• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to privacy navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Jo Cooks

Simple - Easy - Comfort

Join my free recipe email club!
Free eBook
  • Recipe Index
  • Cookbooks
    • The Big Book of Jo’s Quick and Easy Meals
    • 30-Minute One-Pot Meals
  • ABOUT JO
  • Contact
  • Facebook Instagram Pinterest Twitter YouTube
  • Dinner Ideas
  • Instant Pot
  • Slow Cooker
  • 30 Minute Meals
  • One Pot
  • Desserts
Home / Recipes
26 minutes
4.37 from 33 votes
5 Comments

Cranberry Orange Cookies

Jump to RecipePrint Recipe
  • 220
by: Joanna Cismaru
12.17.20

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

pin for cranberry orange cookies.

These Cranberry Orange Cookies are the perfect Christmas cookie! Chewy cookies chock full of fresh cranberries and zesty orange, topped with a brightly flavored, homemade orange glaze.

a bunch of cranberry orange cookies stacked next to a cup of coffee.

Christmas was made for cookies, and I was made to bake them! This was a new cookie I had never made before, so I wasn’t sure how they would turn out. But with fresh cranberries and zesty orange, I knew the flavor combination would work. Add in the homemade glaze and boy do we ever have a winner. These cranberry orange cookies will definitely be added into my holiday cookie rotation, I can tell you that.

Why You Should Make Cranberry Orange Cookies

  • Easy To Make
  • Simple Ingredient List
  • Perfect Holiday Cookie
  • Fresh & Bright Flavor Combination
  • Complete With Homemade Glaze

Are these cookies delicious? Yes. Are they freezable? Yes. Are they perfect for the Holidays? Also yes. There are so many reasons why these cranberry orange cookies work, I could go on about them until next Christmas! And that glaze? Wow! If you’re looking for a chewy cookie with bright, fresh flavors, you’ve come to the right place.

Ingredient Notes

overhead shot of all ingredients needed to make cranberry orange cookies.

Cookies

  • Butter – I used unsalted to control the sodium, just make sure it’s at room temperature!
  • Flour – All purpose works best.
  • Sugar – Regular granulated sugar does the trick.
  • Egg – I always use large eggs when I’m baking. This is going to help bind all of our ingredients together.
  • Cranberries – I used chopped, frozen cranberries, but dried will work. See “FAQs & Expert Tips” for more info.
  • Orange – You’ll want fresh oranges because we are going to be using both the orange zest and orange juice. Fresh is always best!
  • Vanilla Extract – Without vanilla our cookies will taste a little flat. 
  • Baking Soda – This is going to act as our leavener. 
  • Salt – Salt is important to balance the flavors of our cookies, don’t skip it!

Glaze

  • Icing Sugar – This is the same as confectioners sugar. This is going to give us a nice sweet flavor and smooth texture to the glaze.
  • Orange Juice – Freshly squeezed.

How To Make Cranberry Orange Cookies

process shots showing how to make dough for cranberry orange cookies.
  1. Prep: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In the bowl of your mixer, add the butter and sugar and mix on medium speed for 2 minutes. Add the egg, orange zest, vanilla and orange juice and mix for 1 more minute until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, baking soda and salt to the mixer and mix on low until just combined. Fold in the chopped cranberries.
  4. Form Cookies: Using a medium cookie scoop, scoop out cookie balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  5. Bake: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are slightly golden. Do not over-bake.
  6. Cool: Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to finish cooling.
  7. Make Glaze & Set: Whisk together the icing sugar and orange juice in a medium size bowl. Using a teaspoon, drizzle glaze over each cookie. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
process shots showing how to form and bake cranberry cookies.

FAQs & Expert Tips

FAQs

Do I Have To Use Fresh Cranberries?

Fresh or frozen cranberries are usually in abundance at the grocery store around the holidays, but if you can’t seem to find them or just don’t have the time to make it there, you’ve got options. Dried cranberries or “craisins” can be used, but keep in mind the cookies will not have the same flavor and texture. I prefer the fresh or frozen cranberries because of the burst of flavor they give when you bite into the cookie, it’s the best!

What Else Can I Use In My Cookies?

In my opinion, these cookies are perfect just as they are, but if you have some ingredients you’re itching to toss in, I won’t stop you! Here’s some tasty recommendations: Any other dried fruit, nuts such as walnuts, pecans, pistachios, almonds or macadamia, or throw in some chocolate!

iced cranberry orange cookies on a cooling rack.

