Why Make This Recipe
Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are perfect for the holiday season. They bring together the sweet and tart flavor of cranberries with the bright zest of oranges. These cookies are easy to make and will fill your home with a delightful aroma. They also make a great gift or addition to any festive cookie platter.
How to Make Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually blend this dry mixture into the creamed mixture.
- Fold in the dried cranberries, orange zest, and nuts if using.
- Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden.
- Allow cooling on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
How to Serve Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but can be served warm or at room temperature. You can serve them with a glass of milk or a cup of tea. They also look wonderful on a holiday cookie platter, mixed with other festive cookies.
How to Store Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should last about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies. Just make sure to wrap them well before placing them in the freezer.
Tips to Make Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- You can use fresh orange zest for a stronger flavor.
- If you like a chewier cookie, slightly underbake them.
- Experiment with different types of nuts, like walnuts or pecans.
Variation
For a chocolate twist, you can add chocolate chips to the dough along with the cranberries. This will give the cookies a rich flavor and a nice contrast to the tart cranberries.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Using fresh cranberries is possible but they are much more tart. You may want to increase the sugar in the recipe if using fresh ones.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. You can also freeze the baked cookies for later enjoyment.
3. What can I do if my cookies spread too much?
If cookies spread too much, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps to keep their shape.
Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Festive cookies combining sweet and tart cranberries with bright orange zest, perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually blend this dry mixture into the creamed mixture.
- Fold in the dried cranberries, orange zest, and nuts if using.
- Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden.
- Allow cooling on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage. Experiment with different nuts or add chocolate chips for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
