Oh, the magic of the holiday season! For me, it truly begins when the kitchen fills with the scent of spices and sweet anticipation, especially when we’re diving into classic christmas cookie recipes. There’s something so incredibly heartwarming about a plate of beautifully decorated cookies, each bite a little piece of comfort and joy, reminiscent of simpler times and festive cheer.
I remember countless childhood afternoons in my grandmother’s kitchen, flour dusting every surface, as we’d roll out dough for our annual holiday spread. Her laughter and gentle guidance made every cookie-making session a cherished memory, teaching me that the real magic is in the love we bake into every treat.
These spiced orange and cranberry roll-out cookies are a pure delight, perfect for sharing with loved ones or adding a homemade touch to any holiday gathering. They’re wonderfully easy to bake and incredibly family-friendly! My tip? Always chill your dough for at least an hour; it makes rolling and cutting so much easier!
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Creating truly memorable treats like these christmas cookie recipes starts with quality ingredients. Our Spiced Orange & Cranberry Roll-Out Cookies shine with fragrant orange zest and warming cinnamon, creating a festive, comforting flavor. I always use real butter! Find the full measurements in the recipe card.
How to Make christmas cookie recipes
Making these delightful christmas cookie recipes is a journey of three sweet steps. First, we’ll whisk up a buttery dough, infused with orange zest and cinnamon, then let it chill to perfection. Next, it’s the joy of rolling out and baking these beauties until golden. Finally, a simple glaze brings them to life, ready to be shared and savored. It’s truly a labor of love!
Spiced Orange & Cranberry Christmas Roll-Out Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon (if using).
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix. Stir in the orange zest and finely chopped dried cranberries until evenly distributed.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to allow it to firm up.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use your favorite Christmas-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Carefully transfer the cut-out cookies to the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between them. Reroll scraps as needed.
- Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Baking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of your cookies. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cookies cool, prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, milk (or orange juice), and vanilla (or orange) extract until smooth and drizzle-able. Add more liquid a teaspoon at a time if the glaze is too thick, or more powdered sugar if it’s too thin.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle or spread the glaze over them. Allow the glaze to set for about 15-30 minutes before serving or storing.
Notes
When it comes to mastering christmas cookie recipes, a few little tricks I’ve learned over the years can make all the difference, ensuring your cookies turn out perfectly every time.
- Flour Power: Don’t overmix your dough once the flour is added! This is crucial for tender cookies. Mix until just combined; otherwise, you risk developing too much gluten, leading to tough cookies.
- My Secret Trick: I always chill my dough for at least an hour, or even overnight, before rolling. This not only makes the dough easier to handle, preventing stickiness, but it also allows the flavors to deepen beautifully.
- Even Baking: For perfectly baked cookies, ensure your oven is preheated properly and rotate your baking sheets halfway through the baking time. This helps achieve an even golden color on all your festive treats.
- Glaze Consistency: When making the glaze, add the milk slowly, a tiny bit at a time, until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency. You want it thick enough to coat, but thin enough to spread without clumping.
Fun Variations for christmas cookie recipes
Part of the joy of baking is making a recipe truly your own! These christmas cookie recipes are wonderful on their own, but they’re also a fantastic canvas for your creativity.
Zestful Citrus Swaps
Instead of orange, why not try lemon zest for a brighter, tangier note? Or, for something a little more exotic, lime zest could add a lovely twist. My sister loves when I use a mix of orange and lemon for an extra sunny flavor!
Spice It Up
Feel free to play with your spice blend! A pinch of ground ginger, nutmeg, or even a touch of cardamom would be absolutely delightful. For a truly warm and cozy feel, a dash of allspice can make these holiday cookies sing even louder.
Dipped in Decadence
Once your cookies are glazed and set, consider dipping half of them in melted white chocolate or dark chocolate. You can even sprinkle them with festive sprinkles, chopped pistachios, or more dried cranberries for an extra special touch. A friend of mine always asks for them drizzled with dark chocolate!
What to Serve With christmas cookie recipes
These Spiced Orange & Cranberry Roll-Out Cookies are truly a star on their own, but serving them with the right accompaniment can elevate the experience even further! I love to think about what makes a sweet treat feel complete.
- Warm Beverages: There’s nothing quite like a freshly baked cookie with a steaming mug of cocoa or a spiced chai tea. My mom always pairs her
christmas cookie recipeswith a rich, dark hot chocolate during the colder months – it’s pure comfort! - Festive Spreads: A dollop of homemade cranberry sauce or a swirl of orange marmalade alongside these cookies can enhance their fruity notes beautifully.
- Creamy Delights: A small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a spoonful of lightly sweetened whipped cream offers a lovely contrast to the crisp-tender cookies. It’s an instant dessert upgrade!
- After-Dinner Treat: Pair them with a shot of espresso or a glass of port wine for an elegant end to a holiday meal. It’s a simple way to make the moment feel extra special.
How to Store christmas cookie recipes
After all the love you’ve poured into making these festive christmas cookie recipes, you’ll want to ensure they stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Here’s how I keep mine perfect.
Airtight Storage for Freshness
Once completely cooled and the glaze is set, store your Spiced Orange & Cranberry Christmas Roll-Out Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. I like to place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
Freezing for Future Enjoyment
If you want to bake ahead or have leftovers, these cookies freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze for about 30 minutes, then transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature. My personal tip? A quick sprinkle of fresh orange zest right before serving after thawing really brightens them up!
Nutritional Benefits
While christmas cookie recipes are a treat, these Spiced Orange & Cranberry Christmas Roll-Out Cookies offer a delightful balance. Dried cranberries bring a touch of fiber and antioxidants, and orange zest adds Vitamin C. It’s a lovely way to enjoy an indulgence with simple, wholesome notes.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough for these delightful cookies can be prepared up to 2-3 days in advance and kept refrigerated. This actually helps deepen the flavors and makes the dough easier to roll out, a perfect trick for busy holiday baking with your favorite christmas cookie recipes.
What if I don’t have orange zest?
While fresh orange zest provides the best flavor, you can use a teaspoon of orange extract in the dough for a similar citrus note. Alternatively, you could skip it and let the cinnamon and cranberry shine, still creating wonderful christmas cookie recipes for sharing.
Can I use fresh cranberries?
Fresh cranberries contain more moisture, so they aren’t ideal for roll-out cookies as they might make the dough too wet and spread during baking. For these specific christmas cookie recipes, dried cranberries work best to maintain the cookie’s structure and chewiness.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Ensure your butter is cold when you start, and thoroughly chill your dough as instructed. Also, avoid overcrowding your baking sheets, and ensure your oven temperature is accurate. These steps are key to perfect, shapely christmas cookie recipes that hold their form.
Conclusion
Baking these Spiced Orange & Cranberry Christmas Roll-Out Cookies isn’t just about creating a sweet treat; it’s about crafting memories, sharing joy, and bringing a little extra warmth to the holiday season. These christmas cookie recipes are simple enough for any home baker, yet special enough to impress. So, gather your ingredients, turn on some festive music, and let the aroma of cinnamon and orange fill your home. I promise, the love you bake into every cookie will be felt and savored by all. Happy baking, sweet friends!