Amazing Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies: Holiday Joy!

It’s hard to believe another year is coming to a close! For me, the holidays are always about family traditions and making memories through food. I especially love baking, and there’s one recipe that always makes it onto my Christmas baking list: Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies. There’s just something so comforting about the citrus and cranberry flavors dancing together in a sweet, buttery cookie.

These aren’t just any cookies; they are a tradition, a slice of home. I remember one Christmas, my youngest declared these Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies “the best Christmas cookies ever!” That moment made me realize how much these simple treats meant to our family.

That’s why I’m excited to share my version of Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies with you. If you’re like me and cherish those moments of connection through food, this recipe is for you. Let’s bake something special together this holiday season!

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon orange extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• Zest of 1 large orange
• ½ cup powdered sugar, for dusting

For the best flavor in your Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies, I recommend using high-quality butter. The butterfat content really makes a difference in the texture and taste of the cookies.

You’ll find the freshest dried cranberries and nuts for these Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies at your local grocery store or farmer’s market. Look for cranberries that are plump and moist, not hard and dry.

This Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies recipe proves that authentic flavor comes from thoughtful ingredient choices. Don’t skimp on the orange zest – it adds a burst of citrusy goodness!

My family loves when I add a touch of cinnamon to our Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies. A pinch of cinnamon complements the orange and cranberry flavors beautifully. Trust me, this Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies ingredient list focuses on quality over quantity for authentic flavors!

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. In my kitchen, this flavorful Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies recipe typically takes about 3-5 minutes of creaming.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and orange extract. Perfect time to appreciate the aromatic transformation! This step is key to infusing that vibrant citrus flavor into your cranberry orange cookies.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Here’s where I used to miss a key step with my Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies – learn from my experience! Make sure to fully combine these dry ingredients before adding them to the wet mixture.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough. Your Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies should start to take shape beautifully.
6. Fold in the chopped dried cranberries, nuts (if using), and orange zest. This is where the magic happens! Don’t be surprised if your Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies dough develops a festive, colorful look.
7. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie. I find that using a cookie scoop helps ensure uniform size and even baking.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Your Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies should fill the kitchen with amazing aromas by now. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect balance of chewiness and crispness.
9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking apart while they’re still soft.
10. Once cooled, dust the Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies with powdered sugar. While your Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are developing these flavors, take a moment to appreciate creating something special for your family!

1. Zest Matters: Don’t underestimate the power of fresh orange zest! It adds a bright, aromatic flavor that can’t be replicated with extract alone.
2. Nutty Boost: Adding chopped nuts not only enhances the flavor but also adds a delightful crunch to the cookies.
3. Powdered Sugar Finish: Dusting the cooled cookies with powdered sugar gives them a festive, elegant look and a touch of extra sweetness.

• Chocolate Chip Addition: Add ½ cup of semisweet chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
• Spiced Delight: Add ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Citrus Medley: Use a combination of orange, lemon, and lime zest for a more complex citrus flavor.