Introduction
There’s something truly magical about the holiday season, especially when your kitchen is filled with the delightful aroma of freshly baked cookies! These Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies bring together the tartness of cranberries and the bright zing of orange zest, resulting in a cheerful treat that’s perfect for sharing at festive gatherings. Each bite is a burst of flavor—a delightful blend of sweet and tart that captures the spirit of the season. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party or simply to enjoy with a warm cup of cocoa, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for drizzling)
- 1 tablespoon orange juice (for drizzling)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step will help ensure your cookies come off the sheet effortlessly.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes, creating a lovely base for your cookies.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they’re fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract, allowing that warm, beautiful aroma to fill your kitchen.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want your cookies to be tender!
- Gently fold in the chopped cranberries and orange zest, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough for that perfect burst of flavor in every bite.
- Using a tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Your kitchen will smell absolutely divine!
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
- For the finishing touch, mix the powdered sugar with the orange juice in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle this sweet glaze over the cooled cookies, adding a lovely shine and a touch of sweetness.
Notes or Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, making them perfect for holiday snacking!
- If you want a little more citrus flavor, swap out the orange zest for lemon zest—it’s equally delicious!
Cooking Techniques
Properly creaming the butter and sugar is essential for achieving the fluffy texture of these cookies. It incorporates air into the batter, which helps the cookies rise beautifully. Additionally, folding in the cranberries and zest gently ensures that they remain intact rather than getting crushed in the dough.
FAQ
- Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
While fresh cranberries provide a nice tartness and texture, you can use dried cranberries in a pinch. Just be aware that they will add more sweetness to the final cookie. - What can I do if I don’t have orange juice for the glaze?
You can substitute with lemon juice for a different citrus kick or use milk or water to create a simple glaze. - Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough balls for up to three months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Conclusion
These Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are not just a treat; they’re a celebration of the flavors of the season! With their vibrant colors and delightful flavors, they are sure to become a holiday tradition in your home. So grab your apron, gather your loved ones, and get ready to enjoy the joy of baking together. Happy holidays!