Orange Cranberry Christmas Cookies Recipes

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• In a large bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg until well blended. Mix in 1 teaspoon orange zest and 2 tablespoons orange juice. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; stir into the orange mixture. Mix in cranberries and if using, walnuts, until evenly distributed. Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Cookies should be spaced at least 2 inches apart.
• Bake for 12 to 14 minutes in the preheated oven, until the edges are golden. Remove from cookie sheets to cool on wire racks.
• In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 teaspoon orange zest, 3 tablespoons orange juice and confectioners' sugar until smooth. Spread over the tops of cooled cookies. Let stand until set.

Steps:

• In a medium bowl stir together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar; set aside.
• In a large bowl, beat butter with electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add powdered sugar. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in egg, orange peel, and orange extract. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Stir in any remaining flour. Stir in cherries and pistachios.
• Divide dough in half. Shape each half into an 11-inch-long roll. Wrap dough in plastic wrap or waxed paper. Chill in the refrigerator for 2 to 48 hours or in the freezer for at least 1 hour or until firm enough to slice.
• Cut rolls into 1/2-inch slices; place 2 inches apart on greased cookie sheets. Bake in a 375 degree F oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are firm and slightly golden brown. Transfer cookies to wire racks; let cool.
• If you like, decorate cookies. Drizzle with white chocolate or sprinkle with powdered sugar.