Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies

In This Recipe

The aroma of citrus zest mixing with the sweet-tart punch of cranberries is one of the most delightful scents of the holiday season. If you’re searching for a cookie that embodies Christmas in every bite, these chewy cranberry orange cookies are exactly what your holiday cookie platter needs. These festive treats balance bright orange flavor with bursts of cranberry goodness, all wrapped up in a soft, chewy cookie that stays fresh for days – if they last that long! Perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday gatherings, or as homemade gifts, these Xmas cookies will quickly become a seasonal favorite in your Christmas baking repertoire.

Ingredients List

For the cookies:

2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tablespoons fresh orange zest (from approximately 2 medium oranges)
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1½ cups dried cranberries
½ cup white chocolate chips (optional)

For the orange glaze (optional):

1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
½ teaspoon orange zest

*Substitution options: Replace white chocolate chips with chopped nuts for extra texture. For dairy-free options, use plant-based butter sticks that are formulated for baking.

Timing

Prep time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes (saves you from flat, spread-out cookies!)
Baking time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Total time: 1 hour (plus cooling)

This holiday cookie recipe requires less hands-on time than traditional cut-out Christmas cookies, saving you about 30 minutes of decorating time while still delivering festive flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients

Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Pro tip: Fluff your flour with a fork before measuring to avoid dense cookies.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Don’t rush this step—proper creaming creates the perfect chewy texture!

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in eggs one at a time, then add orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla. The orange zest contains the essential oils that give these cranberry cookies their distinctive aroma.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing will make your cookies tough.

Step 5: Fold in Cranberries and Chocolate

Gently fold in dried cranberries and white chocolate chips (if using). For extra flavor, soak the cranberries in orange juice for 10 minutes before adding.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This prevents spreading and enhances flavor.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden but centers still look slightly underbaked.

Step 8: Glaze (Optional)

While cookies cool, whisk together glaze ingredients and drizzle over the top for an extra punch of orange flavor.

Nutritional Information

Per cookie (without glaze):

Calories: 165
Protein: 1.5g
Carbs: 24g
Fat: 7g
Fiber: 1g
Vitamin C: 5% of daily value (from orange)

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

For reduced sugar: Cut granulated sugar to ¾ cup and use sugar-free dried cranberries
Gluten-free option: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
Vegan version: Use plant-based butter and egg replacer (¼ cup applesauce per egg)
Low-carb adaptation: Use almond flour and sugar-free sweetener (note: texture will differ)

Serving Suggestions

Pair these Christmas cranberry orange treats with:

Hot mulled cider or spiced tea
Vanilla ice cream for a festive dessert sandwich
A small bowl of extra cranberries and orange segments for color contrast on your holiday dessert table
Package in decorative tins with parchment paper dividers for heartfelt homemade gifts

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using cold butter instead of properly softened butter
Skipping the chilling time (results in flat, spread-out cookies)
Using dried cranberry juice infused-raisins instead of actual dried cranberries
Overcrowding the baking sheet (cookies need room to spread)
Overbaking (they should look slightly underdone when removed from oven)

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread for up to 5 days
Freezer storage: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months in freezer bags
Make ahead: Freeze cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake straight from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to baking time
Refresh stale cookies: Warm in a 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes

Conclusion

These chewy Christmas cranberry orange cookies bring together festive flavors in a treat that’s both impressive and easy to make. The bright citrus notes and tangy cranberries create a perfect balance that stands out on any holiday cookie tray. Whether you’re sharing them at a cookie exchange or serving them after a family dinner, they’re sure to become a seasonal favorite. Try the recipe this weekend and share your creations on social media with #HolidayCookieMagic!

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries have much higher moisture content and acidity. If using fresh, chop them finely and reduce to 3/4 cup, adding 2 extra tablespoons of sugar to balance tartness.

How do I ensure my cookies stay chewy?
Slightly underbake them, use brown sugar as directed, and store properly in an airtight container with a slice of bread.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months.

What makes these cookies specifically Christmas cookies?
The red and white color combination from cranberries and white chocolate, along with the festive orange flavor, embodies traditional Christmas colors and winter citrus seasonality.