Description
Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies combine tart cranberries, bright citrus zest, and a delicate orange glaze for the ultimate festive treat. Soft, buttery, and gently spiced, these cookies are bursting with holiday flavor and make a beautiful addition to any cookie platter.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
2 tbsp orange juice
1 tsp grated orange zest
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups chopped cranberries (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Orange Glaze
1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
3 tbsp orange juice
1/2 tsp grated orange zest
Instructions
Mix dough: Beat softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Add egg, orange juice, and zest; mix until smooth.
Combine dry ingredients: Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually mix into wet ingredients just until combined.
Add mix-ins: Fold in chopped cranberries and walnuts if using.
Chill: Cover dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
Preheat oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Bake: Scoop tablespoons of chilled dough onto sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake 12–15 minutes until edges are golden and centers set. Cool 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.
Glaze: Whisk confectioners sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies and let set before serving.
Notes
Fresh orange juice and zest give the brightest flavor.
Chilling prevents dough from spreading too much during baking.
If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw before folding in.
Store cookies airtight for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Add a touch of cinnamon or ginger for extra warmth.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American / Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (1/30 recipe)
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: christmas cranberry orange cookies, orange zest cookies, glazed cranberry cookies, holiday citrus cookies, festive cranberry desserts