Easy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies: A Delicious Treat!

As a busy mom, I know how tough it can be to find holiday treats that are both festive and nourishing. That’s why I’m so excited to share my go-to recipe for Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies! These cookies are packed with flavor and made with simple ingredients. Plus, they’re a hit with the whole family, even the picky eaters! This recipe is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a small step toward making the holidays a little healthier, one Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies at a time.

I first started making these Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies when I was looking for a healthier alternative to traditional sugar cookies. My kids were always asking for sweets, and I wanted to give them something that tasted great but wasn’t loaded with processed sugar. I experimented with different combinations of fruit and spices until I landed on this winning combination. The bright citrus and tart cranberries make these Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies irresistible!

The first time I made these Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies, my kids devoured them! They loved the tangy flavor and the festive colors. Even my husband, who isn’t a big fan of sweets, enjoyed them. It was such a win for me because I knew I was giving them something that was both delicious and nutritious. Seeing their happy faces made all the effort worthwhile. This recipe for Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies quickly became a family tradition!

I also love that these Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are so easy to customize. You can add different nuts or spices to suit your family’s preferences. I often add a sprinkle of chia seeds for an extra boost of nutrition. And if you’re looking for a vegan option, you can easily substitute the butter with coconut oil. It’s a sanitiy-saving nutrition win in my book!

These Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies really do support our family’s nutrition by providing a good source of vitamins and antioxidants. Cranberries are packed with vitamin C, and oranges are a great source of vitamin C and fiber. These cookies are also lower in sugar than many other holiday treats.

I know how overwhelming it can be to navigate the world of healthy eating, especially during the holidays. But trust me, these Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are a simple and delicious way to nourish your family without the stress. They are not only a healthier option but also incredibly flavorful and satisfying! I’m so happy to share this little bit of nutrition with you all. Let’s get baking!

To all my fellow nutrition-seekers out there, I hope you’ll give this recipe a try. It’s a simple and delicious way to add some healthy goodness to your holiday season. Let’s ditch the overwhelm and embrace the nourishing chaos of feeding our families well!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Trust me, this Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies ingredient list is simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity! Here’s a Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies nutrition hack that changed our family’s health…

Ingredients for Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: I always opt for grass-fed butter when I can because it’s richer in nutrients!
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar: Feel free to reduce this to 2/3 cup if you prefer a less sweet cookie. I’ve found that my family gets extra nutrition when I add a touch of honey!
  • 1 large egg: For extra nutrition, I use eggs from pasture-raised chickens.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract adds the best flavor.
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: You can substitute with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and added fiber, turning these into nutritious Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies.
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps these cookies rise and become perfectly tender.
  • ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped: Adds a burst of tartness and festive color.
  • 1 orange, zest and juice: Provides a bright citrus flavor that complements the cranberries.
  • Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds): Adds a nice crunch and healthy fats.

No worries if you don’t have fresh cranberries – I use frozen cranberries in my Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies. You can find these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store. This Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies recipe proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive. It just means smart choices!

One of my favorite shopping tips is to buy cranberries in bulk during the holiday season and freeze them for later use. They’re perfect for adding to smoothies, oatmeal, and of course, these Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies! This way, I can always have them on hand.

For busy families, ingredient prep shortcuts are a lifesaver. I like to chop the cranberries and zest the orange ahead of time. That way, when I’m ready to bake, everything is ready to go. This makes the whole process much faster and less stressful! These little steps make incorporating nutritious Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies into our holiday routine so much easier.

These ingredients combine to make a Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies that is not only delicious but also offers some nutritional benefits. Cranberries are packed with antioxidants, and oranges are a great source of vitamin C. Adding nuts provides healthy fats and protein.

Trust me, this ingredient list for Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies is designed to be simple and accessible for all busy moms. So grab your ingredients and let’s get baking!

Let’s Make it Happen!

Here’s where I used to struggle with my Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies – learn from my experience! While your Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies is cooking, take a moment to appreciate nourishing your family!

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps prevent the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. I use an electric mixer for this step, but you can also do it by hand. Make sure the butter is truly softened, or it will be difficult to cream.
  3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. Don’t overmix at this stage.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which helps the cookies rise properly.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
  6. Stir in the chopped cranberries, orange zest, and orange juice. If you’re using nuts, add them now too. Mix until everything is evenly distributed. This gives the Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies their signature flavor and texture.
  7. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave some space between each cookie so they have room to spread.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on the cookies while they’re baking. Ovens can vary, so they may need more or less time. Your Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies should smell nourishing by now!
  9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking apart while they’re still warm.

In my busy kitchen, this nutritious Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies recipe usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. That’s why they’re my go-to treat when I need something quick and easy. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!

Don’t worry if your Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies looks a little different each time you make them. That’s part of the fun! I’ve found that the key is to not overbake them. They should be soft in the center and slightly golden around the edges.

Here’s a family-tested nutrition shortcut: I often double the recipe and freeze half of the dough for later use. That way, I always have a batch of Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies ready to bake when unexpected guests arrive. It’s a sanity-saving nutrition tip!

One personal cooking discovery I’ve made is that adding a pinch of cinnamon to the dough enhances the flavors of the cranberries and orange. It’s a subtle addition that makes a big difference. This little wellness lesson has made the flavor of Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies extra yummy!

Another time-saver is to use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough. This ensures that all the cookies are the same size, so they bake evenly. Plus, it’s much faster than using a spoon.

