The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in delicious treats, and Cranberry Christmas Cookies are a must-try. These cookies combine the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of sugar cookies, creating a delightful flavor that’s perfect for festive gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply want to enjoy a sweet treat with your family, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
Why Cranberry Christmas Cookies are a Holiday Favorite
- Festive Flavor: The tart cranberries add a refreshing twist to traditional Christmas cookies.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Beautiful Presentation: The red cranberries add a pop of color, making these cookies as beautiful as they are delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional)
- Zest of one orange (optional for added flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in Cranberries: Gently fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips (if using).
- Shape the Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Cranberry Christmas Cookies
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh butter and eggs will give you the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
- Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: While cranberries and white chocolate are a delicious combination, you can also try adding nuts or substituting dark chocolate chips.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 150 per cookie
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 12g
- Fat: 7g
Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan Option: Use vegan butter and flax eggs in place of regular butter and eggs.
- Low-Sugar Option: Use a sugar substitute suitable for baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze Cranberry Christmas Cookies? Yes, you can freeze both the cookie dough and the baked cookies. For the dough, shape it into balls and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. For baked cookies, store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers.
How long do Cranberry Christmas Cookies stay fresh? Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh for up to one week.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried? Yes, but fresh cranberries will add more moisture to the dough. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly.
Conclusion
Cranberry Christmas Cookies are a festive and delicious treat that will add a touch of holiday cheer to any gathering. Easy to make and delightful to eat, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. Try this recipe and enjoy the perfect combination of tart cranberries and sweet cookie dough this holiday season.
For the original recipe and more delicious ideas, visit Charm Recipes.