Tips

  1. If you want to skip the glaze, be my guest! I like the sweetness it adds to the cookie. It really compliments the flavors.
  2. Fresh or frozen cranberries and fresh oranges are a must in my opinion!
  3. Do not ever grease your cookie sheets. I always line them with parchment paper or a silpat and this way there’s no cleaning required afterwards.
  4. Make sure you DO NOT over bake your cookies. Keep in mind that they will continue to bake once you take them out of the oven.
  5. Use a medium cookie scoop to form your cookies perfectly.

Storing

Store leftovers cookies in an airtight container, in the fridge for up to a week. If you have any leftover glaze, it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week as well.

Freezing

Yes these can be frozen, but the question is.. will you have any left to freeze? To freeze them, store them in an airtight container for up to a month.

a bunch of cranberry orange cookies stacked next to a cup of coffee.

More Great Recipes To Try

  • Cranberry Quick Bread
  • Cranberries and Cream Cheese Bread
  • Easy Sugar Cookies
  • World’s Best Cranberry Sauce
  • Cranberry and Banana Muffins
  • Cranberry Pork Roast

Looking for more recipes? Follow on… My Newsletter Pinterest Facebook Instagram

a bunch of cranberry orange cookies stacked next to a cup of coffee.

Cranberry Orange Cookies

4.37 from 33 votes
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 11 mins
Total: 26 mins
Author: Joanna Cismaru
Serves: 24
Print Pin Rate
These Cranberry Orange Cookies are the perfect Christmas cookie! Chewy cookies chock full of fresh cranberries and zesty orange, topped with a brightly flavored, homemade orange glaze.

Ingredients

Cookies

  • 1 cup butter unsalted, at room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoon orange juice freshly squeezed
  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups fresh cranberries or frozen, chopped

Glaze

  • 1 cups icing sugar
  • 2 tablespoon orange juice freshly squeezed
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  • Prep: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  • Mix Wet Ingredients: In the bowl of your mixer, add the butter and sugar and mix on medium speed for 2 minutes. Add the egg, orange zest, vanilla and orange juice and mix for 1 more minute until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  • Add Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, baking soda and salt to the mixer and mix on low until just combined. Fold in the chopped cranberries.
  • Form Cookies: Using a medium cookie scoop, scoop out cookie balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are slightly golden. Do not over-bake.
  • Cool: Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to finish cooling.
  • Make Glaze & Set: Whisk together the icing sugar and orange juice in a medium size bowl. Using a teaspoon, drizzle glaze over each cookie. Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Recipe Notes

  1. If you want to skip the glaze, be my guest! I like the sweetness it adds to the cookie. It really compliments the flavors.
  2. Fresh or frozen cranberries and fresh oranges are a must in my opinion!
  3. Do not ever grease your cookie sheets. I always line them with parchment paper or a silpat and this way there’s no cleaning required afterwards.
  4. Make sure you DO NOT over bake your cookies. Keep in mind that they will continue to bake once you take them out of the oven.
  5. Use a medium cookie scoop to form your cookies perfectly.
  6. Store leftovers cookies in an airtight container, in the fridge for up to a week. If you have any leftover glaze, it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week as well.
  7. To freeze them, store them in an airtight container for up to a month.

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 1cookieCalories: 171kcal (9%)Carbohydrates: 24g (8%)Protein: 2g (4%)Fat: 8g (12%)Saturated Fat: 5g (31%)Cholesterol: 28mg (9%)Sodium: 92mg (4%)Potassium: 30mg (1%)Fiber: 1g (4%)Sugar: 14g (16%)Vitamin A: 258IU (5%)Vitamin C: 3mg (4%)Calcium: 6mg (1%)Iron: 1mg (6%)
Course:Cookies
Cuisine:American
Keyword:cranberries orange cookies
Tried this recipe? Rate it belowtag @jocooks on instagram and hashtag it #jocooks!
  • 220

Meet Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

30 recipes from around the world cover.

Never miss a recipe!

Subscribe and get a FREE dinner recipes ebook!

closeup of roasted broccoli on a baking sheet.
Previous Post
The Ultimate Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
closeup of lemon chicken soup in a bowl.
Next Post
Lemon Chicken Soup With Rice And Peas

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment & Rate Recipe Cancel reply

Did you make this recipe? Rate it:




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Comments

  1. Joan Bartley says

    December 21, 2021 at 5:53 pm

    5 stars
    Made these in my convection microwave and had to bake them a couple minutes more and they are delicious!

