Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe
The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and, of course, delicious treats. One of the best ways to embrace the spirit of the season is by baking. Among the many festive delights, the Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies stand out as a must-try. Their wonderful combination of tart cranberries, zesty orange, and sweet chocolate makes them a favorite. These cookies are perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying with a warm cup of coffee or tea.
Cookies are more than just a snack; they bring back fond memories of warm kitchens filled with the aroma of baked goods. This recipe is straightforward, making it ideal for both seasoned bakers and those new to the kitchen. So, let’s dive into the reasons why you should make these chewy cookies.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies is a delightful experience for several reasons. First, they are incredibly easy to prepare. With simple ingredients and clear steps, you’ll find that baking can be fun and rewarding, even for beginners.
Second, the flavor combination of cranberries and orange zest offers a refreshing twist. These cookies are not only sweet but also have a unique tartness from the cranberries and a bright citrusy hint from the orange. This balance makes them a perfect addition to your holiday cookie platter.
Moreover, these cookies are versatile. You can share them with family gatherings, holiday parties, or just enjoy them as a treat for yourself. They also freeze well, which means you can bake ahead of time and save some for later.
Lastly, this recipe allows for creativity. You can easily customize it by adding nuts or different types of chocolate. Whether you stick to the classic version or find your own twist, these cookies are sure to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth during the festive season.
How to Make Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
Baking these cookies doesn’t need to be difficult. Follow this simple guide, and you will have delicious cookies ready in no time. Below, you will find the ingredients and the step-by-step directions to help you through the baking process.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important first step. Preheating ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients well will help to distribute the baking soda evenly throughout the flour, giving your cookies the perfect rise.
In a separate large bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Use a hand mixer or a spoon to beat the mixture. This process incorporates air into the mix, which is key to achieving a chewy texture.
Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest, mixing until well combined. Make sure everything is nicely blended to create a smooth dough.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make your cookies tough.
Fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips if using. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently incorporate them into the dough.
Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make for easy cleanup.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden. Keep an eye on them; every oven is slightly different.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling them on the baking sheet allows them to firm up before moving.
How to Serve Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
Serving your Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies can be as simple or as fancy as you like. For a casual get-together, place them on a festive plate and enjoy! If you want to elevate your cookie game, consider stacking them in a clear jar tied with a ribbon for a beautiful presentation. They also make great gifts!
Pair these cookies with a glass of milk, a cup of hot cocoa, or even a warm spiced tea. The flavors of orange and cranberry complement these beverages wonderfully.
Feel free to serve these cookies at your holiday parties, family gatherings, or simply as a cozy treat while watching holiday movies. They are sure to be a hit!
How to Store Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
Proper storage will keep your cookies fresh and delicious. Once completely cooled, store them in an airtight container. This keeps them from drying out.
If you happen to have leftovers (though that’s not very likely!), they can be stored at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat them, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours.
Tips to Make Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This helps them mix in better and create that desired fluffy texture.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while they are in the oven. They may feel soft when you take them out, but they will firm up as they cool.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the amount of granulated sugar. The brown sugar can stay the same for the chewy texture.
Add More Flavor: For additional flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the flour mixture.
Experiment with Ingredients: Feel free to swap out the dried cranberries for other dried fruits like cherries or apricots. You can also try different types of chocolate chips.
Variation
While the classic recipe is a winner on its own, you can try variations for a little excitement. Here are some ideas:
Nutty Addition: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
Coconut Twist: Stir in some shredded coconut for a tropical flavor that pairs beautifully with the orange.
Spice It Up: Add spices like ginger or cloves to give your cookies a warmer flavor that’s great for winter.
Use Fresh Orange: If you want an even stronger orange flavor, use fresh orange juice in place of some of the butter. It will add moisture and zestiness.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
A: Fresh cranberries may work, but they are much more tart and can release moisture that changes the cookie texture. Dried cranberries give the right balance of flavor and sweetness.
Q: How long do these cookies stay fresh?
A: When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh for about five days. If needed, freeze them for up to three months.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dough and freeze it. Just scoop it into balls, place on a baking sheet to freeze, and then store in a bag. When ready to bake, bake directly from the freezer; just add a couple of minutes to the baking time.
Enjoy creating your Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies, and let the festive spirit fill your kitchen! Happy baking!
Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest; mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips if using.
- Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.