ribbon for a homemade present that anyone will adore!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Creates a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies beautifully and helps them spread.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds moisture.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest: Adds a delightful pop of citrus flavor—don’t skip this!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of our cookies; gives structure and chewiness.
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries: Bursting with tangy sweetness, these are the stars of our cookies!
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and creates that delightful, soft texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). The quiet hum of the oven warming up is like a gentle whisper of the deliciousness to come!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks pale and airy, filling the kitchen with a sweet, buttery aroma.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Toss in that egg and the vanilla extract. Beat until well combined. The mixture should be creamy and inviting—take a moment to enjoy the scent!
Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, being careful not to overmix. This will create a softer cookie that just begs for your taste buds!
Step 5: Fold in Cranberries and Orange Zest
Gently fold in the cranberries and orange zest with a spatula. As you stir, imagine those little bursts of tart flavor playing together with the sweet, fragrant dough—pure magic!
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Drop tablespoon-sized balls of cookie dough onto a lined baking sheet, leaving space between them to spread. Pop them in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. The sweet aroma will waft through your home, drawing everyone into the kitchen.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy!
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This is the perfect time to soak in those cozy kitchen vibes!
Pro Tips for Success
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies that hold their shape even better.
- Use a mix of dried and fresh cranberries for added texture and flavor.
- Don’t overbake! Pull them out when they are just barely golden for the best chewy texture.
- Experiment with seasonal spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm twist.
Flavor Variations
- Spice it up: Add in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth.
- Swap cranberries: Use dried cherries or chopped figs for a sweet twist.
- Chocolate Lover?: Mix in some mini chocolate chips with the cranberries for a sweet and tart blend.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delightful on their own, but consider pairing them with a warm cup of spiced apple cider or a cozy hot chocolate. For a festive display, stack them on a beautiful platter or in a clear jar tied with a ribbon—perfect for a holiday gift!
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can prepare the dough ahead of time—just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Once baked, keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. (But they probably won’t last that long!)
Leftovers
If you have any cookies left—consider chopping them up and mixing them into your morning yogurt or as a topping on ice cream. A little zing of orange and tart cranberry adds a delightful surprise!
Freezing
Yes, these cookies can definitely be frozen! Lay them out on a baking sheet to flash freeze for a couple of hours. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months.
Reheating
To bring back the soft, warm goodness, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5–7 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just 10-15 seconds should do!
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Absolutely! Just chop them up if they’re whole, and be sure to adjust baking time slightly as frozen ingredients can alter texture.
What can I do if I don’t have orange zest?
Lemon zest is a tasty alternative! It will change the flavor but still give you that fresh citrusy kick.
Can I double this recipe?
You bet! Just be sure to mix in a large bowl and keep an eye on baking time, as they might need a minute or two longer.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just ensure that it contains xanthan gum for proper texture.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, my lovely friends! These cranberry orange cookies warm the heart and spark joy during the holiday season. They create not only delicious moments but also sweet memories shared with loved ones. Bake up a batch (or two!) and spread the love this Christmas. I hope your kitchen fills with bundles of joy and the laughter of those you treasure most! Happy baking! 🧡🍊🍪
Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add in the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, being careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the cranberries and orange zest with a spatula.
- Drop tablespoon-sized balls of cookie dough onto a lined baking sheet, leaving space between them.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.