Welcome to a festive baking adventure with Spiced Cranberry Orange Christmas Cookies! These cookies bring together the delightful tang of orange and the rich spices of the holiday season, making them a perfect winter treat.
Butter is the base of any good cookie, providing richness and helping achieve that perfect soft texture. We use unsalted butter to better control the saltiness.
Granulated sugar and brown sugar work together to sweeten the cookies and give them a bit of chewiness. The brown sugar adds a hint of molasses flavor.
Egg acts as a binder, helping to hold the cookie dough together.
Vanilla extract adds a warm, sweet undertone that pairs wonderfully with the spices.
Orange zest is the secret to the cookies’ fresh, citrusy flavor. Make sure to zest just the outer peel, avoiding the bitter white pith.
All-purpose flour forms the structure of the cookies. For best results, measure it using the spoon-and-level method.
Baking powder and baking soda help the cookies rise, creating a light, fluffy texture.
Salt enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and spices.
Dried cranberries bring a chewy texture and tartness, complementing the sweet and spicy elements.
Cinnamon and nutmeg are classic holiday spices, adding warmth and depth.
Chopped walnuts add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor, making each bite interesting.
These cookies are delightful on their own, but you can also serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that's both cozy and refreshing. Or, pair them with a warm cup of spiced tea for a perfect afternoon treat.
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it's ready to go once your dough is mixed. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until they're light and fluffy. This step is crucial for getting that perfect cookie texture, so don't rush it—about 3–4 minutes with an electric mixer should do it.
Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Mix until everything's well combined. The orange zest will release its fragrant oils, giving you a hint of the citrusy goodness to come.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until they're combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough, and we want them soft!
Now, gently fold in the dried cranberries, cinnamon, nutmeg, and chopped walnuts. Make sure they're evenly distributed throughout the dough for consistent flavor in every bite.
Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each to allow for spreading. A cookie scoop can make this step a breeze.
Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on them. Once done, let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set up nicely.
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