If you’re looking for a cookie that perfectly captures the taste of the holidays, these Cranberry Orange Cookies are it. Soft, buttery, and filled with bursts of tart cranberries and zesty orange flavor, they strike the ideal balance of sweet and tangy. Each bite melts in your mouth, making them a beautiful addition to your cookie trays or dessert tables year-round.
The fresh orange zest brings a bright citrus note that complements the chewy cranberries, creating a cookie that’s both refreshing and comforting. They’re quick to make, easy to customize, and guaranteed to disappear fast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive and Flavorful: A perfect blend of sweet orange and tart cranberries.
- Soft and Chewy: The creamed butter gives these cookies a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Customizable: Add white chocolate or nuts for extra texture and sweetness.
- No-Chill Dough: Ready to bake in minutes — no waiting required.
- Perfect for Gifting: A beautiful, bakery-style cookie ideal for holidays and parties.
Ingredient Breakdown
Butter (1 cup): Softened unsalted butter creates a rich, tender base for the cookies.
Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and helps the cookies spread perfectly while baking.
Egg (1 large): Adds structure and binds the dough together.
Fresh Orange Juice (2 tbsp): Adds a bright, natural citrus flavor and lightens the dough.
Orange Zest (1 tbsp): Provides intense orange aroma and taste — don’t skip it!
All-Purpose Flour (2½ cups): The main structure of the cookies; measure accurately for perfect texture.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda (½ tsp each): Give the cookies lift and help them bake evenly.
Salt (¼ tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Dried Cranberries (1 cup): Chopped for even distribution of tart flavor.
Optional Add-Ins:
- White Chocolate Chips (½ cup): Add a creamy sweetness that pairs beautifully with citrus.
- Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (½ cup): Add crunch and a nutty depth.
- Simple Orange Glaze: Drizzle over cooled cookies for extra shine and sweetness.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Orange Zest: It gives more flavor than bottled extracts.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix until the dough just comes together to keep cookies soft.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level to avoid dense cookies.
- Chop Cranberries: Smaller pieces distribute more evenly through the dough.
- For a Bakery Finish: Drizzle orange glaze and sprinkle with zest after cooling.
Ingredient Variations
- Swap Cranberries: Use dried cherries or chopped dried apricots.
- Add a Touch of Spice: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg complements the citrus.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Try Lemon or Lime: Replace orange zest and juice with lemon or lime for a twist.
Serving Suggestions
These Cranberry Orange Cookies are perfect for:
- Holiday dessert platters or cookie exchanges.
- Gifting in festive tins or boxes.
- Pairing with hot tea, coffee, or mulled cider.
- Brightening up any dessert spread with color and flavor.
They’re equally fitting for Christmas gatherings or spring brunches thanks to their light, citrusy taste.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
- Make Ahead: Prepare dough and refrigerate up to 3 days before baking.
- Freezing Dough: Roll into balls, freeze on a tray, and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Storage: Keep baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 5 days.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature before serving.
Cultural or Historical Notes
Cranberries have long been a hallmark of festive American baking, symbolizing winter abundance and holiday cheer. Combined with citrus — a classic pairing from traditional European desserts — these cookies blend the best of both worlds: bright, fruity freshness with cozy seasonal warmth. The result is a cookie that feels timeless yet excitingly fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Yes, but chop them finely and pat dry to prevent excess moisture.
Can I skip the orange zest?
It’s not recommended — the zest provides most of the flavor.
How can I make the glaze?
Mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 1–2 teaspoons orange juice until smooth.
Do these cookies spread a lot?
No — they hold their shape well. Flatten slightly before baking if you prefer thinner cookies.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Perfect for large gatherings or holiday baking.
Cranberry Orange Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. This step incorporates air for a tender texture.
- Beat in the egg until fully combined. Mix in the fresh orange juice and orange zest, ensuring the zest is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Gently stir in chopped dried cranberries. If using, fold in white chocolate chips and nuts.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and place 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft. Do not overbake.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Drizzle with orange glaze if desired.
