1. Prepare the Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough and prevents clumping when mixing with the wet ingredients.

In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or by hand with a whisk. Beat for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process helps to incorporate air into the dough, giving the cookies a soft and tender texture.

Next, add the egg, orange zest, and orange juice to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until the ingredients are fully combined. The orange zest adds a burst of citrusy flavor, while the orange juice gives the cookies a slight tang and a hint of sweetness.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in small batches. Mix on low speed or stir with a spatula until everything is fully incorporated. Be sure not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to dense cookies. The dough should be thick but soft.

Finally, fold in the dried cranberries. If your cranberries are large, it’s a good idea to chop them into smaller pieces to ensure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. The cranberries will add both sweetness and tartness to the cookies, making them the perfect holiday flavor.

2. Chill the Dough

Once the dough is mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps to firm it up, making it easier to roll into balls and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

3. Roll the Dough

After the dough has chilled, use a cookie scoop or spoon to scoop out portions of dough. Roll each portion into a ball about 1 ½ inches in diameter. The dough may be a bit sticky, but this is normal. If necessary, lightly dust your hands with flour to make rolling easier.

Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Gently press down on each dough ball to flatten it slightly, but be careful not to flatten it completely. The cookies will spread and puff slightly during baking, but they should remain soft and chewy in the center.

If you’d like, you can lightly dust the tops of the cookies with powdered sugar for a festive, snowy effect. This is optional but adds a nice touch, especially if you’re planning to gift the cookies or display them on a holiday dessert tray.

4. Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the tops are set. Be sure not to overbake the cookies, as they should remain soft and chewy on the inside. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so it’s better to take them out of the oven when they’re still a bit soft in the center.

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and ensures they don’t get too soft from residual heat.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Once the Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies have cooled, they’re ready to be served! These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or as a sweet treat to enjoy with your family. Their vibrant color, festive appearance, and delicious flavor will make them a standout on any dessert table.