Introduction
There’s something truly magical about the holiday season, and nothing brings that warmth into your home quite like the aroma of freshly baked cookies. These Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are not just a delightful treat; they’re an explosion of festive flavors that embody the spirit of the season. With the zesty brightness of oranges and the tart sweetness of cranberries, each bite offers a joyous combination that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging in all by yourself!
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 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This creates the perfect nonstick surface for your cookies.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set this fragrant mixture aside; you’ll be adding it to your wet ingredients soon!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, filling your kitchen with a sweet scent.
- Add in the egg, orange zest, fresh orange juice, and vanilla extract. Beat everything together until well combined, creating a delightful, aromatic batter.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix — we want those cookies to stay chewy!
- Fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a tablespoon, drop balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are a beautiful golden brown and the centers look just slightly underbaked — this is key for that perfectly chewy texture.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, filling your home with delightful aromas.
Notes or Tips
For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding some chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the mix. They pair beautifully with the cranberries and white chocolate! If you prefer a less sweet cookie, you can reduce the amount of white chocolate chips.
Cooking Techniques
Be sure to use room-temperature butter for a light and creamy result when creaming with the sugars. Also, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes after baking; this helps them set and enhances their chewy texture!
FAQ
Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes! You can scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the balls to a zip-top bag and store them for up to 3 months. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I substitute for white chocolate chips? If you’re not a fan of white chocolate, feel free to use semi-sweet chocolate chips, or even dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
Conclusion
These Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are not just desserts; they’re a celebration of the holiday spirit wrapped up in a chewy, flavorful package. Perfect for gift-giving, holiday parties, or cozy nights in, they capture the essence of the season with every delicious bite. So gather your loved ones, bake a batch, and delight in the joy they bring!