Go Back

cranberry orange christmas cookies

Soft, chewy festive cookies filled with dried cranberries, bright orange zest, and sweet citrus flavor—perfect for Christmas baking.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Christmas, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 160
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookie Dough
  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tbsp orange zest fresh
  • 2 tbsp orange juice fresh
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 1.25 cups dried cranberries
Optional Topping
  • granulated sugar for rolling
  • orange zest for garnish

Equipment

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

Method
 

  1. Cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
  2. Add eggs, then mix in orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla.
  3. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt separately.
  4. Combine dry and wet ingredients just until mixed.
  5. Fold in dried cranberries.
  6. Chill dough 30–45 minutes.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets.
  8. Roll dough into balls, coat in sugar if desired.
  9. Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are set.
  10. Cool and garnish with orange zest.

Notes

For extra citrus flavor, add more orange zest or drizzle with orange glaze.