Name: Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup 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; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup dried cranberries; 1 cup orange zest; 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional); 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

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why make this recipe

These Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are perfect for the holiday season. Their vibrant flavors of tart cranberries and fresh orange zest bring a cheerful spirit to your festive gatherings. They are soft, chewy, and filled with the perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of spice, making them a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they are simple to make, and the warm aroma will fill your home with holiday joy.

how to make Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies

Ingredients :

1 cup 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
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup orange zest
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Directions :

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the dried cranberries, orange zest, and nuts if using.
Drop teaspoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

how to serve Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies

These cookies are delicious on their own, but they can also be served with a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa. They make a delightful treat at holiday parties or can be gifted in a festive box to friends and family. For an extra touch, drizzle some icing over the top before serving.

how to store Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to one week. If you’d like to keep them for a longer time, you can freeze them. Just make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in a freezer bag.

tips to make Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies

Make sure your butter is softened for easy mixing.
Don’t overmix the dough; stop mixing once the ingredients are just combined.
Adjust the amount of orange zest based on your taste. More zest means a stronger orange flavor!
If you want chewier cookies, slightly underbake them.

variation (if any)

For a different flavor, you can replace the dried cranberries with dried cherries or raisins. You can also add white chocolate chips for a sweet contrast against the tartness of the cranberries.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries are too tart and have too much moisture to substitute for dried cranberries in this recipe. Stick with dried for the best results.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage.

3. How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your baking soda and other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies

Author: alhaouil
Total Time: 27
Yield: 36 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious soft and chewy cookies filled with tart cranberries and fresh orange zest, perfect for the festive season.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the dried cranberries, orange zest, and nuts if using.
Drop teaspoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.