These Festive Cranberry Orange Cookies are a delightful treat for your holiday baking joy. I remember one Christmas when my son Jake decided to help me bake cookies. Let’s just say, we ended up with more flour on the floor than in the bowl, but those cookies turned out to be the best part of our holiday festivities!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- They combine the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of oranges.
- Perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holidays.
- These cookies are easy to make, even for beginner bakers.
Pure Comfort
Biting into a soft, chewy Cranberry Orange Cookie is like getting a warm hug from your favorite holiday memory. The bright flavors will surely bring a smile to your face.
What You Need
- 1 cup 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks) – Can substitute with margarine for a dairy-free version.
- 1 cup 1 cup granulated sugar – Brown sugar can be used for a richer flavor.
- 2 2 large eggs – Ensure they are at room temperature for better mixing.
- 1 tbsp 1 tablespoon orange zest – Use a microplane for fine zesting.
- 2 cups 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 g) – Can substitute with gluten-free flour blend.
- 1 tsp 1 teaspoon baking soda – This helps the cookies rise.
- 1/2 tsp 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped – Fresh cranberries can be used, but adjust sugar.
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional) – Pecans can be a great substitute.
Time to Cook
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 12 minutes | Total: 27 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Start by preheating your oven to 350 °F. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and are nice and golden.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes, and you’ll notice a pale color change.
- Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The mixture should look smooth and creamy, which means you’re on the right track.
- Stir in the orange zest, and let that citrus aroma fill your kitchen. It’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit!
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix; a few flour streaks are okay.
- Fold in the chopped cranberries and walnuts, if you’re using them. The bright red cranberries will add a festive touch to your dough.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. They will spread a little while baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look soft, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set perfectly.
- Enjoy these cookies warm or store them in an airtight container for up to a week. They also make great gifts!
Make It Perfect
- For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the wet ingredients.
- If you want a bit of spice, a pinch of cinnamon can elevate the flavor profile.
- To make the cookies even more festive, drizzle some melted white chocolate on top after they cool.
Mix It Up
- Substitute dried cranberries with dried cherries for a different twist.
- Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for a snowy effect.
Perfect Partners
- These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa.
- Serve them alongside a festive fruit platter for a balanced treat.
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FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! Freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months.
What can I use instead of eggs?
You can use flaxseed meal mixed with water or applesauce as a substitute.
What if I don’t have orange zest?
You can use lemon zest for a different citrus flavor.
Conclusion
These Festive Cranberry Orange Cookies are sure to bring joy to your holiday baking. With their bright flavors and chewy texture, they make a delightful addition to any Christmas cookie platter. Happy baking!
Festive Cranberry Orange Cookies for Holiday Baking Joy
Equipment
- Oven
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Whisk
Ingredients
Main
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened (2 sticks), can substitute with margarine for dairy-free version
- 1 cup granulated sugar brown sugar can be used for richer flavor
- 2 large eggs room temperature for better mixing
- 1 tbsp orange zest use a microplane for fine zesting
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 g), can substitute with gluten-free flour blend
- 1 tsp baking soda helps the cookies rise
- 1/2 tsp salt balances the sweetness
- 1 cup dried cranberries chopped, fresh cranberries can be used but adjust sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts optional, pecans can be a great substitute
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 °F to ensure even baking and golden cookies.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the orange zest to infuse a citrus aroma.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined; do not overmix.
- Fold in chopped cranberries and walnuts if using.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are lightly golden and centers firm up as they cool.
- Cool cookies on the baking sheet a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to set.
- Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container for up to a week; they also make great gifts.