There’s Magic in These Cookies
Christmas is a time for joy, and what better way to spread cheer than by baking a batch of Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies? My love for these treats goes beyond just their delightful taste; they evoke memories of bustling kitchens filled with laughter and the aroma of citrus and spices. Perfectly chewy with a hint of tartness from the cranberries and a refreshing zest of orange, these cookies are like little bites of holiday joy. Whether you’re making them for a festive gathering or as a special gift to loved ones, these cookies are bound to be a hit!
Why you’ll love this dish
What’s not to love about chewy cookies that fill your home with the scent of Christmas? These Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are not only easy to whip up, but they also offer a unique blend of flavors that represent the festive season. Imagine biting into a soft cookie that bursts with sweet and tart notes, making every bite a treat. They’re perfect for holiday cookie swaps, family gatherings, or simply as a cozy snack with a cup of tea on chilly evenings.
"These cookies are the epitome of Christmas spirit! They’re chewy, flavorful, and always a hit at our holiday parties!" – A happy baker
Preparing Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
Creating these festive cookies is simpler than you might think. The process is broken down into easy steps, ensuring that both novice and experienced bakers can enjoy making them. You’ll start with creaming the buttery goodness into a fluffy mixture and end with perfectly baked cookies that are sure to warm the hearts of everyone around the table. Let’s dive into the details!
What you’ll need
Before you begin, ensure you gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Feel free to swap the nuts with seeds or omit them entirely if you’re catering to nut allergies.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking sheet by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring you mix well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until everything is fully combined.
- Fold in the dried cranberries, orange zest, and nuts if you’re using them. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Use a tablespoon to drop rounded amounts of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy your festive cookies, ideally shared with loved ones!
Best ways to enjoy it
These cookies shine particularly bright when paired with a warm mug of spiced cider or a rich hot chocolate during chilly evenings. Consider giving them a festive look by dusting them with powdered sugar before serving or placing them in a decorative jar as a thoughtful gift for friends and family. They also make a delightful addition to a holiday cookie platter.
Keeping leftovers fresh
To store your Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies, place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature. For longer storage, consider freezing them! Simply layer them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, and they can last for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, just let them thaw at room temperature.
Pro chef tips
- Use room temperature butter: This helps in creating that perfect fluffy texture when creaming with sugars.
- Don’t overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Chill the dough: If you have time, allowing the cookie dough to chill for about 30 minutes before baking can help to enhance the flavors and make the cookies even chewier.
Creative twists
Want to switch things up? Consider adding white chocolate chips for a decadent contrast to the cranberries or substituting the orange zest with lemon zest for a fresh twist. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. The possibilities are endless!
Your questions answered
-
What is the prep time for these cookies?
It generally takes about 15 minutes to prep the ingredients and mix the dough. -
Can I substitute fresh cranberries for dried?
Fresh cranberries can be very tart, and you’ll want to cook them down slightly with sugar before adding to the dough for the best flavor. -
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a quick refresh, or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.
These cookies are sure to become a cherished part of your holiday baking traditions. Happy baking!
Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Use room temperature butter for best results.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour Do not overmix.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Mix-ins
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans Optional. Can substitute with seeds or omit for nut allergies.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking sheet by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes.
- Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully combined.
- Fold in the dried cranberries, orange zest, and nuts if using, ensuring even distribution.
Baking
- Use a tablespoon to drop rounded amounts of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving
- Enjoy the cookies, ideally shared with loved ones!
