15 Christmas Cranberry Recipes That Bring Holiday Cheer to Every Table

If you’re dreaming of a holiday table that sparkles with color and flavor, these Christmas cranberry recipes bring all the festive cheer you need. From cocktails that glitter like holiday lights to cozy cakes, cookies, and edible gifts, every dish here celebrates the bright, tart magic of cranberries. Think sugared cranberries twinkling on desserts, ruby-red sauces topping creamy dips, and bakes that fill the kitchen with the scent of citrus and spice. From festive gatherings to homemade gifts, this collection makes it easy to serve something merry, memorable, and full of holiday warmth.

Festive Christmas Cranberry Cocktails and Spritzers

Toast the season with cranberry cocktails that sparkle as much as the tree lights. These holiday drinks are crisp, colorful, and easy to make, perfect for Christmas parties or cozy nights in. From frosty white margaritas to bubbly vodka spritzers, each one captures the essence of a joyful celebration. They’re the kind of cranberry cocktail recipes that look gorgeous in a glass and taste even better with friends gathered around.

Sparkling White Christmas Cranberry Margarita

This Sparkling White Christmas Cranberry Margarita is pure holiday cheer in a glass. Made with white cranberry juice, tequila, and a splash of lime, it’s light, crisp, and beautifully festive. The sugared rim and ruby-red cranberries give it that magical Christmas sparkle without being overly sweet. Serve it at your holiday party or Christmas Eve dinner for a drink that looks just as stunning as it tastes.

Ingredients

• 2 oz tequila (silver or blanco)
• 1 oz triple sec or Cointreau
• 3 oz white cranberry juice
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• Ice cubes
• Fresh cranberries, for garnish
• Lime wedge and rosemary sprig, for garnish
• Sugar, for rimming the glass

Instructions

1. Rub a lime wedge around the rim of your cocktail glass and dip it into sugar to create a frosted edge.
2. Fill a shaker with tequila, triple sec, white cranberry juice, and lime juice, then add ice and shake until chilled. Strain into the prepared glass filled with ice, top with a few cranberries, and garnish with a lime wedge and rosemary sprig. Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing Christmas cranberry recipe that sparkles at every celebration.

Cranberry Vodka Spritzer for Holiday Parties

This Cranberry Vodka Spritzer brings a light, sparkling twist to your Christmas cocktail lineup. It’s crisp and refreshing, made with vodka, cranberry juice, and a splash of bubbly soda for that celebratory fizz. Perfect for gatherings, it’s the kind of easy holiday drink that looks stunning with almost no effort.

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 3 oz cranberry juice (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
• 2 oz club soda or sparkling water
• ½ oz fresh lime juice
• Ice cubes
• Fresh cranberries and lime slices, for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a tall glass with ice and pour in the vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice. Top with club soda and stir gently to combine. Drop in a few cranberries and a lime slice for garnish, then serve right away for a sparkling Christmas cranberry recipe that keeps the mood festive and the flavors fresh.

Sparkling Cranberry Vodka Christmas Cocktail

This Sparkling Cranberry Vodka Christmas Cocktail is the definition of festive simplicity. Its jewel-toned red hue and bright citrus notes make it a holiday crowd-pleaser that tastes as joyful as it looks. The bubbles give it a celebratory touch, while the fresh cranberries and lime slice make it party-ready in seconds. It’s the kind of easy, sparkling Christmas cranberry recipe that instantly sets the mood for the season.

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 3 oz cranberry juice cocktail
• 2 oz club soda or sparkling water
• ½ oz lime juice
• Ice cubes
• Fresh cranberries and lime slices, for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a short glass with ice and pour in the vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice. Stir gently, then top with club soda for that festive fizz. Garnish with a lime slice and a few cranberries before serving. This vibrant red Christmas cocktail is crisp, sparkling, and perfect for any holiday gathering.

Festive Cranberry Vodka Martini for Christmas Eve

This Festive Cranberry Vodka Martini for Christmas Eve brings sophistication to your holiday celebrations. Smooth, bright, and jewel-toned, it’s a simple yet stunning cocktail that feels effortlessly elegant. The tart cranberry flavor pairs beautifully with vodka and a touch of lime, creating a drink that’s both crisp and merry. It’s the kind of Christmas cranberry recipe you’ll want to toast with by the tree.

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz cranberry juice cocktail
• ½ oz triple sec or Cointreau
• ½ oz fresh lime juice
• Ice cubes
• Fresh cranberries and a lime wedge, for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, vodka, cranberry juice, triple sec, and lime juice. Shake until well chilled, then strain into a martini glass. Garnish with one or two cranberries and a lime wedge. Serve immediately for a festive, ruby-red martini that captures the spirit of Christmas Eve in every sip.

