Introduction
The holiday season deserves a dessert that feels as magical as twinkling lights and as comforting as family gatherings. That’s why the Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe is more than just a treat—it’s a celebration of festive flavors. With bright citrus notes, chewy bursts of cranberry, and a sweet glaze that melts on your tongue, these cookies capture the very spirit of Christmas.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Imagine your kitchen filling with the irresistible aroma of butter, sugar, and orange zest as the cookies bake—warmth, comfort, and joy in every bite. These cookies aren’t just easy to make, they’re guaranteed to become a new family tradition.
👉 Ready to bake a memory this holiday season? Let’s dive into the holiday cranberry orange cookies recipe that everyone will be talking about!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Festive flavors – tart cranberries meet zesty orange for the ultimate holiday pairing.
Quick to prepare – no chilling dough, just mix, bake, and enjoy.
Bright & refreshing – citrus balances sweetness for a cookie that never feels too heavy.
Family-friendly – fun for kids to help with mixing and glazing.
Perfect for gifting – package in tins or jars for edible holiday presents.
Soft & chewy texture – with just the right bite every time.
Budget-friendly ingredients – pantry staples with seasonal flair.
Versatile serving – works for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or cozy evenings.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make the best holiday cranberry orange cookie recipe:
1 cup butter, softened – gives richness and a tender, chewy texture. (Substitute: margarine or vegan butter for dairy-free.)
1 cup sugar – balances tart cranberries; white sugar keeps cookies light.
1/2 cup brown sugar – adds depth and chewiness.
1 egg – binds ingredients and adds moisture. (Substitute: flax egg for vegan.)
2 tablespoons orange juice – bright citrus flavor; keeps dough moist.
1 teaspoon orange zest – concentrated orange oils for bold flavor.
2 1/2 cups flour – structure and shape. (Substitute: gluten-free flour blend.)
1/2 teaspoon salt – enhances sweetness and balances flavors.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda – leavening for a soft rise.
2 cups dried cranberries – chewy, tart pops of flavor. (Substitute: fresh cranberries, but pat dry to reduce moisture.)
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar – base for glaze.
3 tablespoons orange juice – combines with sugar for a glossy finish.
1/2 teaspoon orange zest – adds brightness to the glaze.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
2. Cream Butter & Sugars
In a large bowl, beat butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
This step incorporates air, ensuring cookies stay soft.
3. Add Egg & Citrus
Mix in the egg, orange juice, and orange zest.
The zest releases aromatic oils that give cookies their signature holiday perfume.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda.
Slowly fold into the wet mixture until just combined.
5. Add Cranberries
Gently fold in dried cranberries, distributing evenly throughout the dough.
6. Shape Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto the baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
7. Bake
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until edges are golden but centers look slightly soft.
Cookies will continue to set as they cool.
8. Glaze
Whisk powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest into a smooth glaze.
Drizzle or spread over cooled cookies for extra shine and citrus punch.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cookies
How do you keep cranberry orange cookies soft?
Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread—this keeps them chewy for days.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Yes, but chop them and pat dry. Fresh cranberries add tart bursts but may slightly change texture.
How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Chill dough for 20 minutes before baking, or add 2 tablespoons of flour for thicker cookies.
Best Ways to Serve
With Christmas punch or spiced tea at holiday gatherings.
On a cookie platter alongside classics like gingerbread and sugar cookies.
Wrapped in cellophane bags with ribbons for DIY edible gifts.
Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a festive dessert.
👉 You might also love my Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe 🎄
Nutrition (Per Cookie, Approx.)
Calories: 185
Fat: 7g
Carbs: 28g
Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 16g
Protein: 2g
Storage & Leftovers
Room Temperature: 5 days in an airtight container.
Refrigerator: Up to 10 days, tightly sealed.
Freezer: Store baked cookies up to 3 months; freeze dough balls for ready-to-bake freshness.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Wrap and refrigerate for up to 48 hours before baking.
Can I glaze them later?
Absolutely. Store cookies plain and glaze right before serving for freshness.
Are these cookies freezer-friendly?
Yes—freeze with or without glaze. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Variations
Gluten-Free: Use 1:1 GF baking flour.
Vegan: Replace butter with vegan butter and egg with flax egg.
Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
White Chocolate Drizzle: Replace glaze with melted white chocolate.
Spiced Version: Add ½ tsp cinnamon or nutmeg for extra holiday warmth.
Conclusion
The Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe isn’t just about baking—it’s about creating joy, laughter, and togetherness around the table. With their tangy citrus notes, chewy cranberries, and sweet glaze, these cookies embody everything magical about the season.