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Oh, the sweet aroma of Christmas cookies wafting through the air is a memory that warms my heart! My journey into the world of baking these delightful Cranberry Orange Cookies began on a chilly December afternoon, where tiny snowflakes danced outside my kitchen window. I was trying to capture the essence of the season in a cookie and stumbled upon this genius combination. The tartness of the cranberries perfectly mingles with the zesty vibrancy of fresh oranges, creating a burst of joy in every bite. You could almost feel the festive cheer bubbling up from the oven! Friends and family couldn’t get enough—it quickly became a beloved holiday tradition in our home. Join me, and I promise you will fall head-over-heels for these cookies too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple to Make: Even your novice baker friends can whip these up easily!
- Bursting with Flavor: The harmonious blend of tangy cranberries and citrusy orange will tantalize your taste buds.
- Healthier Treat: Made with fresh ingredients, these cookies are a tad on the healthier side compared to traditional festive fare.
- Perfect for Gifting: They make for delightful holiday gifts, and who doesn’t love a homemade treat?
- Family Favorite: This recipe is a sure way to spread joy within your circle—everyone will ask for the recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature for easy mixing. Don’t skip this step—it makes for a lighter cookie!
- 1 cup granulated sugar: This sweetener provides the perfect level of sweetness and a lovely crunch.
- 1 cup brown sugar: The molasses in brown sugar adds richness—perfect for that cozy holiday flavor.
- 2 large eggs: These help bind everything together and add moisture (and happiness).
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of our cookies. Don’t overmix—this retains the perfect chewiness!
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: This little helper creates a light and airy texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup dried cranberries: The star of the show—make sure to use good quality for that tart punch!
- Zest of 1 orange: Brings in freshness and brightens up each bite. Trust me—you don’t want to skip this!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to our cookies.
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which will prevent sticking and keep your cookies beautiful!
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. The mixture should be fluffy and pale—this will take about 2-3 minutes. Take a moment to inhale the sweet aroma—it’s like Christmas is already in your kitchen!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Zest
Next, add the eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition. Then, mix in the orange zest and vanilla extract. Ah, can you smell that? It’s pure holiday magic!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients. I like to fold it in gently—overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we don’t want that!
Step 5: Fold in the Cranberries
Finally, gently fold in the dried cranberries. The splash of red against the soft dough is as festive as it gets!
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave some space between each, as they will spread just a bit. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Step 7: Cool Down
Let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here—allow them to set for the perfect chewiness!
Pro Tips for Success
- Chill the Dough: If you have the time, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. It helps prevent excessive spreading and enhances flavors!
- Fresh Orange Zest: Always opt for fresh zest—dried doesn’t deliver the same punch of flavor.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Better ingredients lead to better cookies, so splurge a little on high-quality butter and chocolate!
Flavor Variations
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor, or even a dash of ginger for a little zing!
- Nutty Touch: Throw in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
- Chocolate Lovers: For a sumptuous twist, fold in some white or dark chocolate chips!
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delightful on their own with a steaming cup of tea or coffee. For a fun twist, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or even use them in a festive cookie platter.
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Roll it into balls and keep them in an airtight container. Once baked, store cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for about a week. They may last longer, but let’s be honest—they won’t last long!
Leftovers
Stale cookies? Not a problem! Crumble them over yogurt for a quick breakfast or blend them into a fun ice cream topping!
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Place them in an airtight container or freezer bags with parchment paper in between layers. To thaw, simply let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat cookies in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for around 5 minutes. This will revive their original crispness and warmth!
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries for this recipe?
Fresh cranberries can be used, but you might need to adjust the sugar since they’re more tart.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough and make sure your butter isn’t too warm when mixing in the sugars.
Can I use a different fruit in this recipe?
Absolutely! Dried cherries or apricots would be delicious replacements!
How many cookies does this recipe make?
You can expect about 24-30 cookies, depending on the size you scoop!
Final Thoughts
As I wrap up this cozy adventure, I encourage you to share these delightful Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies with those you cherish. Nothing spreads joy quite like a homemade treat, especially during this wonderful season of giving. Remember, the essence of cooking is about love and warmth—so always bake with your heart. Happy holidays, my friends! May your kitchens be filled with laughter, love, and the sweet scent of cookies! 🍪❤️
Cranberry Orange Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy and pale (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition. Mix in the orange zest and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, folding gently.
- Gently fold in the dried cranberries.
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.