Cranberry Orange Christmas Cookies (Print Version)
Soft, chewy holiday cookies combining tart cranberries with bright orange zest, finished with a sweet citrus glaze for festive charm.
# Ingredients:
→ Cookie Base
01 -
1 cup butter, softened
02 -
1 cup sugar
03 -
1/2 cup brown sugar
04 -
1 egg
05 -
2 tablespoons orange juice
06 -
1 teaspoon orange zest
07 -
2 1/2 cups flour
08 -
1/2 teaspoon salt
09 -
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
10 -
2 cups dried cranberries
→ Orange Glaze
11 -
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
12 -
3 tablespoons orange juice
13 -
1/2 teaspoon orange zest
# Steps:
01 -
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, orange juice, and orange zest until fully incorporated.
02 -
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring just until combined to form a cohesive dough.
03 -
Fold dried cranberries into the dough by hand until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
04 -
Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 5 cm apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden while centers remain soft.
05 -
Allow cookies to rest on baking sheets for 2 minutes before transferring to wire cooling racks to cool completely.
06 -
In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth and drizzling consistency is achieved.
07 -
Drizzle orange glaze over completely cooled cookies. Allow glaze to set fully before storing.
# Notes:
01 -
For the best texture, ensure butter is at room temperature but still slightly firm to the touch.
02 -
Sweetened dried cranberries (Craisins) work well, but unsweetened will give a more tart flavor profile.
03 -
Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking for optimal cookie shape and texture.
04 -
Avoid grating the white pith of the orange when zesting to prevent bitterness.