Easy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

There is something truly special about baking during the holiday season. The smell of fresh cookies in the oven fills the house with warmth and joy. This year, I decided to bake these Cranberry Orange Cookies, and they turned out to be everything I love about Christmas in one bite. Each cookie has a soft and chewy texture with bits of tart cranberries and a hint of bright orange flavor.

If you love fruity cookie recipes like my Blueberry Heaven Cookies, then you are going to enjoy this one even more. The orange zest and dried cranberries create a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that truly stand out. These cookies also make great gifts for family, friends, and even coworkers.

Why You Will Love These Cranberry Orange Cookies

These cookies bring together the best flavors of the holidays. The sweet aroma of orange and vanilla mixed with the tartness of cranberries, feels like Christmas morning. They are soft on the inside with slightly crispy edges, which makes every bite delicious.

You do not need fancy tools or special ingredients. Everything can be mixed in a single bowl, and they bake in less than fifteen minutes. The dough freezes well too, so you can make it ahead of time and bake fresh cookies whenever you want.

These cookies are also very versatile. You can dip them in white chocolate, sprinkle them with powdered sugar, or even sandwich them with cream cheese frosting for an extra festive treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these cookies, you’ll need simple and everyday ingredients:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Zest of one large orange
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional but highly recommended)

The combination of orange zest and cranberries makes these cookies stand out. The butter and sugar add a rich sweetness, while the orange juice adds a touch of freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set it aside for later.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar together until smooth and creamy. This step helps create a soft texture for your cookies. Once the mixture looks fluffy, add the egg, vanilla extract, orange zest and orange juice. Mix until everything is fully combined.

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir slowly to avoid overmixing. Once the dough comes together, fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips. The dough will smell fresh and sweet from the orange zest.

Step 2: Shape the Cookies

Use a small cookie scoop or a spoon to portion the dough into small balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about two inches between each one. You can flatten the tops slightly with your fingers if you prefer thinner cookies.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for ten to twelve minutes or until the edges start turning golden brown. The centers should still look soft, as they will continue to cook on the baking sheet after you remove them from the oven.

Let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The result is soft, chewy cookies with a slight crisp around the edges and a bright citrus flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Optional Decoration

If you want to make these cookies look extra festive, drizzle them with melted white chocolate or dust them with powdered sugar once they’ve cooled. You can also dip half of each cookie in chocolate and let it harden for a pretty finish.

Storage and Freezing Tips

You can store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. They also freeze beautifully. Place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag and they will last for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw them for a few minutes at room temperature.

If you want fresh-baked cookies anytime, you can also freeze the unbaked dough balls. When you want to bake them, just pop them onto a baking sheet and add two extra minutes to the baking time.

Flavor Variations

If you want to try something new next time, here are a few simple twists:

• Nutty Cranberry Cookies: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
• White Chocolate Orange Bliss: Skip the cranberries and double the white chocolate chips for a creamy citrus treat.
• Cranberry Lemon Cookies: Replace the orange zest with lemon zest for a tangier flavor.

If you love refreshing citrus flavors, you might also enjoy my Strawberry Lemonade Cookies. They have a light fruity flavor that feels just as bright as these orange cranberry ones.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of hot coffee, spiced tea, or even a mug of hot chocolate. They are great for holiday cookie platters, Christmas parties, or cozy winter mornings.

You can wrap them in small gift bags tied with red ribbons and give them as homemade gifts. They look festive, taste incredible, and always bring smiles.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones?
Yes, but keep in mind that fresh cranberries have more moisture, so your cookies might be slightly softer. Chop them before adding, and you can lightly coat them in flour to prevent color bleeding.

2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend, and the recipe should turn out just as good.

3. Can I skip the white chocolate chips?
Yes, the cookies will still taste wonderful without them, but the white chocolate adds a nice creamy touch that complements the tangy cranberries.

4. How can I make these cookies extra chewy?
You can add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar or use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for more chewiness.

5. Do these cookies spread much while baking?
They spread a little, but if you want thicker cookies, chill the dough for about thirty minutes before baking.

Final Thoughts

These Cranberry Orange Cookies are the kind of treat that brings joy to your kitchen. They are simple to make and smell amazing while baking and look beautiful on a holiday table. The combination of tart cranberries, zesty orange, and creamy white chocolate feels comforting and festive at the same time.

So this Christmas, grab your mixing bowl and bake a batch. They will make your home smell like the holidays and your family ask for seconds.