When the holiday season arrives, our kitchens become more than just cooking spaces—they turn into cozy hubs of warmth, nostalgia, and celebration. Cookies, especially, hold a special place in Christmas traditions. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, preparing a family cookie box, or simply craving something bright and seasonal, these Cranberry Orange Christmas Cookies deliver everything you love about festive baking: cheerful color, fruity tang, buttery richness, and a soft, chewy texture.

These cookies combine the sweet tartness of dried cranberries with the bright citrus zing of fresh orange zest, creating a holiday flavor profile that tastes like pure Christmas joy. They bake up perfectly golden at the edges, soft in the center, and irresistibly fragrant. The dough requires no chilling, the ingredients are simple, and the results are absolutely bakery-worthy — everything you want in a go-to Christmas cookie recipe.

Let’s dive into what makes these cookies unforgettable, followed by the complete recipe, detailed tips, and creative variations to make them your own.

What Makes Cranberry Orange Christmas Cookies So Special?

✔ Perfect Flavor Balance

The pairing of orange and cranberry is a classic holiday combination. The sweetness of the orange complements the tartness of the cranberries, creating a refreshing yet indulgent cookie.

✔ Soft and Chewy Texture

While crispy cookies have their place, these cookies are intentionally tender and chewy — a texture most people love for Christmas cookie platters.

✔ No Chilling Required

Unlike many holiday cookie recipes, this dough is ready to bake immediately. Perfect when you need fast, reliable results.

✔ Gorgeous Festive Appearance

The pops of red cranberries and flecks of bright orange zest make these cookies naturally decorative — no icing required!

✔ Amazing Aroma

Your entire home will smell like a blend of citrus, sugar, and buttery warmth — the true scent of Christmas baking.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tbsp fresh orange zest
• 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup dried cranberries (Craisins)
• ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional but highly recommended)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
   In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream Butter & Sugars
   In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until fluffy and pale.
4. Add Wet Ingredients
   Mix in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice until smooth and creamy.
5. Combine Mixtures
   Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and fold gently until the dough forms.
6. Stir in Cranberries
   Fold in dried cranberries and optional white chocolate chips.
7. Scoop the Dough
   Drop rounded tablespoons or cookie scoops onto lined baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
8. Bake
   Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden and centers look soft.
9. Cool
   Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
10. Serve & Store
    Enjoy warm or at room temperature. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Cranberry Orange Christmas Cookies

Soft, chewy cranberry orange cookies bursting with festive citrus flavor—perfect for Christmas baking.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 27 minutes mins

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 160

Ingredients

  

Cookie Dough

• 2.25 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.5 tsp baking soda
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup brown sugar packed
• 1 egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tbsp orange zest fresh
• 2 tbsp orange juice fresh
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 0.5 cup white chocolate chips optional

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Wire rack
• Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. Cream softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until fluffy.
4. Add egg, egg yolk, vanilla, orange zest, and orange juice; mix until smooth.
5. Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and fold until a dough forms.
6. Fold in dried cranberries and optional white chocolate chips.
7. Scoop dough onto baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
8. Bake 10–12 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
9. Cool on baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

Do not overbake for soft, chewy cookies.

Tips for the Best Cranberry Orange Christmas Cookies

Use Fresh Orange Zest

The zest contains fragrant oils that amplify the citrus flavor far more than juice alone.

Don’t Overbake

These cookies are meant to be soft. Remove them when the centers still look a little underbaked — they’ll finish setting as they cool.

Add White Chocolate

White chocolate melts into the dough and enhances the orange flavor beautifully.

Use Quality Dried Cranberries

Plump, soft cranberries ensure a chewy result without drying the dough.

For Larger, Bakery-Style Cookies

Use a large cookie scoop and bake 12–14 minutes.

Variations

Cranberry Orange Walnut Cookies

Add ½ cup chopped walnuts for crunch and earthy flavor.

Glazed Christmas Cookies

Drizzle with an orange glaze made from powdered sugar + orange juice.

Triple Citrus Twist

Add zest from lemon and lime for a bright, candy-like citrus profile.

Chocolate Cranberry Orange Cookies

Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate base.

How to Serve These Cookies

• Add them to a holiday cookie exchange
• Pair with hot cocoa, spiced tea, or mulled wine
• Serve alongside Christmas breakfast
• Package in tins for neighbor gifts
• Add them to dessert boards with fudge, truffles, and peppermint bark

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature

Keeps for 5–6 days in a sealed container.

Freezer

Freeze dough balls or baked cookies for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Warm cookies for 8–10 seconds in the microwave for fresh-from-oven softness.