    Reply
  2. Johana says

    December 19, 2020 at 9:40 pm

    5 stars
    Thank you . I made this cookies. They are so good.

    Reply
    • Joanna Cismaru says

      December 20, 2020 at 11:20 am

      I’m glad to hear you enjoyed them!

      Reply
  3. Teresa Vincent says

    December 19, 2020 at 9:31 pm

    5 stars
    Delicious and such a lovely Christmas cookie! My husband suggested I add them to my Christmas baking list 😊

    Reply
  4. Molly says

    December 18, 2020 at 2:02 pm

    5 stars
    Just made these as part of my Christmas baking…they are delicious! The fresh orange juice and cranberries give these cookies that extra punch!

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

Joanna Cismaru

Hey there!

I'm Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

Read More…
cover for the big book of jo's quick and easy meals.

My Cookbook

Order Now: Amazon | Indigo | Barnes & Noble | Indie Bound | Books-A-Million

Never miss a recipe!

Subscribe and get a FREE dinner recipes ebook!

Sign me up

Dinner Favorites

black pepper chicken on a bed of rice on a black plate.

Black Pepper Chicken

a slice of pastitsio on a black plate.

Pastitsio (Greek Lasagna)

side view shot of a piece of eggplant parmesan with marinara sauce in a white plate garnished with parsley and a piece cut out and held by a fork

Eggplant Parmesan

side view shot chicken souvlaki skewers with a little tzatziki on a plate

Chicken Souvlaki

yakisoba noodles with chicken and vegetables in a large serving platter.

Yakisoba

pouring lemon sauce over fried chicken.

Chinese Lemon Chicken

a chicken gyro wrapped in paper and topped with lots of tzatziki sauce with another gyro in the background

Chicken Gyros

homemade hamburger helper lasagna from scratch in a skillet.

One Pot Hamburger Helper Lasagna

Air Fryer Recipes

a roasted chicken on a serving platter along some roasted root veggies.

Air Fryer Whole Chicken

apple pie bombs on a white plate with the top one cut in half.

Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs

3 cooked chicken breasts on a cutting board.

Air Fryer Chicken Breast

air fried chicken drumsticks in a basket of an air fryer.

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

cooked chicken thighs in the basket of an air fryer.

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

eggs inside an air fryer basket.

Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs

lobster tails on a white serving platter.

Air Fryer Lobster Tails

hands pulling apart a mozzarella stick with the rest in the background

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

freshly made bread in air fryer on a cutting board cut into slices.

Air Fryer No Knead Bread

bacon wrapped water chestnuts on a white serving platter.

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts

Jo Cooks...

Flavors from around the world

No matter what household we have all grown up in, there is something that has brought us all together here and that is a love and appreciation of food. Food that is from cultures and cuisines across the world has always been a staple of the blog. I'm excited to bring you all a taste of each corner of the earth, every last bite seasoned to perfection and served up with love - from my kitchen to yours.
lemon chicken made in the air fryer in a blue bowl.

Asian

overhead shot of a spoon taking a bite of italian meatball soup

Italian

freshly made pozole rojo in a dutch oven.

Mexican

mititei on a plate with mustard and french fries.

Romanian

a stack of roti wrapped in a clean kitchen towel.

Indian

freshly made hummus drizzled with olive oil and garnished with tomatoes cucumbers and olives.

Middle Eastern

Trending Now

overhead shot of oven baked chicken breasts in a baking dish

Baked Chicken Breast

overhead shot of oven baked chicken thighs in a pan

Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

roast chicken with roast potatoes on a roaster.

Roast Chicken

a prime rib roast sliced on a plate

Prime Rib Roast

Browse All
  • Easy Dinners
  • Instant Pot
  • 30 Minute Meals
  • Chicken Recipes
  • Desserts
  • Recipe Index

Featured On

today logo.
huffpost logo.
the washington post logo.
jezebel logo.
countryliving logo.
good housekeeping logo.
lifehack logo.
buzzfeed logo.
mashable logo.
woman's day logo.
health logo.
better homes & gardens logo.
delish logo.
healthline logo.
nbc news logo.
blogloving logo.
university of washington logo.
shape logo.
Facebook Instagram Pinterest Twitter YouTube
  • Recipe Index
  • Cookbooks
  • About Jo
  • Contact
  • visit my other site: Craving Home Cooked
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Statement
© 2022 · All Rights Reserved · Back to Top
Opens in a new window Opens an external site Opens an external site in a new window

Subscribe and get a free dinner recipes ebook!