These Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are a delightful treat. The combination of sweet cranberries and zesty orange makes them special. They bake up soft, warm, and perfect for sharing during the holidays.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This cookie recipe is easy and quick to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create delicious cookies that everyone will enjoy. They are soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor. Plus, they look beautiful on any holiday dessert table.
How to Make Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
The steps to make these cookies are straightforward, making it ideal for beginners. You’ll mix the wet and dry ingredients separately, then combine them. Finally, you will drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet to bake until golden.
What You Need
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup orange zest
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
Step-by-Step
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Fold in the cranberries, orange zest, and nuts or chocolate chips if using.
- Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
How to Serve Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings. Serve them warm with a glass of milk or hot cocoa. They also taste great with a side of fresh fruit. Add them to a cookie platter for a festive touch.
How to Store Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
To keep these cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They last about a week this way. You can freeze them by placing the cooled cookies in a sealed bag. When you want to enjoy them, just thaw them at room temperature.
Recipe Tips
- Use softened butter for easy mixing.
- Don’t overmix the dough; it should be soft but well combined.
- For a zesty kick, add more orange zest if you like.
- Chop your own nuts for a fresher taste.
- Make sure to watch the cookies closely as baking times can vary.
Variations & Swaps
- Substitute dried cherries for cranberries for a different flavor.
- Use dark chocolate chips instead of white for a richer taste.
- For a gluten-free option, use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dough and cover it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just scoop and bake when ready.
Can these cookies be frozen?
Absolutely! They freeze well. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag and enjoy later.
What if I don’t have orange zest?
You can substitute with lemon zest for a different citrus flavor.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Check for golden edges. The centers may look soft but will firm as they cool.
Can I use other fruits in this recipe?
You can try adding raisins or chopped dried apricots instead of cranberries.
Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened Use softened butter for easy mixing
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup orange zest Adjust to taste for more zestiness
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional) Chop your own nuts for a fresher taste
- 1 cup white chocolate chips (optional) Substitute with dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Fold in the cranberries, orange zest, and nuts or chocolate chips if using.
- Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets.
Baking
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
