Ah, the holidays! A time filled with cozy gatherings, laughter, and those magical scents wafting through the air. Every December, I dive into my treasure trove of cherished recipes. Among them, this Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookie recipe has nestled its way into my heart. I remember first baking these cookies for a cookie exchange years ago. The moment I pulled them out of the oven, their warm aroma filled the kitchen like a hug, and the colorful cranberries peeking out were just begging for attention. Today, I want to share this gem with you so that you, too, can experience the joy they bring.
Reasons to try it
Why make these cookies? Well, imagine taking a bite and being instantly transported to a winter wonderland. The chewy texture combined with the sweet-tart cranberries and zesty orange gives your palate a delightful dance. Plus, they are super simple to whip up! Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering, a cozy night in, or just for yourself (because you deserve it), these cookies are the perfect treat. The balance of flavors is spot-on; the rich orange zest complements the sweetness of the brown sugar and the mellow tartness of the cranberries, creating a symphony of deliciousness. Bonus points: they make your kitchen smell like a fragrant holiday market!
Gather these ingredients
For our cookie adventure, here’s what you’ll need:
2 cups all-purpose flour: This is your blank canvas. A good all-purpose flour will give these cookies their classic structure.
1 teaspoon baking soda: The magic leavener that helps our cookies rise just enough to achieve that perfect chew.
1/2 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances sweetness and balances the flavor.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Butter brings richness and moisture. Don’t rush this step—softened butter ensures easy creamy magic!
1 cup brown sugar: The deep molasses flavor of brown sugar contributes to the chewy texture. Don’t fret—if you’re out, white sugar can work in a pinch, but your cookies will lose some of that depth.
1 large egg: This beauty holds everything together and adds a bit of richness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash here adds warmth to the overall flavor profile. Trust me; it’s essential!
1 cup dried cranberries: These not only add a pop of color but a burst of tangy goodness—dried cherries or raisins could step in if needed.
1/2 cup orange zest: Zesting your own oranges is worth the extra love. The fresh zest elevates these cookies to a whole new stratosphere of flavor!
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional): Walnuts or pecans add a crunchiness that pairs nicely with chewy textures—feel free to skip if you prefer a nut-free cookie.
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional): A whisper of this spice brings a special warmth and nostalgia, but it’s entirely up to you.
How this recipe comes together
Ready to get started? It’s almost magic how simply these ingredients meld together!
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)—this is a necessary first step so that your cookies can start baking evenly.
Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. This process is like gathering your ingredients to create a masterpiece—trust me, you want to ensure you’ve got everything ready.
In another large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth. This is where the love happens! The mixture should be light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. It’s starting to smell heavenly in here!
Gradually blend in the dry ingredients until just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies—pitiful, indeed!
Now, fold in the cranberries, orange zest, and nuts (if you’re using them). Be gentle here; you want those mix-ins distributed without squishing them!
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Keep some space between them; they’ll spread a bit!
Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn golden brown. Don’t let them overbake! They should look a little soft in the center.
Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling.
Best way to enjoy it
These cookies shine straight out of the oven, perhaps with a glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of coffee. Want to take them up a notch? Try drizzling a simple icing made of powdered sugar and orange juice on top, or serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also make a charming gift—stack them in a tin, tie with twine, and voilà! Instant holiday cheer.
Storage and reheating tips
If, and I mean if, there are leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay chewy for a few days. For longer storage, you can pop them in the freezer—just make sure to separate layers of cookies with parchment paper. When you’re ready for a warm cookie, simply reheat them straight from frozen in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes.
Pro chef tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing—this is a game changer!
- Experiment with additions: A handful of white chocolate chips is fantastically festive!
- Don’t skip the zest! It adds a sparkle that’s crucial to the cookie’s charm.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Try swapping out the cranberries for dried cherries or even chopped dried apricots. Or get a touch more festive by adding a sprinkle of chopped ginger for a zingy twist. You could even dramatically change the game by using almond flour to make them gluten-free.
Ingredients list
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup orange zest
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
- Cream the softened butter and brown sugar in a large bowl until smooth.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Fold in the cranberries, orange zest, and nuts if you’re using them.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
- Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Your questions answered
- How long does it take to make these cookies? About 30 minutes from start to finish!
- Can I use fresh cranberries? Fresh ones are a bit more tart, but you can use them—just chop them up a bit!
- Can I substitute other types of flour? Absolutely! Just keep in mind that it may change the texture slightly, especially gluten-free options.
- What’s the best way to store these cookies? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze for later enjoyment!
- Can I add spices other than cinnamon? Definitely! Nutmeg or ginger can give a wonderful warm flavor twist.
There’s something magical about baking during the holidays—each aroma is filled with memories and warmth. These Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies hold a special place in my heart, and I hope they find their way into your kitchen too. Don’t hesitate to get creative! Share your twists, your textures, and your triumphant tastes with me—let’s keep this joyous culinary journey alive together!
Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
Description
Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies bring joy and festive spirit with a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors.Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
Add-ins
Instructions
Baking Steps
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.Cream Butter and Sugar
Cream the softened butter and brown sugar in a large bowl until smooth.Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.Combine Mixture
Gradually blend the dry ingredients until just mixed.Avoid overmixing.Add Mix-ins
Fold in the cranberries, orange zest, and nuts if you are using them.Drop Dough on Sheet
Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.Keep space between them.Bake
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.Should look soft in the center.Cool
Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 24
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 150kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 7g11%
- Saturated Fat 4g20%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 20mg7%
- Sodium 90mg4%
- Potassium 60mg2%
- Total Carbohydrate 22g8%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 10g
- Protein 2g4%
- Vitamin A 300 IU
- Vitamin C 1 mg
- Calcium 30 mg
- Iron 0.5 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
