Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies on a seasonal table

Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are a delightful treat that captures the spirit of the holiday season. These cookies are easy to make and are packed with festive flavors. The combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange will brighten your holiday celebrations. They are perfect for sharing with family and friends, making them a must-have for your holiday baking list.

How to Make Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 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 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1/2 cup orange juice

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
  3. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
  5. Fold in the cranberries, nuts (if using), orange zest, and orange juice.
  6. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
  8. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

How to Serve Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies

These cookies are best served warm and can be enjoyed as a sweet snack or dessert. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa. You can also arrange them on a festive platter for holiday gatherings or cookie exchanges.

How to Store Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay delicious for up to one week. If you need to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies. Just place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper.

Tips to Make Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies

  • Make sure your butter is softened and at room temperature for easier mixing.
  • For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
  • Be careful not to overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients; this helps keep the cookies chewy.

Variation

If you want to mix things up, consider substituting the dried cranberries with raisins or dried cherries. You can also use chocolate chips for a different flavor twist!

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Yes, but fresh cranberries are tart, and they may change the texture and sweetness of the cookies. Consider adding extra sugar if you use fresh cranberries.

How can I make the cookies more chewy?
To achieve a chewier texture, try reducing the flour slightly or adding an extra egg yolk to the dough.

Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just let it sit at room temperature for a bit before baking.