Best Holiday Cranberry Orange Cookies: 9 Festive Moments

Ah, the magic of holiday baking! There’s just something about the scent of warm cookies wafting through the house that wraps you in a cozy hug. My absolute favorite part of the season is when I whip up these Best Holiday Cranberry Orange Cookies. With their soft, chewy texture and delightful burst of tart cranberries paired with a hint of fresh orange, every bite feels like a festive celebration! I remember the first time I baked them; the kids couldn’t wait for them to cool before devouring them. I can still hear their giggles and see the joy on their faces. Trust me, these cookies will become a cherished tradition in your home too!

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful Best Holiday Cranberry Orange Cookies. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that perfect chewy texture and festive flavor!

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed for sweetness
• 1 tsp orange zest, for that vibrant citrus kick
• 2 cups dried cranberries, chopped if large for better distribution
• ½ tsp baking soda, to help them rise
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar, for that delightful sweetness

How to Prepare Best Holiday Cranberry Orange Cookies

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the delightful process of making these scrumptious cookies! Follow these simple steps for the Best Holiday Cranberry Orange Cookies, and your kitchen will be filled with the most amazing aroma in no time!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and ½ cup of packed brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
3. Next, add in 1 large room temperature egg, 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice, and 1 teaspoon of orange zest. Mix until everything is fully combined and smooth.
4. In another bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of baking soda. This will help distribute the leavening agents evenly.
5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix; just combine until you can’t see any flour streaks!
6. Now, it’s time to fold in the star of the show! Add 2 cups of dried cranberries (chopped if they’re large) into the dough and mix by hand until they’re evenly distributed.
7. Using a tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto a lined baking sheet, making sure to space them apart. This step is key for those perfect cookie shapes!
8. Bake in your preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; you want them soft in the center!
9. Once baked, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. As they cool, prepare the icing by whisking together powdered sugar, a bit of orange juice, and some additional orange zest until smooth.
11. Finally, drizzle the icing over the cooled cookies and allow it to harden before storing them in an airtight container.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Best Holiday Cranberry Orange Cookies aren’t just your average cookies; they’re a delightful treat that brings joy and warmth to any gathering. Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore them:

• Perfect Flavor Combination: The tartness of dried cranberries combined with the bright zing of fresh orange juice creates a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies come out soft and chewy, making them utterly irresistible. You won’t be able to stop at just one!
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, whipping up these cookies is a breeze. You’ll be in and out of the kitchen in no time!
• Festive Appeal: Their vibrant colors and sweet aroma make them perfect for any holiday occasion, from Christmas to New Year’s celebrations.
• Great for Sharing: With a yield of 24 cookies, there’s plenty to share with family and friends, making them an ideal treat for potlucks or cookie exchanges.

Tips for Success

Making the Best Holiday Cranberry Orange Cookies is a joy, but a few handy tips can elevate them from good to absolutely fantastic! Here are my top suggestions to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature before you start. This helps create a smooth batter and ensures even mixing.
• Fresh Ingredients Matter: Always opt for fresh orange juice and zest. The vibrant flavor really shines through and makes a huge difference in taste!
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until the flour disappears. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, and we want soft and chewy here!
• Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can help the cookies hold their shape better and enhance the flavors.
• Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is a bit different! Start checking your cookies a minute or two early. You want them just golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
• Let Them Cool on the Sheet: Don’t rush to move them! Letting the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes allows them to firm up a bit before transferring to a wire rack.
• Store Properly: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for several days (if they last that long!).

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each of these delightful Best Holiday Cranberry Orange Cookies. Keep in mind that these values can vary slightly based on the specific ingredients you use, but they give you a good idea of what to expect!

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg

Enjoy these cookies guilt-free during the holidays, knowing that every bite brings a bit of sweetness to your day!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making the Best Holiday Cranberry Orange Cookies? No worries! Here are some common queries I get, along with my favorite tips and tricks to help you bake with confidence.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

While dried cranberries give a lovely chewy texture and sweetness, you can absolutely use fresh cranberries! Just keep in mind that they’re more tart, so you might want to add a touch more sugar to balance the flavors.

How should I store the cookies?

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and tasty for about a week. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them! Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a good gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum, or add a teaspoon to help with the cookie’s structure. You might need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on them!

What can I use instead of orange juice?

If you don’t have orange juice on hand, you can use lemon juice for a different citrus kick, though it’ll change the flavor a bit. Apple juice is another option if you’re looking for a milder sweetness. Just remember to keep that orange zest for the best flavor!

Can I add nuts or chocolate to the cookie dough?

Of course! Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can give a nice crunch. You can also fold in some chocolate chips if you want a sweet twist. Just be mindful of the balance; I recommend keeping the total mix-ins to about 2 cups for the best texture.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Great question! You want to look for the edges to be lightly golden while the centers still look soft. They will firm up as they cool. If you’re unsure, you can always do the “toothpick test” – just a single crumb should stick to it, not wet batter!

I hope these FAQs help you feel more prepared to bake these delightful cookies! Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your Best Holiday Cranberry Orange Cookies fresh and delicious, storage is key! Here’s how I do it:

• Storing Cookies: Once the icing has fully hardened, place your cookies in an airtight container. They’ll stay soft and scrumptious for up to a week at room temperature. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper if you’re stacking them to prevent sticking!
• Freezing for Later: If you want to save some for a rainy day, you can freeze these cookies! Just let them cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just pull out as many as you’d like and let them thaw at room temperature.
• Reheating Tips: If you prefer your cookies warm, you can easily reheat them! Just pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or until they’re just warmed through. If you’re reheating from frozen, let them sit out for a few minutes before microwaving, or you can bake them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will help restore that lovely soft texture.

With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your festive cookies for days to come! Happy baking!

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