These Cranberry Orange Cookies are the perfect combination of tart cranberries, bright citrus, and buttery sweetness. With a soft, chewy texture and a burst of holiday cheer, they’re perfect for cookie swaps, Christmas gatherings, or just enjoying a cozy winter treat with a warm cup of tea.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft & Chewy: These cookies melt in your mouth with a soft, tender texture.
- Festive Flavor: The combination of cranberry and orange is pure holiday magic!
- Easy to Make: No chilling required—perfect for quick baking when the craving strikes!
- AdSense Goldmine: “Christmas cookies” and “cranberry orange desserts” are high-traffic search terms, making these cookies perfect for seasonal baking.
Ingredients
- For the Cookies:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp orange zest (from 1 large orange)
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
- ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional)
- For the Orange Glaze (Optional):
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp orange juice
- ½ tsp orange zest
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cookie removal.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). This creates a smooth base for your cookies.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Add the egg, orange zest, and fresh orange juice to the butter-sugar mixture, and beat until fully combined.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Step 5: Stir in Cranberries and White Chocolate Chips
Fold in the chopped dried cranberries and white chocolate chips (if using). The cranberries add a delightful tartness, while the white chocolate chips bring extra sweetness to balance the flavors.
Step 6: Scoop and Shape
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The dough will be soft, so don’t worry if the cookies aren’t perfectly shaped—they’ll spread and form on their own.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overbaking. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Optional Orange Glaze
If you’d like to add an extra layer of sweetness and a citrusy finish, prepare the orange glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies for a festive touch.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the cookies are cooled (and glazed, if desired), enjoy them with a cup of tea or hot cocoa! These cranberry-orange treats are perfect for sharing with friends, family, or gifting during the holiday season.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: You can freeze the dough before baking for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and bake directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Final Thoughts
These Cranberry Orange Cookies are a perfect blend of tart cranberries and sweet, citrusy orange flavors—ideal for the holiday season. Their soft, chewy texture and easy-to-make nature make them an excellent choice for any festive occasion. Whether you’re baking for a cookie swap, holiday party, or simply treating yourself, these cookies are sure to bring a burst of holiday cheer with every bite!
