Why Make This Recipe

Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are perfect for the holiday season. Their delightful combination of cranberries and orange zest brings a refreshing taste to your dessert table. Not only are they delicious, but they also add a fun pop of color to your cookie platter. These cookies are easy to make, and the aroma while they bake fills your kitchen with warmth and cheer.

How to Make Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup orange zest

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and stir in the vanilla extract.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the creamed mixture.
Fold in the dried cranberries and orange zest.
Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden.
Allow cookies to 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

These cookies are best served warm or at room temperature. You can present them on a festive plate or in a decorative tin for a lovely holiday gift. Pair them with a glass of milk or a warm cup of tea for a comforting treat.

How to Store Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for about one week. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.

Tips to Make Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies

Make sure your butter is at room temperature to ensure it mixes well with the sugars.
Don’t overmix the dough after adding the flour; this can make the cookies tough.
For a stronger orange flavor, you can add a bit more zest.
Keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is different.

Serving Ideas

These cookies can be served as part of a holiday cookie platter alongside other festive treats. You can also crumble them over vanilla ice cream for a special dessert or enjoy them with a scoop of whipped cream for a festive touch.

Final Thoughts

Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are a wonderful treat to make and share during the holiday season. With their chewy texture and sweet-tart flavor, they are sure to bring joy to your celebrations.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries?
No, fresh cranberries are much too tart for this recipe. Dried cranberries give the right amount of sweetness and chewiness.

2. Can I substitute the butter for something else?
You can use margarine or a non-dairy butter substitute, but this may change the texture slightly.

3. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown. They may look a little soft in the center but will set as they cool.