Why Make This Recipe
Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are perfect for the holidays. They combine tangy cranberries and zesty orange flavors, making them a delightful treat to celebrate the season. These cookies bring warmth to your home and are great for sharing with family and friends. Plus, they’re easy to make and absolutely delicious!
How to Make Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/4 cup orange juice
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Fold in the cranberries, nuts (if using), orange zest, and orange juice until evenly incorporated.
- Drop large spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden at the edges.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
These cookies are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. You can serve them on a festive plate during holiday gatherings or pack them in gift boxes for friends and family. Pair them with a glass of milk or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
How to Store Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can also freeze them. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
Tips to Make Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Don’t overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
- You can adjust the amount of orange zest and juice according to your taste preference!
Variation
You can swap cranberries for other dried fruits like cherries or apricots. If you want a chocolatey twist, add some chocolate chips to the dough. Experiment with different nuts or even leave them out if you prefer!
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries are much more tart and may alter the texture. If you prefer fresh, consider adding extra sugar to balance the tartness.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.
Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Absolutely! Their festive look and delicious taste make them a wonderful gift for the holidays. Just package them nicely, and they’ll be great for sharing!
Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure butter is at room temperature.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) You can skip nuts if preferred.
- 1 Zest of 1 orange Adjust amount to your taste.
- 1/4 cup orange juice Adjust amount to your taste.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Fold in the cranberries, nuts (if using), orange zest, and orange juice until evenly incorporated.
- Drop large spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets.
Baking
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden at the edges.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.