Print

Citrus Cranberry Christmas Cookies

Print Recipe

Citrus Cranberry Christmas Cookies are a delightful combination of tangy citrus zest, sweet dried cranberries, and buttery cookie dough. These vibrant cookies bring a festive flair to any holiday table and are perfect for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or enjoying with a cup of tea by the fire.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookies:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp orange zest (or lemon zest for a sharper flavor)
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped

Optional Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tbsp fresh orange juice (or lemon juice)
  • Additional orange zest for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
    • In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients:
    • Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest until well combined.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients:
    • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Combine and Fold in Cranberries:
    • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Gently fold in the chopped dried cranberries.
  6. Shape the Cookies:
    • Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten slightly with your palm or the bottom of a glass.
  7. Bake the Cookies:
    • Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
  8. Optional Glaze:
    • While the cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle over cooled cookies and sprinkle with additional orange zest for garnish.

Notes

  • Swap orange zest for lemon or lime zest to change the citrus profile.
  • Add white chocolate chips or chopped nuts for additional texture and flavor.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • Glazed cookies should be stored in a single layer or with parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.

Keywords: Citrus Cranberry Christmas Cookies, holiday cookies, cranberry orange cookies, festive cookie recipe, Christmas cookie exchange, orange zest cookies, dried cranberry cookies, holiday baking ideas, citrus dessert recipe, easy Christmas cookies.

Find it online: https://inqelab.com/citrus-cranberry-christmas-cookies/