Why Make This Recipe
Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly capture the flavors of the holiday season. The combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange creates a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of white chocolate. These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with festive flavors, making them a great addition to your holiday baking list. Whether you’re sharing them at gatherings or enjoying them with a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to please everyone.
How to Make Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 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 the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and orange zest.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
These cookies can be served warm or at room temperature. They are lovely on their own or can be paired with a glass of milk or a cup of tea. For a festive touch, arrange them on a holiday-themed platter and add some fresh orange slices or a sprig of holly.
How to Store Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for about a week. If you want to keep them for longer, consider freezing the dough before baking or freeze the baked cookies. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
Tips to Make Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming with the sugars.
- Don’t overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients; this helps keep the cookies chewy.
- For an extra burst of orange flavor, add a bit of orange juice to the dough.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate; dark chocolate chips can add a nice richness.
Serving Ideas
These cookies work well for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or as a gift in a holiday tin. You can even package them with some homemade hot cocoa mix for a cozy gift.
Final Thoughts
Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are a simple yet delicious treat that embodies the joy of the holiday season. With their bright flavors and chewy texture, they quickly become a favorite. Baking these cookies is not just about the end result; it’s also about creating lovely memories in the kitchen with family and friends.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries are more tart and have a higher moisture content, which may change the texture of the cookies. It’s best to stick with dried cranberries.
2. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour, but be sure to check that the other ingredients are also gluten-free.
3. Can these cookies be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake them a few days in advance and store them in an airtight container. The flavors may even deepen as they rest.
Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Use room temperature for easier mixing.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour Can be substituted with gluten-free flour.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup dried cranberries Fresh cranberries can alter the texture.
- 1 orange, zested For extra flavor, add a bit of orange juice.
- 1 cup white chocolate chips Can substitute with dark chocolate for richer flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and orange zest.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Baking
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.