Remember, the most important ingredient is love. So bake these Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies with joy and share them with the people you care about. They’ll appreciate the effort and the delicious flavor. Let’s spread some holiday cheer!

How We Love to Eat This!

The kids devour this nutritious Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies recipe when I serve it with a glass of milk. This Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need good nutrition fast!

My family enjoys these Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies in so many ways! Sometimes, we eat them as a simple snack with a glass of milk. Other times, we include them in our holiday dessert spread. They’re also great for packing in school lunches or bringing to potlucks.

One of our favorite kid-approved healthy side dishes is a simple fruit salad. The sweetness of the fruit complements the tartness of the cranberries in the cookies. Plus, it’s a great way to get the kids to eat more fruit. It works nutritionally because it adds extra vitamins and fiber to the meal.

These Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a holiday party, a family gathering, or just a cozy night at home, they’re always a hit. I especially love making them for Christmas because they’re so festive and colorful.

For presentation, I like to arrange the Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies on a pretty platter and sprinkle them with powdered sugar. This makes them look even more appealing and adds a touch of elegance. The visual appeal makes the healthy food attractive to families, especially during the holidays.

Leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage. I like to wrap them individually in plastic wrap before freezing them. This maintains their nutrition and flavor.

One seasonal variation I’ve tried is adding a touch of nutmeg to the dough. This gives the cookies a warm and spicy flavor that’s perfect for the holidays. Another variation is to dip them in melted white chocolate and sprinkle them with crushed cranberries.

I’ve received so many compliments on these healthy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies from friends and family. They’re always surprised to learn that they’re made with simple, wholesome ingredients. It just goes to show that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for nutrition.

These Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies remind me of another family-healthy favorite, Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice. If your kids love this wholesome recipe, they’ll go crazy for these Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Here are some common questions about Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies that I often receive from fellow moms, along with my answers. Remember, I’m here to help you navigate the world of simple nutrition!

Q: Is this Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies recipe really nutritious enough for growing kids?

A: Absolutely! These cookies are made with wholesome ingredients like cranberries, oranges, and whole wheat flour (if you choose to substitute). They provide vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, which are all essential for growing kids. Plus, they’re lower in sugar than many other holiday treats.

Q: What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies recipe?

A: Don’t give up! Try offering them a small piece alongside something they already love. You can also involve them in the baking process, which might make them more likely to try the cookies. Sometimes, it takes a few tries for kids to warm up to new foods.

Q: Can I meal prep this Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies recipe for busy weeks ahead?

A: Yes, you can! The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dough for longer storage. Just be sure to thaw it completely before baking.

Q: Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh cranberries in this Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies recipe?

A: Yes, you can, but the texture and flavor will be slightly different. Dried cranberries are sweeter and chewier than fresh cranberries. If using dried cranberries, I recommend reducing the amount of sugar in the recipe slightly.

Q: How can I make this Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies recipe vegan?

A: To make these cookies vegan, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. You can also use a flax egg instead of a regular egg. A flax egg is made by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Q: What other variations can I try with this Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies recipe?

A: The possibilities are endless! You can add different nuts, spices, or extracts to suit your family’s preferences. Some popular variations include adding chocolate chips, cinnamon, nutmeg, or almond extract. For more simple nutrition ideas for busy families, check out these Twisted Christmas Cookies.

Q: I’m having trouble getting my Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies to spread properly. What am I doing wrong?

A: This could be due to a few factors. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Also, avoid overmixing the dough. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough cookies that don’t spread.

These are just a few of the questions I’ve received about these Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask! I’m always happy to help.

Final Thoughts:

Here’s why this Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies recipe supports your family’s nutrition goals: it’s made with wholesome ingredients, lower in sugar than many other holiday treats, and packed with flavor.

Here are My Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies Nutrition Hacks:

  1. Use whole wheat flour: Substituting all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients to the cookies.
  2. Reduce the sugar: You can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe without sacrificing flavor.
  3. Add nuts: Adding nuts provides healthy fats, protein, and fiber.

Here are some family-tested healthy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies variations:

  • Chocolate Chip Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough.
  • Cinnamon Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough.
  • Nutmeg Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies: Add ½ teaspoon of nutmeg to the dough.

My son prefers the Chocolate Chip Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies, while my daughter loves the Cinnamon Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies. My husband enjoys the classic version.

I encourage you to make this recipe your own and experiment with different variations. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process of nourishing your family. Let’s find the versions of nutritious Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies that fit your unique family!

I hope you and your family enjoy these delicious and nutritious Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies! Remember, good nutrition doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little planning and some simple recipes, you can create a healthy and happy holiday season for your loved ones. For inspiration, check out this Cinnamon, cranberry, and orange stove simmer recipe?. If you have time, consider this Cranberry-Orange Shortbread Cookies with Apricots Recipe or this Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies | Emma Duckworth Bakes.

Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies ready to serve

So, gather your ingredients, put on some festive music, and get ready to bake some Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies. Your family will thank you for it! This easy Christmas cookies recipe will give your family nutrition without the overwhelm!

\n   \n Print

Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies

These Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies are a festive and flavorful treat perfect for the holidays. Bursting with tart cranberries, bright orange zest, and warm spices, they’re sure to become a new family favorite.

  • Author: Juliette
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: About 36 cookies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 large orange
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  6. Stir in the dried cranberries and nuts (if using).
  7. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets.
  8. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
  9. Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For an extra festive touch, drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple orange glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!