Introduction
Welcome to the delightful world of holiday baking! Today, we’re diving into a festive treat that’s bursting with flavor—Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies. These charming cookies, with their rich buttery base, pops of tart cranberries, and a hint of zesty orange, will fill your home with an irresistible aroma that just screams the holidays. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a cookie swap, or simply to enjoy with a warm cup of cocoa, these cookies are sure to spread joy and cheer!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside to let the dry ingredients mingle.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is creamy and well-combined—a sign of good things to come!
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and fragrant orange zest to the buttery mixture, mixing until everything is beautifully united.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this helps keep them delightfully chewy!
- Now, fold in the vibrant dried cranberries, decadent white chocolate chips, and chopped walnuts (if using), creating a colorful masterpiece of cookie dough.
- Using rounded tablespoons, drop the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown, signalling that they are ready to come out.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy their tempting aroma as they cool!
Notes or Tips
Feel free to experiment! Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can add another layer of warm flavor. If you’re not a fan of walnuts, you can easily omit them or substitute with pecans for a different twist. These cookies also freeze beautifully—simply pack them away in an airtight container, and you’ll have a sweet treat ready at a moment’s notice!
Cooking Techniques
Understanding the importance of room temperature ingredients, especially butter, can make a huge difference in your cookies’ texture. Remember to cream the butter and sugars well, as this step is essential for achieving that chewy texture. Also, keep an eye on them while baking; every oven is different, and those last few minutes can turn golden brown cookies into overbaked ones in a flash!
FAQ
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries are much more tart and will release moisture, which could affect the cookie’s structure. Stick to dried cranberries for the best results!
How can I store leftover cookies?
Store your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months!
Conclusion
These Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are not just a treat—they’re a celebration of the season! Their festive colors and flavors make them perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying on your own. So gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and let the cookie magic begin. Happy baking and merry munching!