I still remember the smell of orange peel and cinnamon drifting through my mom’s kitchen at Christmastime, the way little hands would sneak a cranberry before it hit the bowl. That bright tartness and sweet chew always felt like holiday magic on a plate.
I’m a home cook who learned at my mother’s elbow and in the church kitchen, and I keep things simple and familiar. I write recipes with a warm, practical voice that comes from real weeknight testing and from feeding a family who prefers cozy, no-fuss food. I share dishes that are family-friendly, pork-free, and built so you can trust them to work the first time. That’s how I approach cookies, too: reliable textures, honest ingredients, and flavors that bring people together. If you like straightforward directions and comfort-first baking, you’ll find a lot to love here. For a nutty variation, try these delightful pistachio cranberry cookies for a different crunch and color contrast: pistachio cranberry cookies.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
This Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies recipe aims for soft centers, lightly crisp edges, and a pop of citrus that keeps the cranberries lively. The balance comes from brown sugar for moisture, orange zest for lift, and just enough flour and baking soda to keep the cookies tender. I use dried cranberries so the texture stays chewy, and optional nuts add a rustic bite. Whether you pull a tray from the oven for a school party or tuck a plate on the front step for neighbors, these Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies deliver simple holiday charm without fuss. Read on for the step-by-step method and serving ideas to make them feel extra special.
How to prepare Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
Start by warming your oven and lining a baking sheet so the cookies bake evenly. Measure carefully and have your orange zest ready; that little bit of zest lifts the entire batch. The method stays classic: cream butter and sugars until smooth, beat in the egg and vanilla, fold in dry ingredients just until combined, then stir in cranberries and orange zest. If you like a nutty note, add chopped walnuts or pecans, though I often skip them to keep things simple. For a playful twist, you might pair these cookies with a soft ricotta puff for dessert plate variety; here’s a fun idea to try: orange ricotta festive puffs.
While you mix, keep the dough slightly sticky; that’s the secret to chew. Scoop uniform spoonfuls so they bake at the same rate. The recipe bakes at 350°F for about 10–12 minutes; you want lightly golden edges and a soft center. Let the cookies rest on the sheet for a few minutes, then move them to a wire rack to finish cooling they set as they cool and retain that chewy bite.
These Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies hold their shape well but stay tender inside thanks to brown sugar and a modest amount of flour. If the dough feels too soft for clean scooping, chill briefly for 10–15 minutes; that helps control spread without drying them out. Follow the simple steps in the ingredient list and directions, and you’ll have a tray of reliably delicious Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies to gift or graze on.
Ingredients :
2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened, 1 cup brown sugar, packed, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 cup dried cranberries, 1 tablespoon orange zest, 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper., 2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt., 3. In another bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth., 4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract., 5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined., 6. Fold in the dried cranberries, orange zest, and chopped nuts if using., 7. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet., 8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden., 9. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Serving ideas
These Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies work well on a dessert table because they pair with so many flavors. For a classic pairing, serve them with a pot of spiced tea or coffee; the citrus and bright cranberry stand up to bold beverages. You can dress them up by adding a light orange glaze just mix powdered sugar with a few teaspoons of orange juice and drizzle or sandwich two cookies with a smear of cream cheese frosting for a festive sandwich cookie.
If you want a contrast of textures, place a cookie next to a dollop of ricotta lightly sweetened and whipped with a touch of vanilla; look to recipes like this ricotta Italian Christmas cookie for inspiration: ricotta Italian Christmas cookies with almond glaze.
For gifting, stack six cookies with parchment between layers and tie with ribbon. At a holiday brunch, place a platter with a variety of cookies, including shortbread or pistachio-cranberry options, to create a colorful spread try these cranberry pistachio shortbread cookies for a buttery contrast: cranberry pistachio shortbread cookies. If you want to offer something extra, include a small jar of orange marmalade beside the cookies so guests can spread a bit for more citrus punch. No matter the setting, these Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies feel festive and approachable, and they keep well for sharing through the season.
