Created on January 6th, 2026 at 06:40 pm
A Make Ahead Holiday Cookie That Feels Special
The holiday season has a way of filling the calendar faster than expected. Between gatherings, gift wrapping, and everyday life continuing as usual, baking can sometimes feel more stressful than joyful. That is exactly where slice and bake cookies shine. These cranberry orange Christmas cookies are designed for real holiday rhythms, offering all the flavor and beauty of a festive cookie without demanding hours in the kitchen at the last minute.
Buttery shortbread style dough, bright orange zest, and tart dried cranberries come together in a cookie that feels classic yet fresh. The dough can be made days ahead, sliced when needed, and baked straight from the refrigerator. The result is a cookie that tastes thoughtful and intentional, even though it fits easily into busy December days. These are the kinds of cookies that quietly become part of a holiday tradition because they make life easier without sacrificing flavor or elegance.
Quick Facts
Prep Time
25 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
50 minutes
Yield
24 cookies
Kitchen Utensils
This recipe is intentionally simple and does not require special equipment, making it ideal for relaxed holiday baking.
• Mixing bowl
• Hand mixer or sturdy wooden spoon
• Microplane or citrus zester
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet
• Sharp knife
Why Slice and Bake Cookies Are Perfect for Christmas
Slice and bake cookies are one of the most practical options for holiday baking. Instead of shaping individual cookies or timing batches carefully, you prepare the dough once and bake only what you need. This approach allows you to spread baking over several days, which feels far more manageable during a busy season.
These cranberry orange cookies are especially well suited to this method because the dough benefits from resting. Chilling allows the flavors to deepen, the orange zest to perfume the butter, and the cranberries to distribute evenly throughout the dough. When sliced, the cookies bake evenly and hold their shape beautifully, creating clean edges and a tender crumb.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
• Unsalted butter softened
• Powdered sugar
• Fresh orange zest
• Vanilla extract
• All purpose flour
• Fine salt
For the Mix Ins
• Dried cranberries finely chopped
Optional Finishing
• Extra orange zest
• Sparkling sugar
Instructions
This dough comes together quickly and is designed to be flexible around your schedule.
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth, light, and fully combined.
- Add the orange zest and vanilla extract, mixing until evenly distributed.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
- Fold in the chopped dried cranberries, ensuring they are evenly spread throughout the dough.
- Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a smooth log about two inches in diameter.
- Wrap the logs tightly in parchment paper or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Once chilled, unwrap the dough and slice into even rounds about half an inch thick.
- Arrange cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
- Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until the cookies are set and lightly golden on the bottom.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before serving or storing.
Tips and Substitutions
• Use high quality butter for the best shortbread texture.
• Finely chop cranberries to ensure clean slices.
• Blood orange zest works beautifully for deeper citrus flavor.
• Add a touch of orange extract for extra aroma if desired.
• Keep the cookies pale for classic shortbread tenderness.
Storage and Make Ahead
This recipe is ideal for holiday planning. The dough logs can be refrigerated for up to three days before slicing and baking. They can also be frozen for up to one month. Simply thaw slightly before slicing.
Once baked, the cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They also freeze beautifully, making them perfect for early holiday baking and stress free entertaining.
FAQ
Can I freeze slice and bake cookie dough
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to one month.
Do these cookies spread while baking
Very little. Chilling helps maintain clean edges.
Can I use fresh cranberries
Dried cranberries work best for texture and moisture control.
Are these cookies very sweet
They are lightly sweet, balanced by butter and citrus.
How These Cookies Fit Into Holiday Baking Schedules
These slice and bake cranberry orange cookies are ideal for anyone juggling multiple holiday commitments. You can prepare the dough early, bake a few batches at a time, and always have fresh cookies ready for guests. This flexibility makes them perfect for cookie swaps, last minute gatherings, and unexpected visitors.
They are also excellent for gifting. Because the cookies hold their shape and texture well, they travel beautifully and look polished without decoration. Pack them into boxes, tins, or cellophane bags for a gift that feels thoughtful but not complicated.
Serving and Gifting Ideas
Serve these cookies with coffee, espresso, or tea for a quiet afternoon break. They also pair beautifully with after dinner drinks or as part of a holiday dessert spread. For gifting, stack them neatly with parchment between layers to protect their edges.
You can also bake the cookies slightly smaller and include them on holiday cookie trays alongside chocolate dipped biscotti or simple butter cookies for contrast.
A Reliable Cookie for the Heart of the Season
These slice and bake cranberry orange Christmas cookies are the kind of recipe you return to year after year. They are dependable, elegant, and forgiving, exactly what holiday baking should be. The flavors feel festive without being overwhelming, and the process supports real life rather than fighting it.
Save this recipe for December days when you want baking to feel calm, organized, and quietly joyful.
Slice and Bake Cranberry Orange Christmas Cookies
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Hand mixer or wooden spoon
- Microplane
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Mix Ins
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and powdered sugar until smooth and light.
- Mix in orange zest and vanilla extract.
- Add flour and salt and mix just until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in chopped dried cranberries.
- Shape dough into logs, wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Slice dough into rounds and place on prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until set and lightly golden on the bottom.
- Cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
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