Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, our homes become places of comfort, laughter, and delightful aromas wafting from the kitchen. One of my favorite holiday traditions is baking, with the smell of sweets embracing my family and friends like a warm hug. Among my cherished recipes, these Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies reign supreme. They’re tender, chewy, and bursting with the zesty brightness of fresh orange mixed with the sweetness of dried cranberries. With every bite, you’ll feel wrapped in a cozy embrace — perfect for sharing or enjoying by the fire with a warm cup of cocoa. This is one recipe you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- These cookies are incredibly chewy and soft, giving your taste buds a delightful experience.
- The combination of tart cranberries and sweet orange zest creates a perfectly balanced flavor that screams holiday cheer.
- They’re quick and easy to make, making them a perfect addition to your last-minute holiday baking plans.
- Perfectly suited for family gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply a cozy night in with loved ones.
- You can easily customize them with your favorite nuts or even try out different citrus zest for a unique twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted 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 (from about 2 oranges)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
How to Make Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy — about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in the dried cranberries, orange zest, and nuts (if using).
- Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them a few inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers have set.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Delicious Variations to Try
- For a nutty flavor, try adding chopped almonds or hazelnuts in place of walnuts or pecans.
- Experiment with different dried fruits, such as cherries or apricots, to create your signature cookie blend.
- Add a sprinkle of coconut flakes for an exotic touch that pairs wonderfully with the citrus notes.
- If you love chocolate, fold in some mini chocolate chips for a delightful contrast of flavors.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Chilling the cookie dough for about 30 minutes will enhance their chewiness and prevent them from spreading too much while baking.
- Make-ahead tip: You can prepare the dough ahead of time, then wrap it tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking!
- If you prefer a softer cookie, try slightly underbaking them; they’ll continue to cook a bit while cooling.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze individual portions for treats whenever you please.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 50mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator or freezer.
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to substitute dried cranberries with your favorite dried fruits and nuts.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
How long does it last?
If stored properly, these cookies can last up to one week at room temperature or up to three months in the freezer.
Wrapping It Up
This Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookie recipe is not just about baking — it’s about creating memories with loved ones, filling your home with warmth and joy during the holiday season. Each bite is a celebration of flavor, nostalgia, and that cozy feeling we all crave. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s bring the magic of the holidays into your kitchen! Save this recipe to your holiday baking board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat!
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Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tender, chewy cookies bursting with zesty orange and sweet cranberries, perfect for holiday sharing.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted 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 (from about 2 oranges)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in the dried cranberries, orange zest, and nuts (if using).
- Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them a few inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers have set.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
Chill the dough for enhanced chewiness. Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cookies, holiday baking, cranberry, orange, dessert