Introduction
There’s something truly magical about the holiday season, and nothing warms the heart quite like a batch of freshly baked cookies. These Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are bursting with festive flavors, combining the tartness of dried cranberries with the bright, zesty notes of orange. Topped off with creamy white chocolate chips, these delicious treats will undoubtedly become a favorite in your holiday cookie repertoire. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or indulging by the fire, each bite brings joy and a cozy spirit!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
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 prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper, ensuring an easy release of those precious cookies.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, inviting a lovely aroma to fill your kitchen.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and fresh orange zest, bringing a burst of citrus fragrance to your dough.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want those cookies to remain soft and chewy!
- Gently fold in the dried cranberries and the white chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout your cookie dough.
- Using a tablespoon, drop rounded portions of the dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them a few inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden while the centers remain soft and filled with flavor.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This resting period helps them set perfectly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes or Tips
These cookies are delightful on their own, but you can also sprinkle some additional orange zest on top before baking for extra flavor. For a twist, consider adding chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
Cooking Techniques
When creaming the butter and sugars, it’s important to achieve that fluffy texture, which helps create light and airy cookies. Be patient and use room temperature ingredients for the best results. Gently folding in the mix-ins, instead of stirring vigorously, will maintain the dough’s structure, ensuring each cookie bakes up beautifully.
FAQ
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried? Dried cranberries work best in this recipe due to their chewy texture and concentrated sweetness, but if you choose fresh cranberries, you may need to adjust the sugar slightly to balance the tartness.
How should I store these cookies? Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them for up to three months.
Conclusion
These Chewy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a celebration of the flavors of the season! The delightful combination of tart cranberries and sweet white chocolate, intertwined with the refreshing essence of orange, will make any gathering truly special. Bake up a batch (or two) and spread the holiday cheer one cookie at a time!