Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are the perfect treat for the holiday season. With a delightful blend of tart cranberries and zesty orange, these cookies bring a festive cheer to any gathering.
Why Make This Recipe?
These cookies are fantastic for holiday celebrations or cozy family gatherings. The combination of cranberries and orange not only delivers great taste but also adds a splash of color to your dessert table. Plus, they’re a great way to enjoy baking with loved ones while creating delicious memories.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
How to Make Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients until combined.
- Fold in the dried cranberries, orange zest, and nuts (if using).
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool on wire racks before serving.
How to Serve Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
Serve these cookies with a cup of hot cocoa or a warm glass of milk for a delightful treat. They also make wonderful holiday gifts when packaged in decorative boxes or tins. Don’t forget to explore our holiday baking recipes for more festive ideas!
How to Store Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. This way, you can enjoy your Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies anytime!
Tips to Make Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
For the best results, use room-temperature butter when creaming with sugars. You can also chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for thicker cookies with a chewy texture. Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice flavor.
Variations
You can substitute dried cranberries with dried cherries or blueberries for a different twist. Additionally, try using white chocolate chips instead of nuts for a creamy sweetness that pairs well with the fruity flavors.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Using fresh cranberries is not recommended as they will provide too much moisture. Stick to dried cranberries for the best chewy texture.
2. Can these cookies be made vegan?
Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal or a chia seed mixture, and use vegan butter in place of regular butter.
3. How can I make the cookies softer?
For softer cookies, try reducing the baking time slightly, or add a tablespoon of milk or cream to the dough.
For more delicious recipes for the holiday season, check out our baking tips and elevate your dessert game!
Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Use room-temperature butter for best results.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg Can be substituted with flaxseed meal or chia seed mixture for vegan.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Mix-ins
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional) White chocolate chips can be used instead for a sweeter taste.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients until combined.
- Fold in the dried cranberries, orange zest, and nuts (if using).
Baking
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool on wire racks before serving.
