Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies

Why Make This Recipe

Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are perfect for the holiday season. These cookies blend sweet and tart flavors, making them a delightful treat for family and friends. The chewy texture combined with the brightness of orange and the sweetness of white chocolate (if you choose to add it) creates a special cookie that everyone will love. They not only taste amazing, but they also fill your kitchen with warm, inviting scents that enhance your holiday spirit.

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
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 cup white chocolate chips (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture.
5. Fold in the cranberries, orange zest, and white chocolate chips if using.
6. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased cookie sheets.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
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 can be served plain or alongside a glass of milk, a warm cup of tea, or even a festive hot chocolate. You can also add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for a beautiful presentation during holiday gatherings. They are great for cookie exchanges, gift boxes, or simply enjoying at home with loved ones.

How to Store Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.

Tips to Make Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies

• For best results, use room temperature butter, as it creams better with the sugars.
• Make sure not to overbake the cookies; they should be soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.
• You can adjust the quantity of cranberries and orange zest to fit your taste. For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon.
• If you prefer a different chocolate, dark or milk chocolate chips can also be wonderful substitutes.

Serving Ideas

These cookies are fantastic on their own but can also be paired with other holiday treats. Serve them on a tray with gingerbread men, sugar cookies, and peppermint bark for an eye-catching dessert table. They also make lovely gifts when placed in festive jars or boxes.

Final Thoughts

Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are a joyful addition to your holiday baking list. Their mouthwatering flavor and chewy texture will bring smiles to everyone who tries them. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe ensures that making holiday treats is easy and enjoyable.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without the white chocolate chips?
Yes! You can skip the white chocolate chips, or you can replace them with dark or milk chocolate if you prefer.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones?
While you can use fresh cranberries, the cookies may turn out more tart. Dried cranberries provide a better balance of sweetness.

How can I make these cookies festive for a holiday party?
Consider adding festive sprinkles or colored sugar on top of the cookies before baking to give them a holiday touch. You can also add a bit of red food coloring to the dough for added holiday cheer!

Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies

These chewy cookies combine sweet and tart flavors with hints of orange and optional white chocolate, making them a delightful holiday treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 27 minutes mins

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 200

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Cookie Base

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Use room temperature for best results.
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoon salt

Mix-ins

• 1 cup dried cranberries Fresh cranberries can be used but may be more tart.
• 1 tablespoon orange zest Adjust amount to fit taste.
• 1 cup white chocolate chips (optional) Dark or milk chocolate can be substituted.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture.
6. Fold in the cranberries, orange zest, and white chocolate chips if using.
7. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased cookie sheets.

Baking

1. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
2. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Notes

For best flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon. Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for about a week or frozen for up to three months.