If you love easy holiday baking that fills your home with warmth, sweetness, and cheerful Christmas vibes, these Christmas Cranberry Orange Sandies are about to become a family favorite. Soft, buttery, and lightly sweet, each cookie is dotted with bright pops of cranberry and fresh orange zest a flavor combo that tastes like the holidays in one bite. They come together quickly, require only a handful of ingredients, and are perfect for gifting, snacking, or adding to a Christmas cookie platter. Whether you’re baking with kids, preparing treats for neighbors, or just craving something festive and cozy, these sandies deliver pure holiday joy with almost no effort.
What Makes These Sandies Special
A “sandie” is a buttery shortbread-style cookie with a soft, crumbly texture that melts in your mouth. Here, we add two festive favorites sweet dried cranberries and bright orange zest to create a cookie that’s simple, pretty, and full of holiday flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Just 6–7 ingredients, all easy to find
- No chilling required bake right away
- Perfect for cookie boxes, school treats, or family baking days
- Christmas flavor combo: cranberry + orange + buttery shortbread
- Easy to customize with toppings or mix-ins
Ingredients
Base Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 2 tsp orange zest
Optional Add-Ons
- Chopped pecans
- White chocolate dip
- Sanding sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Mix the Butter & Sugar
Beat butter and powdered sugar until creamy.
Step 2 – Add Vanilla & Flour
Mix in vanilla, then flour until a soft dough forms.
Step 3 – Add Cranberries & Orange Zest
Fold gently until evenly distributed.
Step 4 – Roll Into Balls
Shape dough into small 1-inch balls.
Step 5 – Bake
Bake at 350°F for 14–16 minutes.
Step 6 – Cool & Decorate
Roll in sugar or drizzle with chocolate once cooled.
Tips & Variations
- Add pecans for crunch
- Dip in melted white chocolate
- Make mini sandies for party trays
- Add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth
Kid-Friendly Baking
Kids love rolling dough! Set up a sprinkle station and let them coat the cookies in holiday colors. This recipe is ideal for little hands and holiday fun.
Gift-Friendly Holiday Cookies
Pack these cookies in tins, jars, or cellophane bags they stay fresh for days and make thoughtful homemade gifts.
FAQs
Can I freeze them?
Yes, baked or unbaked dough both freeze well.
Can I use fresh cranberries?
No, dried works best.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 GF blend.
Conclusion
These Christmas Cranberry Orange Sandies are simple, festive, and delicious the kind of cookies you’ll want to bake every holiday season.
✨ Try it this week and share your baking joy with FoodyDays!