Easy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe!

Okay, let’s talk Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies! It’s the time of year when even the most reluctant bakers among us feel the pull of the oven. For me, it’s these cookies. The bright citrus and tart cranberry combo is just chef’s kiss. And the best part? This Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies recipe is so simple, even with a toddler “helping,” it’s totally doable.

I know how it is. We want to create those special holiday memories, but the pressure to make everything perfect can be overwhelming. That’s why I’m all about simple comfort food that delivers on flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen. So, if you’re looking for a festive, family-friendly cookie that will bring smiles without the stress, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get baking some Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies!

Here’s the lowdown on what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these festive Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies. I promise, it’s all stuff you can easily find at your regular grocery store.

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: This is the base for our rich, tender cookies. Make sure it’s nice and soft for easy mixing.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar: For sweetness and that classic cookie texture.
• ¼ cup packed light brown sugar: Adds a little extra depth of flavor and keeps the cookies soft.
• 1 large egg: Binds everything together.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Because a little vanilla makes everything better.
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of our cookies.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and stay light.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, coarsely chopped: The star of the show! They add that signature tartness and festive red color. You can often find great cranberry deals right now!
• Zest of 1 orange: Adds a bright, citrusy aroma and flavor.
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For a little extra crunch and nutty flavor. My kids get extra comfort when I add them, so I usually do!

If you don’t have orange zest on hand, you could use a teaspoon of orange extract. It will give you a similar flavor boost in your Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies. Trust me, this Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity! It proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive.

Alright, let’s get our aprons on and bake these amazing Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies! Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through every step.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze and prevents the cookies from sticking. I grab my parchment paper while the oven is heating, it’s a comfort hack that changed our family’s cookie night!
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Don’t overmix!
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the baking powder is evenly distributed.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
6. Fold in the chopped cranberries, orange zest, and nuts (if using). Make sure everything is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Your Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies should smell amazing by now! The baking time will depend on your oven, so keep an eye on them.
9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. While your Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are cooling, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family!

In my busy kitchen, this comforting Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, including baking time. That leaves plenty of time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!

These Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are so versatile! We love them warm out of the oven with a glass of milk.

The kids devour this comforting Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies when I serve it with vanilla ice cream. It is a real treat! These cookies are also fantastic crumbled over yogurt or as a base for a mini cheesecake.

These cookies are perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! They are also perfect for Christmas parties!

For a festive touch, you can drizzle the cooled cookies with melted white chocolate and sprinkle with extra cranberries or orange zest.

If you have any leftover Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. The kids love them straight out of the freezer, so that is an option too!

My friend made this recipe, but she did cranberry orange shortbread, and she loved it!

Here are some common questions I get about these Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies, answered with a little mom-to-mom advice.

• Is this Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies really filling enough for growing kids? Absolutely! The oats and nuts add fiber and protein to keep them satisfied. Plus, the joy of a homemade cookie is filling in itself!
• What if my picky eater won’t try this Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies? Start small! Offer a tiny bite and focus on the positive aspects, like the fun colors or the sweet smell. You can also involve them in the baking process, which often makes them more willing to try new things.
• Can I meal prep this Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies for busy weeks ahead? Yes! The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months.
• Can I substitute the cranberries for another fruit? Yes, you can! Dried cherries or blueberries would work well.
• What if I don’t have orange zest? You can use a teaspoon of orange extract instead.
• Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Is this Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies recipe easy to follow? It is easy to follow, even a beginner baker can do it!
• Do you have other recipes similar to Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies? I do! My Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice recipe is another family-friendly favorite!

These are all common questions I get! Let me know if you have more!

These Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are more than just a recipe; they’re a way to create warm memories and share a little love with your family. My hope is that this recipe brings a little joy and comfort to your kitchen.

• Soften the butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature.
• Measure carefully: Accurate measurements are essential for consistent results.
• Do not over bake: Check the cookies at the minimum baking time and add a minute or two until golden brown.

• Cranberry Orange Biscotti: For a crispy, twice-baked treat, slice the cooled cookies into biscotti shapes and bake again until golden brown. Some people enjoy biscotti recipes with white and milk chocolate drizzle
• Cranberry Orange Shortbread: For a more buttery and crumbly cookie, use powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar. You can find Christmas Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies at Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies – Running to the Kitchen®
• Cranberry Orange Spice Cookies: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the dough for a warm, festive flavor. These remind me of a Cinnamon, cranberry, and orange stove simmer recipe?

My son loves the classic version with walnuts. My daughter prefers the ones with white chocolate drizzle. And I love them all!

Remember, this is your kitchen, your family, and your comfort food journey. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies recipe your own!

Happy baking, fellow comfort seekers! I know you can do this, and your family will thank you for it! And if you are looking for other Christmas treats check out Twisted Christmas Cookies!