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Cranberry Orange Christmas Cookies

Soft, chewy holiday cookies bursting with cranberry tartness and bright orange zest.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 185

Ingredients
  

Cookie Dough
  • 2.25 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.75 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 egg large
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp orange zest freshly grated
  • 2 tbsp orange juice fresh
  • 1 cup dried cranberries

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
  3. Cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add egg, vanilla, orange zest, and orange juice. Mix until combined.
  5. Add dry ingredients gradually, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Fold in dried cranberries.
  7. Scoop dough onto baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
  8. Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Centers should remain soft.
  9. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.

Notes

Add chopped fresh cranberries for extra tartness. Drizzle cooled cookies with orange glaze for a festive finish.