There’s just something magical about the holiday season—the lights twinkle a little brighter, homes feel a little cozier, and kitchens fill with the sweet aroma of fresh-baked cookies. These Cranberry Orange Cookies are the perfect Christmas treat: soft, buttery, and full of festive flavor.
The tart cranberries balance beautifully with the bright zest of orange, while the buttery cookie base makes every bite melt in your mouth. They’re simple enough for a beginner baker, yet impressive enough to share at holiday parties, cookie swaps, or family gatherings.
| Category | Prep Time | Cook Time | Servings | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dessert / Holiday Cookies | 15 minutes | 12 minutes | 24 cookies | ~130 per cookie |
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 cup dried cranberries (or fresh chopped cranberries)
- ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional, but highly recommended!)
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven – Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream the Butter & Sugars – In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients – Mix in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla, orange zest, and orange juice.
- Combine Dry Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Form the Dough – Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in cranberries and white chocolate chips (if using).
- Scoop & Shape – Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Bake – Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and centers look just set.
- Cool & Enjoy – Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Helpful Notes & Tips
- Don’t Overbake – Remove cookies when they still look slightly soft in the center; they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Cranberry Options – Both dried and fresh cranberries work. Fresh ones give more tartness, while dried add chewiness.
- Storage – Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Recipe Variations
- Glaze Them Up – Drizzle cooled cookies with a simple orange glaze (powdered sugar + orange juice).
- Nutty Twist – Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Gluten-Free – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-friendly.
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect with a mug of hot cocoa or spiced tea by the Christmas tree.
- Include in holiday cookie boxes for neighbors, friends, or coworkers.
- Serve on a dessert tray with gingerbread men and sugar cookies for a festive spread.
Conclusion
These Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies bring together everything we love about the holidays: sweetness, brightness, and cozy comfort. Bake a batch to share with loved ones—or keep a few tucked away for yourself with a cup of cocoa. Either way, they’re guaranteed to bring joy and holiday cheer.