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Citrus Cranberry Christmas Cookies

When the holiday season rolls around, there’s nothing quite like baking a batch of Citrus Cranberry Christmas Cookies to fill your home with festive cheer. These cookies bring together the tartness of fresh cranberries, the zesty brightness of citrus, and the perfect balance of sweetness. With each bite, you get a burst of holiday flavor that’s both refreshing and indulgent.

Not only do these cookies taste amazing, but their vibrant colors and citrusy aroma make them the perfect treat for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or just enjoying on a cozy afternoon. The combination of cranberries and citrus will quickly make these cookies a new holiday favorite, one that’s as delightful to eat as it is to share.

Citrus Cranberry Christmas Cookies are a festive and flavorful holiday treat that combines tart cranberries with the bright, refreshing taste of citrus. The soft, chewy texture of the cookie is perfectly complemented by the tangy fruit and the warmth of seasonal spices. These cookies are easy to make, and their vibrant colors make them as visually appealing as they are delicious.

Whether you’re baking them for Christmas, a New Year’s gathering, or simply to enjoy with your family, these cookies will add a burst of holiday cheer to any occasion. The blend of citrus and cranberry makes each bite a refreshing yet satisfying treat that everyone will love.

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Exciting Story:

I first made Citrus Cranberry Christmas Cookies last year when I wanted a holiday cookie that felt fresh and festive, but still had all the traditional flavors we love. I had a bag of fresh cranberries in the fridge, and the thought of pairing them with bright citrus was irresistible. The first time I made these, the house smelled amazing, and the cookies turned out to be everything I had hoped for—soft, flavorful, and the perfect balance of sweet and tart.

When I shared them with my family, they were an instant hit! The combination of cranberries and citrus was exactly what we needed to refresh our holiday cookie collection. Now, every year, these cookies are a must-bake for our holiday celebrations. They’ve quickly become a beloved tradition in our home, and I’m sure they’ll be the same in yours!

Why This Citrus Cranberry Christmas Cookies:

  • Festive and Flavorful: The combination of fresh cranberries and citrus zest adds a vibrant burst of flavor that’s perfect for the holiday season.
  • Soft and Chewy: These cookies have a soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth, with just the right amount of tartness from the cranberries.
  • Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these cookies come together quickly, leaving you with more time to enjoy the season.
  • Great for Gifting: The vibrant colors and festive flavor make these cookies perfect for holiday gift boxes or cookie exchanges.
  • Customizable: Feel free to add a handful of white chocolate chips or chopped nuts like pistachios for a fun twist on the classic.

What You Need For Citrus Cranberry Christmas Cookies:

For the cookies:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 orange)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped (or dried cranberries)
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (or lemon juice)

For the glaze (optional):

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon orange zest

How to Make Citrus Cranberry Christmas Cookies:

  1. Preheat the oven:
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients:
    In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Make the dough:
    In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the egg, orange zest, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients:
    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Stir in the chopped cranberries and orange juice, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the dough.
  5. Shape the cookies:
    Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion out the dough into round balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten the balls with the back of a spoon to form cookie shapes.
  6. Bake the cookies:
    Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Make the glaze (optional):
    While the cookies cool, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest in a small bowl until smooth.
  8. Glaze the cookies:
    Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top of each cookie. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
  9. Serve and enjoy:
    Enjoy these citrusy, cranberry-packed cookies with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot cocoa, and share them with family and friends during the holiday season!

Tips for Citrus Cranberry Christmas Cookies:

  • Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor: Fresh cranberries will give the cookies a tart bite that perfectly balances the sweetness of the dough and glaze. If you use dried cranberries, be sure to chop them up for a more even texture.
  • Chill the dough: If the dough feels too soft to handle, chill it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
  • Make them a little extra festive: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top of the cookies before baking for an extra touch of sweetness and spice.
  • Store the cookies: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze them for up to 2 months.

Substitutions and Variations:

  • Different citrus fruits: Experiment with different citrus fruits like lime or grapefruit zest and juice for a new twist on the flavor.
  • Add white chocolate chips or nuts: For extra richness and texture, stir in a handful of white chocolate chips or chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free. Just be sure to check the texture as gluten-free flour may affect the consistency.

Make a Healthier Version:

  • Less sugar: Use a sugar substitute like Stevia or Monk Fruit to reduce the sugar content.
  • Whole wheat flour: Swap in whole wheat flour for part or all of the all-purpose flour for a slightly healthier option with more fiber.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter or coconut oil to make the recipe dairy-free.

Closing for Citrus Cranberry Christmas Cookies:

And there you have it! Citrus Cranberry Christmas Cookies are a flavorful and festive treat that combines the tang of fresh cranberries with the refreshing brightness of citrus. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering, sharing them with loved ones, or enjoying them yourself, these cookies are sure to bring a burst of holiday cheer to any occasion. With their sweet and tart balance and soft, chewy texture, these cookies are the perfect way to celebrate the season. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions For Citrus Cranberry Christmas Cookies:

  1. Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
    Yes, you can use dried cranberries, but be sure to chop them into smaller pieces for a more even texture.
  2. Can I freeze the dough for later?
    Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Roll it into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer the frozen dough to a ziplock bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
  3. How can I make these cookies more moist?
    You can add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the dough for extra moisture and sweetness.
  4. Can I add other spices to these cookies?
    Yes! Feel free to add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for a deeper spice flavor.
  5. How long will these cookies stay fresh?
    These cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature in an airtight container, or you can freeze them for up to 2 months.
  6. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
    Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to make these cookies gluten-free.
  7. Can I make these cookies vegan?
    Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use a dairy-free butter or coconut oil.
  8. Can I skip the glaze?
    Yes, you can skip the glaze if you prefer a simpler cookie, or dust the cookies with powdered sugar instead.

Citrus Cranberry Christmas Cookies are a perfect blend of sweet, tart, and aromatic, making them the ideal treat for the holiday season. Enjoy every chewy, flavorful bite!

Citrus Cranberry Christmas Cookies

0 from 0 votes
Recipe by Alexandra Course: All Word Recipes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal
Total time

0

minutes
Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

  • For the cookies:
  • 2 cups 2 all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon 1 baking soda

  • 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 baking powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 ground cinnamon

  • 1/4 teaspoon 1/4 ground nutmeg

  • 1/4 teaspoon 1/4 salt

  • 1/2 cup 1/2 unsalted butter, softened

  • 3/4 cup 3/4 granulated sugar

  • 1 large 1 egg

  • 1 tablespoon 1 orange zest (from about 1 orange)

  • 1 tablespoon 1 lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)

  • 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 vanilla extract

  • 1 cup 1 fresh cranberries, chopped (or dried cranberries)

  • 1/4 cup 1/4 fresh orange juice (or lemon juice)

  • For the glaze (optional):
  • 1/2 cup 1/2 powdered sugar

  • 1 tablespoon 1 fresh orange juice

  • 1/4 teaspoon 1/4 orange zest

Directions

  • Preheat the oven:
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  • Mix the dry ingredients:
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
  • Make the dough:
  • In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the egg, orange zest, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
  • Combine wet and dry ingredients:
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Stir in the chopped cranberries and orange juice, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the dough.
  • Shape the cookies:
  • Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion out the dough into round balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten the balls with the back of a spoon to form cookie shapes.
  • Bake the cookies:
  • Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Make the glaze (optional):
  • While the cookies cool, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest in a small bowl until smooth.
  • Glaze the cookies:
  • Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top of each cookie. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
  • Serve and enjoy:
  • Enjoy these citrusy, cranberry-packed cookies with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot cocoa, and share them with family and friends during the holiday season!

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