Easy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are the perfect holiday treat that combines tart cranberries with bright citrus flavors in every soft, chewy bite. These festive cookies bring together two classic winter ingredients that create an irresistible balance of sweet and tangy.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly busy December when I needed something special for a cookie exchange but didn’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The combination of dried cranberries and fresh orange zest creates such a beautiful flavor profile, and the sparkly sugar coating makes them look absolutely magical on any holiday platter. These Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies have become my go-to for gift giving because they freeze beautifully and always get rave reviews from friends and family.

What You’ll Need for These Festive Holiday Cookies

I always recommend using fresh orange zest and juice for the best flavor impact in these cookies. The difference between fresh and bottled citrus is truly remarkable.

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups dried cranberries

Orange Glaze:

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons orange juice
• 1/2 teaspoon orange zest

Pro tip: I prefer using sweetened dried cranberries for the perfect balance of tart and sweet. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature but not melted for the ideal cookie texture.

Simple Steps to Bake Perfect Holiday Cookies

I recommend chilling your cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking for the best results and to prevent spreading.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your cookie sheets with parchment paper or light greasing.

Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.

Step 3: Add the egg, orange juice, and orange zest to the creamed mixture. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated and the mixture looks smooth.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Don’t overmix or your Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies will become tough.

Step 5: Fold in the dried cranberries by hand, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.

Step 7: Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. The centers should still look slightly underbaked.

Step 8: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to cooling racks. This prevents them from breaking apart.

Step 9: For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. Drizzle over completely cooled cookies and let set for 15 minutes.

Perfect Holiday Pairings for Your Cookies

These cookies pair beautifully with warm beverages and complement other seasonal flavors perfectly.

Hot Spiced Cider: The apple and cinnamon notes enhance the cranberry flavor while the citrus cuts through the richness.

Earl Grey Tea: The bergamot in Earl Grey creates a lovely citrus harmony with the orange zest in these Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies.

Coffee with Cream: The creamy coffee balances the tartness of the cranberries while highlighting the sweet orange glaze.

Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve these cookies alongside vanilla ice cream for an elegant holiday dessert that guests will remember.

Build Your Holiday Cookie Collection

These cranberry orange cookies are perfect for cookie exchanges and gift giving. Create a complete holiday dessert table by pairing them with our decadent Sugar Cookie Cheesecake and rich Chocolate Peppermint Bread. For appetizers that complement these sweet treats, try our Christmas Charcuterie Board with Ornament Design or our protein-rich Easy Christmas Charcuterie Board.

How to Keep Your Cookies Fresh and Delicious

I recommend storing these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature where they’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days. The orange glaze helps seal in moisture and keeps the cookies soft.

For longer storage, freeze the unglazed cookies for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve them, thaw completely and add the fresh orange glaze. Pro tip: I often make double batches during the holidays and freeze half for unexpected guests.

These Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies actually taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. If you live in a warm climate, store them in the refrigerator to prevent the glaze from becoming sticky.

Your Cookie Questions Answered

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