Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Name: Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup dried cranberries; Zest of 1 orange

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

Delight in the festive flavors of the season with these delicious cranberry orange cookies, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Created by

Charity Bowen

Last updated on 2025-12-18T16:14:37.998Z

This recipe combines the tartness of cranberries with the zesty brightness of orange, resulting in cookies that are both flavorful and festive. Perfect for sharing during the holiday season!

        Why You'll Love These Cookies
        Bursting with holiday flavors that celebrate the season
Soft and chewy texture with a delightful crunch from cranberries
A beautiful addition to your holiday cookie platter

      

The Perfect Holiday Treat

These cranberry orange cookies are not just delicious; they embody the spirit of the holiday season. The combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange creates a delightful balance that is sure to please your taste buds. Whether you're baking for a festive gathering or simply indulging at home, these cookies bring a touch of joy to any occasion.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Made with common pantry ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these cookies in no time. Their vibrant color and inviting aroma will fill your kitchen, making it feel like the holidays are truly here.

Baking Tips for Success

To achieve the best texture, ensure your butter is softened but not melted. This helps create a light and fluffy dough that results in cookies with the perfect chewiness. Remember to measure your flour correctly; too much flour can lead to dry cookies, while too little can affect their structure.

Don’t rush the cooling process! Allowing the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack helps them set properly. This step is crucial to prevent breakage and ensures that you enjoy perfectly shaped cookies every time.

Customizing Your Cookies

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! You can substitute dried cranberries with other fruits like cherries or blueberries for a different twist. Adding white chocolate chips or chopped nuts can also enhance the flavor and texture, giving your cookies a unique touch.

If you prefer a stronger orange flavor, try adding a little orange juice to the dough. This will intensify the citrus notes and make each bite even more refreshing. Experimenting with these variations can turn this cookie recipe into your own signature holiday treat.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup dried cranberries
Zest of 1 orange

Mix well and prepare for baking!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture until just combined.

Add Cranberries and Zest

Fold in the dried cranberries and orange zest until evenly distributed.

Scoop and Bake

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your festive cranberry orange cookies with a cup of tea or coffee!

Storing Your Cookies

To keep your cranberry orange cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week, but I bet they won't last that long once your family gets a taste! If you want to enjoy them later, consider freezing the dough for up to three months.

To freeze, scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the cookie dough balls to a zip-top bag or airtight container. When you're ready to bake, simply preheat your oven and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time for perfectly fresh cookies.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are perfect on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of milk. For a festive presentation, consider dusting them with powdered sugar or drizzling them with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and orange juice.

If you're hosting a holiday party, arrange these cookies on a beautiful platter alongside other treats like gingerbread cookies and peppermint bark. This creates an inviting dessert table that is sure to impress your guests.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries are too tart for this recipe, but you can use dried cranberries or a mix of dried and fresh.

→ How should I store the cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to three months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before baking.

→ What can I substitute for butter?

You can use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute for a dairy-free option.