Cranberry Orange Cookies Holiday

This cranberry orange cookie recipe brings together the perfect harmony of bright citrus and tart cranberries in a soft, buttery cookie. My family insists on these cookies every holiday season, and they've become our signature treat to share with neighbors and friends.

I created these cookies years ago when looking for something festive but different from traditional holiday spice cookies. Now they're the first to disappear from any cookie exchange I attend.

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar: brings just the right sweetness to balance the tart cranberries
• 3/4 cup softened butter: creates that melt in your mouth texture that makes these cookies irresistible
• 1 egg: binds everything together and adds richness
• 2 cups flour: provides the perfect structure for a soft but sturdy cookie
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder and 1/4 tsp baking soda: work together for the ideal rise
• 1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries: add chewy texture and bright pops of color
• 1 tbsp freshly grated orange peel: infuses the dough with intense citrus flavor
• Sugar mixture 1/3 cup sugar and 1 tsp orange zest: creates a beautiful sparkly coating

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Set your oven to 350°F and gather all ingredients to ensure smooth preparation. Make sure your butter is properly softened but not melted for the best cookie texture.

Prepare Sugar Mixture:

Combine the 1/3 cup sugar with that fresh orange zest in a small bowl, working the zest into the sugar with your fingertips to release the essential oils. This creates an aromatic sugar coating that elevates these cookies to something special.

Cream Butter and Sugar:

Beat the cup of sugar, softened butter, and egg together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. The mixture should lighten in color and increase in volume, which creates the foundation for perfectly textured cookies.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

Add your flour, baking powder, and baking soda to the creamed mixture and mix on low speed. Stop when the mixture is about halfway combined to avoid overmixing, which would make your cookies tough.

Add Flavor:

Gently fold in the cranberries and orange zest until just distributed. Handle the dough minimally at this stage to keep your cookies tender. The bright red cranberries should be evenly scattered throughout the dough.

Shape Dough:

Roll the dough into one inch balls between your palms, then coat each ball thoroughly in the orange sugar mixture. The coating adds a delightful crunch and extra burst of flavor to every bite.

Bake:

Place the cookies on an ungreased cookie sheet with plenty of space between them. Bake just until the edges begin to turn golden brown, about 7 to 11 minutes depending on your oven. They may look slightly underdone in the center but will firm up as they cool.

Cool Cookies:

Let the cookies rest on the hot baking sheet for exactly one minute before transferring to a wire rack. This brief rest helps them set without continuing to bake from the hot pan.

Save This

The orange zest is truly the star ingredient in these cookies. I always keep oranges on hand during the holiday season specifically for this recipe. My daughter now helps me grate the zest, and the kitchen fills with the most incredible citrus aroma that signals the holidays have officially begun in our home.

Make Ahead and Storage

These cookies maintain their wonderful texture for about 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, place them in a freezer safe container with parchment paper between layers and freeze for up to 3 months. I often make a double batch in early December and portion them out for various holiday gatherings throughout the month.

Festive Variations

While the classic recipe is perfection, I sometimes add white chocolate chips for extra sweetness and visual appeal. Another delicious variation includes adding 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract for a subtle nutty flavor that complements the orange beautifully. For an even more festive look, drizzle cooled cookies with a simple orange glaze made from powdered sugar and fresh orange juice.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or spiced cider. I like to include them on holiday cookie platters alongside chocolate offerings for color contrast. They make a delightful afternoon treat with coffee, and my children love them with a glass of cold milk. Consider serving them as a light dessert option after a heavy holiday meal when a full dessert might be too much.

The History Behind the Recipe

Cranberry and orange is a classic American flavor combination that gained popularity in the early 20th century when cranberry cultivation became more widespread. This pairing features prominently in many traditional New England recipes, particularly around Thanksgiving and Christmas. I adapted this recipe from my grandmother's cranberry bread, transforming it into a cookie that captures the same beloved flavors in a more giftable format.

Common Queries

→ How can I keep cookies soft after baking?

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Adding a slice of bread to the container helps maintain softness and prevents drying out.

→ Can I substitute fresh cranberries for dried?

It's best to use dried cranberries for texture and sweetness. Fresh cranberries have a higher moisture content and can affect the cookie's consistency.

→ What’s the benefit of grating orange peel fresh?

Freshly grated orange peel releases essential oils, enhancing the citrus aroma and flavor in every bite.

→ Are there alternative mix-ins I can try?

White chocolate chips pair wonderfully for extra sweetness, or swap dried cranberries with dried cherries for a fun twist.

→ How do I know when cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for lightly golden edges and set centers. Avoid overbaking to maintain a soft, chewy texture.