Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
Perfectly chewy cookies bursting with tart cranberries and refreshing orange zest, evoking the spirit of the holidays.
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!
Notes
Best paired with warm spiced cider or hot chocolate. Dust with powdered sugar for a festive touch. Store in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze for up to three months.