Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies

Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies

As the holiday season approaches, the kitchen buzzes with the scents of warm spices, baking treats, and the joyous spirit of celebration. One delightful addition to your Christmas cookie repertoire this year can be the Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies. These festive cookies combine the tartness of cranberries with the bright and zesty flavor of orange, making them an irresistible holiday treat.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

These chewy cookies are not just delicious; they come with the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the cookies is perfectly contrasted by the tartness of the cranberries, while the orange zest adds a refreshing lift that brightens each bite. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday party, or simply treating yourself, these cookies are sure to impress.

Ingredients

To whip up a batch of these scrumptious cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries
  • Zest of 1 large orange
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
  5. Fold in the dried cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 2: Bake the Cookies

  1. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
  2. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the centers appear slightly underbaked. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
  3. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy the Festive Charm

These chewy Christmas cranberry orange cookies embody the spirit of the holiday season, bringing warmth and sweetness to any gathering. They are perfect for sharing with loved ones, gifting to friends, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa by the fireplace.

Tips for Perfect Cookies

  • Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer freshness.
  • Additions: For an extra touch of festivity, consider adding white chocolate chips or nuts to enhance the flavor and texture.
  • Serving suggestions: Pair these delightful cookies with a glass of milk, coffee, or even a festive tea to complement the flavors.

This holiday season, brighten up your dessert table with these Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies. Happy baking and enjoy the delightful flavors of the season!