A beautifully arranged plate of freshly baked, golden brown Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies on a minimalist white plate, adorned with a few fresh orange slices and vibrant green herbs (like rosemary or mint) in the background. The cookies are soft, slightly crinkled, with visible cranberries and orange zest. Shot on marble countertops with wood accents, bathed in natural morning light from an east window, creating soft shadows and warm tones. The presentation is clean, tidy, and exudes a genuine love for the process.

Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies: Our Best Holiday Secret

ByMaya
A close-up, slightly elevated shot of a stack of golden brown Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies on a ceramic bowl, with a few loose dried cranberries and orange zest artfully scattered on the wooden cutting board nearby. The cookies show their deliciously appealing texture and visible specs of cranberries and orange zest. Shot on marble countertops with natural morning light, emphasizing warm tones and soft shadows, making the cookies look incredibly yummy and ready to be devoured. Fresh herbs are subtly visible in the background.

Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies

There’s nothing quite like the scent of fresh orange zest mingling with warm spices to instantly transport you to the heart of the holiday season, and these Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies do exactly that. They bring back so many sweet memories for me, embodying all the joy and warmth of festive baking.

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I still chuckle remembering my first attempt at these beauties – a complete disaster involving too much flour and a very sticky countertop! But oh, the triumph when I finally nailed it, creating that perfect balance of chewy texture and zesty, tart flavor, much like the satisfaction of perfecting our moist Christmas cranberry bars. This recipe isn’t just about cookies; it’s about the joy of sharing a little piece of your heart, baked right into every irresistible bite.

Consider this Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies your go-to guide for a truly special holiday treat, straight from my kitchen to yours. And if you’re looking for even more festive inspiration, why not also try these adorable Christmas tree brownies? Get ready to fill your home with warmth and joy!

Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies: Our Zesty Holiday Secret
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Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies: Our Zesty Holiday Secret

Recipe by MayaCourse: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Bright, zesty, and perfectly soft, these Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are a holiday baking dream. Packed with tangy cranberries and vibrant orange zest, they’re sure to become a festive favorite!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 large egg

  • 2 teaspoons orange zest (from 2 medium oranges)

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • ½ teaspoon baking soda

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • 1 cup dried cranberries

  • Optional glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
  • Beat in the egg, orange zest, and vanilla extract until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. The mixture should be fragrant and smooth.
  • In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
  • Fold in the dried cranberries by hand until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Don’t be shy; get those cranberries in there!
  • Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
  • Bake for 9-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set. They might look slightly underdone, but they will firm up as they cool.
  • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • If making the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies. Let the glaze set before storing.

Notes

    • Zest Matters: Don’t skimp on the orange zest! It’s where all the bright, citrusy magic happens. Use a microplane for the finest zest, avoiding the bitter white pith.
    • Perfectly Soft: For soft, chewy cookies, don’t overbake them! Pull them out of the oven when the edges are just set and the centers still look a little soft. They’ll continue to cook slightly on the hot baking sheet.
    • Flavor Boost: If you want an extra punch of cranberry flavor, try soaking your dried cranberries in a tablespoon of orange liqueur (like Grand Marnier) or warm orange juice for 10-15 minutes before adding them to the dough. Drain well before using!

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