In my kitchen, nothing brings about the festive season quite like the aroma of freshly baked cookies. Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly blend the tartness of cranberries with the zesty brightness of oranges. These cookies not only make a wonderful addition to your holiday dessert table, but they also serve as a heartwarming gift for friends and family. Imagine sharing a batch of these colorful cookies with loved ones during holiday gatherings or cozy evenings by the fire. They truly embody the spirit of the season!
What Makes This Recipe Special
Why try these cookies, you ask? They’re wonderfully easy to whip up, making them a fantastic option for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros. The combination of dried cranberries and orange zest creates a lovely contrast of flavors that’s both festive and refreshing. Plus, they’re always a hit with kids and adults alike, so you really can’t go wrong.
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: About 24 cookies
Preparing Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
Let’s dive into how to create these delicious cookies! The process is simple, and each step brings you one step closer to enjoying a warm, chewy treat. Gather your ingredients, and let’s get started.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Feel free to adjust the orange zest or cranberries to bring the flavors to your liking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla.
- Gradually mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined; don’t overmix!
- Gently fold in the dried cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, and cinnamon until evenly distributed.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them a few inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the cookies are set but still chewy in the center.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These cookies are delightful on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea. Try serving them at your holiday brunch alongside a fruit salad or a cheese platter for a festive touch. For a unique dessert idea, crumble them over vanilla ice cream for a delicious sundae!
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
To keep your cookies soft and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze the cookie dough before baking or freeze the baked cookies for up to three months. When ready to eat, just thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds!
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix until just combined to maintain the chewy texture.
- Measuring Flour: For best results, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife instead of packing it down.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For even chewier cookies, you can chill your dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Creative Twists
Feel free to add your personal touch! Swap out the dried cranberries for dried cherries or chocolate chips. Add a tablespoon of almond extract for a nutty flavor, or try swapping orange zest for lemon for a different citrus kick. You could even make a fun icing to drizzle on top after baking for extra sweetness!
