Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive treat that captures the spirit of the holiday season, the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe is your answer. Combining the tartness of cranberries with the bright flavor of orange, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply indulging in a sweet moment. Their vibrant colors and delightful taste make them a standout option for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This cookie recipe requires simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange creates a refreshing taste that will keep your taste buds dancing.
• Perfect for Sharing: With four servings, these cookies are ideal for holiday parties or as gifts for friends and family.
• Versatile Treat: These cookies can be enjoyed alongside hot chocolate or as an afternoon snack, fitting seamlessly into any holiday celebration.
• Festive Appearance: The bright colors from the cranberries and orange zest will add a beautiful touch to your holiday cookie platter.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking these delightful cookies, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything at hand will make your cookie-making experience enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl provides enough space to mix ingredients without spilling.
• Electric mixer: This tool makes creaming butter and sugars quick and effortless, ensuring a fluffy texture.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet is essential for even cooking of your cookies.

Ingredients

If you ask me, cranberry and orange are a match made in holiday heaven.

For the Cookies

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 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

For the Icing

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons orange juice
• 1/2 teaspoon orange zest

How to Make Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you need to bake your cookies.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a mixing bowl:
1. Add softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar.
2. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Egg and Orange Ingredients

To the creamed mixture:
1. Add one egg, orange juice, and orange zest.
2. Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda.
2. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed.

Step 5: Stir in Cranberries

Gently fold in:
– Dried cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

On a prepared baking sheet:
1. Drop spoonfuls of dough about two inches apart.
2. Bake in preheated oven for about 8 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.

Step 7: Prepare Icing (Optional)

While cookies cool:
1. In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with orange juice and zest until smooth.

Step 8: Drizzle Icing on Cookies

Once cooled:
– Drizzle icing over each cookie before serving.

Enjoy your Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe, perfect for celebrating the joys of the season!

How to Serve Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Serving the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies can elevate your holiday gatherings and delight your guests. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make your cookies shine.

With Hot Beverages

• Coffee: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee for a cozy treat.
• Tea: A fragrant herbal tea complements the citrus notes in the cookies beautifully.
• Hot Chocolate: Enjoy these cookies alongside rich hot chocolate for an indulgent experience.

As Holiday Gifts

• Gift Boxes: Arrange a dozen cookies in a festive box for a thoughtful gift.
• Cookie Jars: Fill glass jars with these cookies, tied with a ribbon, for charming presents.

At Parties

• Dessert Table: Display them on a dessert table for guests to enjoy at their leisure.
• Cookie Platter: Serve alongside other holiday cookies to create a delightful platter.

With Ice Cream

• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two cookies to make delicious ice cream sandwiches.
• A La Mode: Serve warm cookies topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra decadence.

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How to Perfect Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

To achieve the ultimate flavor and texture in the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies, follow these expert tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh orange juice and zest enhance the cookie’s flavor significantly.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined to keep your cookies soft and chewy.
• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes can help prevent spreading during baking.
• Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
• Add More Zest if Desired: If you love orange flavor, feel free to increase the amount of orange zest you use.
• Experiment with Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and depth to your cookie recipe.

Best Side Dishes for Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

These delightful cookies pair well with various side dishes, making them perfect for holiday celebrations. Here are some options to consider.

1. Cheese Platter: A mix of creamy cheeses balances the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
2. Fruit Salad: Fresh fruit adds brightness and contrasts nicely with the rich flavors of the cookies.
3. Nuts and Dried Fruits: A selection of nuts and dried fruits offers crunchy textures alongside your soft cookies.
4. Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into warm chocolate for an exciting twist.
5. Spiced Almonds: Roasted spiced almonds provide a savory complement to sweet treats.
6. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and cranberries for a refreshing side that’s also festive.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes you should avoid.

• Skipping the Zest: Failing to include orange zest can reduce the cookie’s flavor. Always add this ingredient for a burst of citrusy goodness.
• Not Softening Butter: Using cold butter leads to dense cookies. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for a light texture.
• Overmixing Dough: Mixing too much can result in tough cookies. Stir until just combined for the best results.
• Ignoring Baking Time: Overbaking can dry out your cookies. Keep a close eye and remove them once they are lightly golden around the edges.
• Using Old Ingredients: Expired baking soda or flour can impact texture and taste. Always check your ingredients before baking.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They last up to one week in the fridge.

Freezing Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, placing cookies for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

You can use fresh cranberries, but you will need to adjust the sweetness since they are more tart than dried ones.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

The Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe stays fresh for about one week when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute butter with margarine or use vegan alternatives. Just keep in mind it may alter the taste slightly.

What is the best way to decorate these cookies?

For decoration, consider drizzling icing made from powdered sugar and orange juice on top of cooled cookies.

How do I get my cookies to be softer?

For softer cookies, slightly underbake them and ensure you’re using softened butter – this helps maintain moisture.

Final Thoughts

The Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings and cozy evenings at home. Their delightful blend of tangy cranberries and zesty orange makes them versatile treats. Feel free to customize by adding nuts or using different dried fruits!