Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic cookie that embodies the flavors of the holiday season. With the tartness of cranberries and the bright zing of orange, these cookies bring joy and warmth to any gathering. I personally look forward to baking these cookies every Christmas, as the aroma fills my kitchen and everyone around me can’t help but smile. They’re the perfect treat to share with friends, family, and even as gifts, making them a cherished holiday tradition.
Reasons to Try These Cookies
What makes Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies truly special is their balance of flavors and textures. The chewy center combined with a slight crunch on the edges creates a perfect bite, while the burst of sweetness from the cranberries paired with the citrusy orange zest elevates these cookies from ordinary to extraordinary. They’re not only a festive addition to your holiday cookie platter but also quick and easy to whip up—ideal for those last-minute cookie exchanges!
"These cookies have become a holiday staple in our family! The combination of cranberry and orange is just perfect—everyone loves them!" – A Satisfied Baker
The Cooking Process Explained
Preparing these cookies is a breeze, making it easy even for novice bakers to join in the holiday fun. You’ll start by creaming together your wet ingredients. Then, the dry ingredients come together, and finally, it’s all mixed with the festive cranberries and zest. In just a few steps, you’ll have dough ready to bake.
What You’ll Need
Before we dive into the cooking, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create these luscious cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Feel free to swap out the nuts for a different crunch if desired, or even omit them entirely if you prefer a nut-free version.
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 and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time; then stir in the vanilla extract for a splash of flavor.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually blend this dry mixture into the creamed mixture for a soft dough.
- Fold in the dried cranberries, orange zest, and nuts if you’re using them.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown while the centers remain chewy.
- Allow the 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 Them
These cookies are delightful on their own, but they really shine when served alongside a warm cup of cocoa or spiced tea. Try stacking them in a festive tin for a homemade gift, or arrange them on a holiday platter for your guests to enjoy.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
To keep these cookies fresh for longer, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week, but I doubt they’ll stick around that long! If you want to save them for future snacking, consider freezing the dough. You can scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, flash freeze, and then transfer to a sealed bag for future baking.
Helpful Cooking Tips
For perfectly chewy cookies, don’t overbake them! It’s better to slightly underbake than to dry them out. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring; this helps them set up beautifully. Use room temperature butter for the best creaming results.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? You can easily add in white chocolate chips for a sweet contrast or experiment with different dried fruits like apricots or cherries. If you want to make this recipe vegan, try using a flax egg instead of regular eggs and coconut oil in place of butter.
Common Questions
What is the prep time for these cookies?
The prep time is about 15-20 minutes, with a baking time of another 10-12 minutes.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries are too tart for this cookie, but you could use them in combination with a sweeter fruit or in a different recipe.
How do I store these cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal freshness. You can also freeze them for later enjoyment!
How long will these cookies last?
Stored properly, these cookies can last up to a week, but they are best enjoyed fresh!
So, as you gear up for the holiday season, don’t forget to whip up a batch of these Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies. They’re sure to bring joy to your festive celebrations!
Print
Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful cookies embodying the flavors of the holiday season with tart cranberries and vibrant orange zest.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
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 and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time; stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually blend this dry mixture into the creamed mixture for a soft dough.
- Fold in the dried cranberries, orange zest, and nuts if using.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown while the centers remain chewy.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For perfectly chewy cookies, don’t overbake! Use room temperature butter for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American