Cranberry Orange Christmas Cookies bring together everything magical about the holiday season bright citrus aroma, sweet-tart cranberries, and soft, buttery cookie centers that feel like Christmas in every bite. These Cranberry Orange Christmas Cookies are the type of treat I love baking when the weather cools down and the house fills with cozy, nostalgic holiday scents.
This recipe is inspired by those cheerful December moments: warm lights, family chatter, and the comfort of baking something simple yet stunning. And like everything we share at Recipes Charming, it’s meant to make your kitchen feel joyful, stress-free, and delicious.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Holiday flavors in every bite orange zest and cranberries are the perfect Christmas duo.
- Soft, chewy texture with crisp edges.
- Simple ingredients you likely already have at home.
- Fun for gifting these cookies look beautiful in a Christmas cookie box.
- Ready in under 30 minutes easy enough for busy holiday schedules.
Ingredients Needed for This Recipe
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 cup dried cranberries (or fresh chopped cranberries)
- ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional but amazing!)
How to Make Cranberry Orange Christmas Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugars: Beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add wet ingredients: Mix in the egg, vanilla, orange zest, and orange juice.
- Combine: Add dry ingredients into the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Fold in cranberries (and white chocolate chips if using).
- Scoop dough: Drop tablespoon-sized scoops onto your baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool: Let cookies rest 5 minutes on the tray before transferring them to a rack.
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Christmas Cookies
- Serve warm with hot chocolate, chai tea, or a cozy Christmas morning coffee.
- Add to a festive cookie box with peppermint bark or gingerbread cookies.
- Drizzle melted white chocolate on top for an elegant finish.
How to Store Cranberry Orange Christmas Cookies
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for 4–5 days.
- Freeze dough: Scoop dough into balls and freeze up to 3 months.
- Freeze baked cookies: Freeze up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature.
Tips to Make Cranberry Orange Christmas Cookies
- For extra citrus flavor, add ½ teaspoon orange extract.
- Use fresh cranberries for a brighter tart flavo just chop them small.
- Don’t overbake! Remove when edges just begin turning golden.
- Chill dough 20 minutes for thicker cookies.
Helpful Notes for This Recipe
- White chocolate chips pair beautifully with the citrus-cranberry combo.
- You can replace dried cranberries with dried cherries.
- Gluten-free flour (1:1 blend) works well with this recipe.
Variation Ideas
- Cranberry Orange Holiday Cookies with Almonds: Add ⅓ cup sliced almonds.
- Glazed Version: Mix powdered sugar + orange juice for a quick drizzle.
- Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Add dark chocolate chunks instead of white chocolate.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Yes, you can absolutely use fresh cranberries in this recipe, and they add a beautiful tart pop of flavor. Just make sure to chop them into smaller pieces so they distribute evenly throughout the dough. It’s also important to pat them dry with a paper towel, because fresh cranberries release more moisture than dried ones. Drying them helps the cookies maintain the right texture and prevents the dough from becoming too wet or sticky. Fresh cranberries make the cookies brighter, tangier, and wonderfully festive.
2. Can I prepare the cookie dough ahead of time?
Definitely! This cookie dough is perfect for making ahead, especially during the busy holiday season. You can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours, which actually helps the flavors develop even more. If you want a longer prep option, scoop the dough into balls and freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough on a parchment-lined sheet and bake just add an extra 1–2 minutes. It’s a great way to always have fresh, warm holiday cookies ready whenever you need them.
3. Why did my cookies spread too much in the oven?
Cookie spreading can happen for a few reasons. The most common cause is butter that was too soft or melted before baking. To fix this, chill your dough for 20–30 minutes before placing it in the oven. Another reason is measuring flour incorrectly using too little flour makes the dough too loose. For best results, spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off, rather than scooping directly from the bag. Also, baking on a warm cookie sheet can cause spreading, so make sure your tray is cool before adding a new batch.
4. Can I add nuts, chocolate, or other mix-ins to this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile, and adding mix-ins can make it even more special. Chopped pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds add a lovely crunch, while white or dark chocolate chips create a richer, sweeter flavor. You can also add a sprinkle of orange zest on top for extra brightness. Just be careful not to exceed about 1 cup of total mix-ins, or the dough may become too heavy and won’t spread evenly. Customize it your way the possibilities are delicious!
Conclusion
These Cranberry Orange Christmas Cookies are everything a holiday cookie should be — soft, bright, comforting, and irresistibly festive. Whether you’re preparing a cookie tray, baking with family, or gifting homemade treats, this recipe brings warmth to every celebration. I hope these cookies become a holiday tradition in your home.
Bake a batch, share the joy, and enjoy every citrus-cranberry bite of your Cranberry Orange Christmas Cookies!