why make this recipe

Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are perfect for the holiday season. They offer a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors with a chewy texture that everyone loves. These cookies are not just tasty; they also create a festive atmosphere in your kitchen. Plus, they make great gifts and treats for gatherings!

how to make Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup orange zest
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
Fold in the cranberries, orange zest, and nuts if using.
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

how to serve Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies

Serve these delightful cookies fresh out of the oven or at room temperature. They are great for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or simply as a sweet treat during the festive season. You can also add a glass of milk or a hot beverage alongside for a perfect combination.

how to store Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. Just keep them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they can last up to three months.

tips to make Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies

For extra flavor, use fresh orange zest instead of dried.
If you want a softer cookie, slightly underbake them by a minute or two.
Experiment with different nuts for variety, such as almonds or hazelnuts.

variation

You can easily switch out the cranberries for other dried fruits like cherries or raisins. Adding white chocolate chips can also enhance the sweetness and add a different flavor profile.

Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies

Print Recipe

Delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors with a chewy texture, perfect for the holiday season.

Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup orange zest
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
Fold in the cranberries, orange zest, and nuts if using.
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Can freeze for up to three months.

Author: Grandma Rosie
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 90mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 21g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Christmas cookies, cranberry cookies, holiday baking, chewy cookies

FAQs

Can I use brown sugar only in the recipe?
Yes, you can use just brown sugar, but it may change the texture and flavor. A mix of white and brown sugar gives the best results.

What can I substitute for butter?
You can use margarine or coconut oil as a substitute, but the taste may vary slightly.

How do I make the cookies gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Make sure it’s a 1:1 ratio blend for best results.