Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
If you’ve ever enjoyed the delightful flavors of the holiday season, then these Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies will quickly become one of your favorite traditions. With their chewy texture and the perfect blend of tart cranberries and zesty orange, these cookies evoke warmth and cheer, making them an ideal treat for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings at home. The best part? They are easy to whip up, which is a huge boon for busy bakers looking to share deliciousness during the festive season.
What Makes This Recipe Special
Why try your hand at baking these cookies? For starters, they’re a showstopper at any holiday party, combining traditional Christmas flavors that everyone loves. The chewy texture paired with the bright notes of orange zest and sweet cranberries creates a unique flavor profile that stands out—yet they don’t require complex techniques or exotic ingredients. Plus, they are a wonderful way to include your kids in the kitchen as they mix, drop, and taste along the way! And let’s not forget their budget-friendliness; using pantry staples makes this recipe accessible for everyone.
"These cookies have become a holiday staple in our house! The combination of cranberry and orange is simply divine." — Happy Baker
Preparing Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
Baking these cookies involves a simple yet satisfying process. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the mixing magic begin! The method is straightforward: cream your fats and sugars, blend in your eggs and vanilla, and then bring in the dry ingredients and your flavorful mix-ins. Within an hour, you’ll have warm, chewy cookies ready to share—or not!
What You’ll Need
To bring these chewy delights to life, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Feel free to substitute the nuts as needed or use different dried fruits for a unique twist!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually blend this dry mixture into the creamed mixture.
- Fold in the dried cranberries, orange zest, and optional nuts.
- Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These cookies shine in their individuality, but if you’re looking to elevate the experience, try serving them with a warm cup of spiced tea or a glass of milk. They also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert that feels extra special. Present them on a festive plate to impress your guests or package some as edible gifts for friends and family.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
To ensure your cookies stay soft and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you have more cookies than you can eat, consider freezing them! Just be sure to place parchment paper between layers in the container to prevent sticking. They can last for up to three months in the freezer—perfect for those last-minute holiday cravings!
Pro Chef Tips
For the best results, make sure your butter is softened but not melted to create that perfect chewy texture. Additionally, don’t skip the orange zest; it’s the ingredient that makes your cookies taste like the season! Finally, try letting the dough chill for about 30 minutes before baking; this helps prevent excessive spreading and ensures thicker, chewier cookies.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Mix in some white chocolate chips for added sweetness or swap dried cranberries with dried cherries for a different flavor. You could also sprinkle a dash of cinnamon into your dry ingredients for an extra warm spice note—perfect for holiday gatherings!
Your Questions Answered
How long do these cookies take to prepare?
From start to finish, expect about 30-40 minutes of prep and baking time.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries are more tart and can alter the overall sweetness of the cookie, so they’re not recommended without adjustments.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! Just make sure they are fully cooled and stored in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers.
Embrace the holiday spirit with these Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies. Whether you’re making them for yourself, a gathering, or as gifts, this recipe is sure to bring joy and flavor to your festivities!
Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
Ingredients
For the cookie dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure the butter is softened but not melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon orange zest Don't skip the orange zest for flavor
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts Optional, can substitute with different dried fruits
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually blend this dry mixture into the creamed mixture.
- Fold in the dried cranberries, orange zest, and optional nuts.
- Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks.
