There’s something magical about holiday baking—the warmth of the oven, the scent of citrus and spices, and the joy of sharing homemade treats with loved ones. If you’re looking for a new cookie to add to your holiday baking list, these Cranberry Orange Cookies are a must-try. The combination of tangy cranberries and bright, zesty orange creates a cookie that is both refreshing and indulgent. Plus, the sparkling orange sugar coating makes them look as good as they taste!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Holiday Flavor: The blend of tart cranberries and sweet orange is festive and refreshing.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
- Beautiful Presentation: The sugary coating gives these cookies a sparkling, bakery-worthy finish.
- Versatile: Great for holiday cookie platters, edible gifts, or just an afternoon treat.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- ¾ cup dried cranberries (Craisins)
For the Orange Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
How to Make Cranberry Orange Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and mix until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- When about half of the flour is mixed in, fold in the orange zest and dried cranberries to distribute evenly.
Step 2: Shape and Coat the Cookies
- In a small bowl, mix together the additional sugar and orange zest for the coating.
- Form the cookie dough into 1-inch balls (about the size of a golf ball).
- Roll each dough ball in the orange sugar mixture, coating thoroughly.
- Place the coated dough balls on an ungreased cookie sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Using the bottom of a glass, gently press down on each cookie dough ball to flatten slightly.
- Bake for 7-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Expert Baking Tips
- Use a cookie scoop to ensure even-sized cookies that bake uniformly.
- Avoid overmixing the dough—this keeps the cookies tender and light.
- Monitor baking time closely to prevent drying out; remove when the edges are just lightly golden.
- For extra citrus flavor, add a teaspoon of fresh orange juice to the dough.
Variations & Substitutions
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based butter and replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water).
- Add Nuts: Mix in ½ cup chopped pecans or almonds for extra crunch.
- White Chocolate Cranberry Orange Cookies: Fold in ½ cup of white chocolate chips for an extra sweet touch.
How to Store Cranberry Orange Cookies
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Make-Ahead Dough: Freeze the dough balls before baking and roll them in the sugar mixture just before baking.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy winter treat.
- Include in holiday gift boxes alongside other festive cookies.
- Serve on a dessert platter with shortbread, gingerbread, and chocolate cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Yes! If using fresh cranberries, chop them finely and reduce the amount to ½ cup to prevent excess moisture in the dough.
Why do I need to roll the cookies in sugar?
The sugar coating adds a subtle crunch, enhances the citrus flavor, and gives the cookies a beautiful, sparkly appearance.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.
What makes these cookies crispy or soft?
Baking for the full 10 minutes will yield crispier cookies, while a shorter bake time results in a softer texture.
Do these cookies spread while baking?
They spread slightly but maintain their round shape. Flattening them with a glass before baking helps achieve the perfect thickness.
Final Thoughts
These Cranberry Orange Cookies bring a burst of festive flavor to your holiday baking. Whether you’re making them for a cookie exchange, gifting them to friends, or enjoying them with family, they are sure to be a hit. The combination of tart cranberries, sweet citrus, and crunchy sugar coating makes these cookies a standout treat.
If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out in the comments! Don’t forget to share your cookie creations on social media and tag us. Happy Baking!