There’s a magic that fills the air during the holiday season, especially when it comes to baking treasures for our loved ones. One bite of Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies brings back memories of warm family gatherings, the laughter echoing around the kitchen, and the sweet aroma wafting through the halls. It’s a moment where love is served on a platter, and every kitchen should bask in the joy of this simple yet delicious treat.
Why make this recipe
These delightful cookies are a heartwarming blend of tart cranberries and zesty orange, making them a perfect accompaniment to cozy evenings spent with family. The chewy texture is simply irresistible, and they make a lovely addition to any holiday cookie platter. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just dipping your toes into the world of sweets, this recipe will fill your kitchen with laughter and warm memories.
How to make Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Directions:
- First, preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). The warmth will cradle your kitchen in a festive hug.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until it’s a smooth and dreamy consistency. It should feel like a warm embrace.
- Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, letting them blend in completely, and then stir in that heavenly vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt—your dry ingredients that will soon become a delightful cookie dough. Gradually blend this mixture into the creamy butter mixture until it’s all coming together beautifully.
- Now for the fun part! Gently fold in the dried cranberries, orange zest, and chopped nuts if you’re feeling adventurous. Each ingredient adds its own charm!
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, giving them a little space to spread their joy.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until you see the edges turning golden brown, filling your home with scents that whisk you away to childhood memories.
- Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes, savoring the moment before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
How to serve Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
These delightful cookies are perfect served warm with a glass of milk or hot cocoa. Arrange them on a lovely platter, maybe add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for a snowy effect, and watch as your family gathers around. They’re eye-catching and delicious, and they’ll surely be a favorite holiday treat!
How to store Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
If there are any leftovers—though that’s a big if!—store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, they can also be frozen for up to three months. Just make sure to separate each cookie with parchment paper!
Tips to make Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
- For extra chewiness, be careful not to overbake; it’s better to leave them a tad underbaked so they stay soft.
- Freshly grated orange zest really elevates this recipe, so don’t skip it!
- If you love a little crunch, go for the nuts, but if you’re baking for little ones or nut allergies, feel free to leave them out.
Variations
Get creative! Substitute dried cranberries with other dried fruits like cherries or apricots for a different flavor twist. You can also experiment by adding in white chocolate chips for a touch of sweetness or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a holiday spice.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries are quite tart, but you can certainly use them by cooking them down with some sugar until they’re softer. Just make sure they’re sweet enough for the cookie!
2. Can I make this dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to three days or freeze it for later enjoyment. Just thaw before baking.
3. What can I do if I can’t find orange zest?
If fresh oranges aren’t available, you can use a store-bought orange zest or even a splash of orange extract to keep that citrus flavor alive!
Baking these Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies brings the essence of the holidays straight into our homes. As you measure, mix, and bake, you’re not just preparing treats; you’re creating memories filled with love and laughter. So gather your loved ones in the kitchen, share stories, and watch these cookies disappear as fast as the laughter and joy that fill your heart. Remember, the best moments in life often happen over a plate of freshly baked goodies. Happy baking, y’all!
Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the butter mixture.
- Gently fold in the dried cranberries, orange zest, and chopped nuts.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool.