Description of this recipe
These Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are a delightful holiday treat, bursting with festive flavors and textures. The chewy dried cranberries, zesty orange, and soft, buttery cookie base create a symphony of tastes that will warm your heart and bring joy to your taste buds. Drizzled with a sweet and tangy orange icing, these cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them the perfect addition to any holiday gathering or a cozy night in.
Why you will love this recipe
You’ll fall in love with these cookies for several reasons. First, the combination of cranberries and orange is a classic pairing that evokes the spirit of Christmas. The contrasting flavors – the tartness of the cranberries and the bright citrus notes of the orange – complement each other perfectly. Second, the cookies are incredibly easy to make, using simple ingredients and straightforward instructions. This makes them a great option for beginner bakers or anyone looking for a quick and satisfying holiday treat. Third, the cookies are incredibly versatile. They can be enjoyed as a dessert, snack, or even as part of a festive gift basket. Their vibrant colors and delicious aroma make them an instant crowd-pleaser. Finally, the soft, chewy texture of the cookies combined with the sweet, tangy icing creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s simply irresistible. These cookies are sure to become a holiday staple in your home.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups dried cranberries
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons orange juice (for the icing)
- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest (for the icing)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensuring your oven is at the correct temperature is vital for even baking. A preheated oven allows the cookies to bake evenly, resulting in a consistent texture throughout.
In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of sugar, and 1/2 cup of brown sugar until light and fluffy. Creaming the butter and sugars together is a crucial step in creating a tender cookie. The process incorporates air into the mixture, which helps to create a light and airy texture. Use an electric mixer for best results, and continue creaming until the mixture is pale and fluffy, which may take several minutes.
Add 1 egg, 2 tablespoons of orange juice, and 1 teaspoon of orange zest to the creamed mixture. Mix well until fully incorporated. The egg acts as a binder, holding the ingredients together, while the orange juice and zest provide a burst of citrus flavor that complements the cranberries perfectly. Be sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavor.
Step 2: Combine the Mixtures
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Whisking the dry ingredients ensures that they are evenly distributed throughout the flour. This helps the baking soda to work effectively, resulting in a lighter, more tender cookie.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies. Mix until the dry ingredients are just incorporated, leaving a few streaks of flour if necessary. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
Step 3: Add the Cranberries and Shape Cookies
If the dried cranberries are large, chop them slightly to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the cookies.
Gently fold in 2 cups of dried cranberries into the cookie dough by hand. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Folding the cranberries in gently prevents them from breaking or becoming crushed.
Drop tablespoonfuls of the cookie dough onto prepared cookie sheets, spacing them appropriately to allow for spreading during baking. Use a cookie scoop or a spoon to create uniform-sized cookies. Place the cookies at least 2 inches apart on the baking sheets to allow them to spread without sticking together.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on the cookies while they are baking to prevent them from burning. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so check them frequently after 8 minutes.
Once baked, let the cookies sit on the cookie sheets for 2 minutes before transferring them to cooling racks to cool completely. Allowing the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheets helps them to firm up and prevents them from breaking when transferred to the cooling racks.
Step 5: Prepare and Drizzle the Icing
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the icing by mixing 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of orange juice, and 1/2 teaspoon of orange zest in a medium bowl until smooth. The orange juice provides the liquid needed to create a smooth, pourable icing, while the orange zest adds a burst of citrus flavor. Adjust the amount of orange juice to achieve the desired consistency.
Drizzle the prepared icing over the cooled cookies. Use a spoon or a piping bag to drizzle the icing over the cookies in a decorative pattern.
Step 6: Harden the Icing and Store the Cookies
Allow the icing to harden completely on the cookies before storing them. This prevents the icing from sticking to other cookies or containers.
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw the cookies completely before serving.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these cookies with a glass of milk, hot cocoa, or a cup of tea.
- Include them in a holiday dessert platter with other festive treats.
- Package them in a decorative box or tin for a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Serve them as a sweet ending to a holiday meal.
- Enjoy them as a snack any time of day.
Tips:
- Use high-quality butter for the best flavor and texture.
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the sugars.
- Don’t overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.
- Bake the cookies until the edges are lightly golden, but the centers are still soft.
- Let the cookies cool completely before drizzling them with icing.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
- For a richer flavor, add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle the iced cookies with holiday sprinkles or edible glitter.
- If you don’t have orange juice, you can substitute it with lemon juice or milk.
- If you don’t have orange zest, you can omit it, but it does add a nice citrus flavor.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
8-10 minutes
Total Time:
30 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
Calories:
Approximately 150-200 per cookie
Protein:
Approximately 2 grams per cookie
Sodium:
Approximately 50-75 milligrams per cookie
Conclusion
These Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that’s easy to make and sure to impress. The combination of tart cranberries, zesty orange, and sweet icing creates a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a family gathering, or simply a cozy night in, these cookies are the perfect way to spread some Christmas cheer. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these delicious and festive cookies. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries?
A: While dried cranberries are recommended for this recipe due to their chewy texture and concentrated flavor, you can use fresh cranberries if you prefer. However, you’ll need to chop them finely and reduce the amount of orange juice in the recipe to compensate for the extra moisture in the fresh cranberries. About 1 1/2 cups of chopped fresh cranberries should work well.
Q2: Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it?
A: Yes, you can definitely make the cookie dough ahead of time. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake the cookies, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften slightly before scooping and baking.
Q3: Can I freeze the baked cookies?
A: Absolutely! These cookies freeze beautifully. Once they are completely cooled and the icing has hardened, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes. This will prevent them from sticking together when you transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Q4: What can I substitute for orange zest if I don’t have any?
A: If you don’t have orange zest on hand, you can use a few drops of orange extract for a similar flavor. Alternatively, you can substitute lemon zest for a slightly different but still delicious citrus note. If you don’t have either, you can omit the zest altogether, but the cookies will have a less pronounced orange flavor.
Q5: My icing is too thin/thick. How can I adjust it?
A: If your icing is too thin, gradually add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add a small amount of orange juice (or milk) until it thins out. The ideal consistency should be smooth and easily drizzled over the cookies.