How to store it properly
Storage matters when you want to keep that chewy texture. Store cooled Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Separate layers with parchment if you stack them, and add a slice of bread to the container to help maintain moisture for a day or two the cookies will stay chewy rather than dry out. If you plan to keep them longer, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag with parchment between layers; they thaw quickly at room temperature and retain texture well.
For dough storage, scoop dough balls onto a tray and freeze until solid, then place the frozen dough in a labeled bag. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the bake time. This keeps your holiday baking flexible and gives you fresh-baked Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies whenever you need a batch.
Avoid refrigerating the baked cookies uncovered; the fridge can make them stale faster. If you add a glaze, chill briefly to set it before stacking and storing, and keep glazed cookies in a single layer or with parchment between layers to preserve appearance. With proper storage, your cookies will taste as if they came straight from the oven for several days, making them perfect for gifting and gatherings.
Easy tips to improve this dish
Use fresh orange zest, not bottled, for a bright citrus note that elevates these Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies. Zest just before you mix, and avoid the bitter white pith. Measure flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling packing flour can make cookies dense. Cream your butter and sugars until just smooth; overbeating can introduce too much air and cause excessive spreading. Fold the dry ingredients in gently; a few streaks of flour are okay before the cranberries go in.
If you like a more pronounced orange flavor, stir in a teaspoon of orange extract or add an extra half tablespoon of zest, but taste the dough if you go heavy so it stays balanced. For a softer center, underbake by a minute or two; they will firm up as they cool but keep that tender chew. If you add nuts, toast them lightly for deeper flavor before chopping. For a crisp edge and soft middle, space cookies well on the sheet and rotate the tray halfway through baking. These Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are forgiving, so small adjustments work well; practice once and you’ll find the exact balance your family prefers.
Flavor variations
You can change these Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies in several simple ways that keep the cookie pork-free and family-friendly. Swap dried cranberries for dried cherries for a different tart-sweet profile. Replace half the brown sugar with maple syrup and reduce a tablespoon of butter for a maple-infused cookie. Stir in orange-chocolate chips or white chocolate chips if you like a sweeter, creamier element. For a nut-free option, omit the nuts entirely and add a tablespoon of ground flax for a mild texture boost.
If you want a seasonal twist, fold in some finely chopped candied ginger for warmth, or roll dough balls in sugar mixed with a pinch of cinnamon before baking. You can also experiment with almond extract in small amounts for a rounded, nutty aroma. For a softer cookie, add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar or use a mix of brown and light brown sugars. And if you’d like inspiration for pairing with other holiday treats, try serving these Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies alongside sticky ricotta puffs or other festive bites like those in this collection: cranberry pistachio shortbread cookies. These variations keep the basic method intact while offering new flavors to enjoy.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
A: You can, but fresh cranberries add moisture and may change the dough’s texture and spread. Chop fresh cranberries and pat them dry, or toss them lightly in flour before folding into the dough to help them distribute without sinking. Expect a slightly tarter bite and a different chew. These Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies lean on dried cranberries for consistent chew and shelf life.
Q: How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: Substitute a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Because blends vary, watch the dough’s texture; you may need a tablespoon more or less flour to reach the right consistency. Gluten-free versions may be a touch more fragile, so chill the dough briefly before baking. You’ll still get the bright orange flavor and cranberry pop that define these Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours; chilling deepens the flavor and controls spread. For longer storage, freeze scooped dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a bag for several months. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. Prepped this way, you’ll always have dough on hand to make fresh batches of Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies when visitors arrive.
Conclusion
For a reliable, festive cookie with bright citrus and chewy cranberry bites, this recipe hits the mark. If you want another tested approach with similar flavors, check the Soft and Chewy Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe | King Arthur for more baking tips and variations: Soft and Chewy Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe | King Arthur.
Print
Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive recipe for soft and chewy cookies packed with dried cranberries and bright orange zest, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in the dried cranberries, orange zest, and chopped nuts if using.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
These cookies maintain their chewy texture when stored properly in an airtight container. For gifting, stack with parchment between layers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American