Irresistibly Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies

Introduction

Hey there! I’m Jenny, a passionate food lover and the creator behind Recipes Cookery. As a wife and mom, I adore cooking and baking, especially when my 6-year-old son joins me in the kitchen. Our cooking sessions are filled with laughter and joy. During the holiday season, I particularly love crafting special treats, like these chewy Christmas cranberry orange cookies. They’re not just delicious; they’re a celebration wrapped in a cookie!

In New Jersey, the seasonal changes inspire my culinary creations. Each holiday brings unique flavors and traditions, and these cookies perfectly blend my mom’s classic recipes with contemporary twists. So, let’s dive into how you can create these irresistible treats!

Ingredients

To make these chewy Christmas cranberry orange cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)

Timing

Timing is essential in baking these cookies; here’s a quick overview:

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Chill time (optional): 30 minutes
• Baking time: 12-15 minutes
• Total time: Approximately 1 hour

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your chewy Christmas cranberry orange cookies:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 5: Fold in Cranberries and Orange Zest

Gently fold in the dried cranberries, orange zest, and white chocolate chips if you’re using them. The cranberries provide a delightful tartness that complements the sweetness beautifully.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

For chewier cookies, chill the dough for about 30 minutes. This step is optional, but it can enhance the texture!

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a lined baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden. Remember, they’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy your chewy Christmas cranberry orange cookies with a cup of hot cocoa!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a rough estimate per cookie (based on 24 cookies):

• Calories: 150
• Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 1g
• Sugar: 10g

Healthier Alternatives

If you’re looking to lighten up your cookies without sacrificing flavor, consider these alternatives:

• Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
• Substitute half of the flour with whole wheat flour.
• Reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup or use a sugar substitute.
• Add nuts for healthy fats and protein.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings! Here are some fun ways to serve them:

• Arrange them on a festive platter with a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
• Pair with a glass of milk or eggnog for a classic treat.
• Gift them in a decorative tin to share the holiday spirit.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid while making chewy Christmas cranberry orange cookies:

• Don’t skip the chilling step if you want chewier cookies.
• Avoid overmixing the dough; this can lead to tough cookies.
• Make sure your baking soda is fresh for the best rise.

Storage Tips

To keep your cookies fresh and delicious:

• Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer and transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months.

Conclusion

These chewy Christmas cranberry orange cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday celebration. With their sweet and tart flavors, they are sure to become a family favorite. As you bake them with loved ones, remember to savor the moments spent together in the kitchen.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries can be used, but they are much more tart. You might want to add extra sugar to balance the flavors.

What can I do if my cookies spread too much?

If your cookies spread too much, try chilling the dough longer before baking. Also, ensure your butter is not too soft when you start mixing.

Can I add nuts to the recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a lovely crunch and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the quantity of cranberries accordingly.

Final Thoughts

As you prepare these chewy Christmas cranberry orange cookies, I hope you find joy in the process just like I do. Cooking is about creating memories, and these cookies are a delicious way to celebrate the season. Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with love and laughter!

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