Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe
Why Make This Recipe
Christmas time is a special season when families come together to celebrate and share joy. One way to add sweetness to these festive moments is through delightful homemade cookies. Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are a perfect treat for the holidays. The combination of sweet and tart flavors from cranberries and fresh orange zest brings a burst of seasonal spirit to every bite.
These cookies not only taste amazing, but they also look festive with their vibrant colors. They make excellent gifts for friends, family, and co-workers. Baking these cookies can also create cherished memories in the kitchen. Whether you gather everyone around to help or enjoy the process by yourself, the aroma of cookies baking will fill your home with warmth and happiness.
These cookies are versatile too! They can be enjoyed fresh from the oven or stored for later snacking. The chewy texture combined with creamy white chocolate chips makes them irresistible. Plus, they are a great way to use up some of those dried cranberries lingering in your pantry. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to create a holiday favorite!
How to Make Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
Making Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies is a fun and simple process. Follow these easy steps, and you will have delicious cookies ready in no time.
Ingredients
To make these delightful cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 orange, zested
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is essential to ensure that your cookies bake evenly.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for the best results. Beat until the mixture is light in color and texture.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined. The eggs help to bind the ingredients together and add richness.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and salt.
Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture and mix until combined. Do this step slowly to prevent flour from flying everywhere. Mix until you don’t see any more flour pockets.
Fold in the dried cranberries, orange zest, and white chocolate chips. Gently mix these ingredients into the dough to avoid breaking the cranberries and chocolate.
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased cookie sheets, leaving space for spreading. A tablespoon or a cookie scoop works great for this step.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, until lightly browned at the edges. Keep an eye on the cookies in the final minutes; every oven is different.
Allow cookies to cool for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely. This cooling time lets them set properly while maintaining their chewy texture.
How to Serve Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
When it comes to serving these yummy cookies, the options are many. You can plate them on a decorative dish and set them out during holiday parties or gatherings. They also make delightful gifts; you can stack them in a festive tin or box to present to loved ones. Pairing these cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa enhances the experience.
If you want to make a dessert table, add these cookies alongside other holiday treats like brownies or peppermint bark. The rich flavors of cranberry and orange will complement many sweet options.
How to Store Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
Once baked, it is easy to store these cookies to maintain their deliciousness. Allow them to cool completely on the wire racks. After they cool, place them in an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to a week.
If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about an hour. After they are firm, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Tips to Make Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them to blend easily and create a smooth dough.
Don’t skip the orange zest: The fresh orange zest adds a unique flavor that elevates the cookies. Grate only the orange’s outer skin for the best results.
Watch the baking time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. You want them to be lightly golden at the edges but still soft in the center.
Cool cookies on wire racks: This helps them to maintain a chewy texture since air can circulate and prevent sogginess.
Make them smaller or larger: You can adjust the size of the dough scoops depending on how big or small you want your cookies.
Variation
If you want to mix up the flavors, try adding different nuts such as chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch. You can also replace the white chocolate chips with milk or dark chocolate for a different sweetness. For added spices, consider a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to give the cookies a warm spice that complements the cranberry and orange.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries?
Yes, you can use fresh cranberries, but keep in mind that they are much more tart. You might want to add extra sugar to balance the flavor. Additionally, they might make the cookie dough wetter, so adjust your flour slightly if needed.
2. How can I make my cookies more festive?
You can decorate your cookies with sprinkles before baking. Adding festive colors like red and green can make them more appealing for the holiday season.
3. Why are my cookies flat?
Flat cookies can occur if your butter is too warm or you added too much flour. Make sure to measure the flour accurately and chill the dough slightly before baking for thicker cookies.
Baking Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies is not only a delightful experience but a great way to share joy and sweetness during the festive season! Enjoy making them and sharing with loved ones!
Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture and mix until combined.
- Fold in the dried cranberries, orange zest, and white chocolate chips.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased cookie sheets, leaving space for spreading.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until lightly browned at the edges.
- Allow cookies to cool for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.