Holiday Cranberry Cakes, Pies, and Cheesecakes

Bring dessert-table magic to your Christmas feast with these cranberry-filled bakes. Buttery cakes, tangy pies, and creamy cheesecakes take center stage with bright cranberry flavor and a hint of citrus. From rustic cranberry almond cake to an elegant layered cheesecake, these recipes make your holiday baking feel extra special. Each slice tells a story of comfort, color, and celebration: the best kind of festive indulgence.

Cranberry Almond Christmas Cake with Orange Glaze

This Cranberry Almond Christmas Cake with Orange Glaze is a true holiday showpiece. Moist, buttery cake is studded with tart cranberries and nutty almonds, then finished with a glossy orange glaze that adds brightness and festive flair. Every bite feels cozy and elegant, the kind of dessert that looks right at home on a Christmas brunch table or gift platter. It’s a Christmas cranberry recipe that balances sweetness and citrus beautifully.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾-1 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup orange juice
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• ½ cup sliced almonds
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 2 tbsp orange juice (for glaze)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a bundt pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy, then add eggs one at a time.
3. Mix in sour cream, orange juice, and zest. Fold in dry ingredients, followed by cranberries and almonds.
4. Pour into the pan and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Once cool, drizzle with orange glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice. Top with sliced almonds and sugared cranberries for a festive finish.

Iced Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake

This Iced Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake with Vanilla Drizzle is pure holiday comfort in loaf form. Each slice reveals bright pops of tart cranberries inside a buttery, tender crumb, all finished with a thick, snowy glaze. The sugared cranberries on top add sparkle and a little crunch, making it both elegant and cozy. Serve it with coffee on Christmas morning or wrap it up as a sweet homemade gift.

Ingredients

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh cranberries (halved)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for drizzle)
• 2 tbsp milk or cream (for drizzle)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. In another, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in sour cream and vanilla. Fold in dry ingredients, then gently stir in cranberries. Pour into the pan and bake for 45–50 minutes or until golden and set. Once cool, drizzle with a thick vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, then top with sugared cranberries for a beautiful Christmas finish.

Classic Nantucket Cranberry Pie with Almond Crunch

This Classic Nantucket Cranberry Pie brings vintage holiday charm to your dessert table. Tart cranberries bake beneath a buttery, cake-like topping sprinkled with sliced almonds for a golden, nutty finish. It’s simple, rustic, and full of cozy Christmas flavor, a recipe that feels like it’s been passed down through generations. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of cream for the perfect holiday dessert.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or almonds
• ⅔ cup sugar (for cranberries)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar (for batter)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp almond extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ cup sliced almonds, for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and butter a 9-inch pie dish.
2. Spread cranberries and chopped nuts evenly on the bottom, then sprinkle with ⅔ cup sugar.
3. In another bowl, whisk together melted butter, eggs, almond extract, the remaining sugar, flour, and salt. Pour the batter evenly over the cranberries and smooth the top.
4. Sprinkle with sliced almonds and bake for about 40-45 minutes or until golden and set. Serve warm for a nostalgic Christmas cranberry recipe with a crisp almond crunch.

Christmas Cheesecake with Cranberry Jam

This Christmas Cheesecake with Cranberry Jam & White Chocolate Mousse is a showstopping holiday dessert that tastes as divine as it looks. The creamy cheesecake base is layered with tart cranberry jam and finished with swirls of white chocolate mousse, creating a beautiful contrast of flavors and textures. Sugared cranberries add a frosty sparkle, making this a true centerpiece for your Christmas dessert table. It’s rich, festive, and unforgettable.

Ingredients

• 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup cranberry jam or cranberry sauce
• ½ cup white chocolate chips
• ½ cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and line the bottom of a springform pan with parchment.
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, then press into the pan base.
3. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla, and sour cream, then pour the mixture over the crust.
4. Swirl in cranberry jam and bake for about 50 minutes or until set. Cool completely.
5. For the mousse, melt white chocolate with cream until smooth, chill, then whip until fluffy.
6. Spread over the cheesecake, top with more cranberry jam, and garnish with sugared cranberries for a luxurious Christmas finish.

Cranberry Cookies, Biscotti, and Sweet Treats

These Christmas cranberry cookies and biscotti are small bites of holiday joy. Crunchy, chewy, and beautifully festive, they’re perfect for gifting, cookie swaps, or an afternoon with a warm mug of cocoa. You’ll find classic cranberry jam thumbprints alongside pistachio-studded biscotti that look straight out of a Christmas bakery box. Each one brings that home-baked sweetness that turns simple treats into thoughtful gestures of love and cheer.

Christmas Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti for Gifting

These Christmas Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti are festive, crunchy, and made for gifting. The red and green from the cranberries and pistachios make every slice look straight out of a holiday bakery box. They’re crisp enough to dunk in coffee but buttery enough to enjoy on their own, with a hint of almond flavor that ties everything together. Pack them in jars or wrap in cellophane for a Christmas cranberry treat that’s as pretty as it is delicious.

Ingredients

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup sugar
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• ½ tsp almond extract
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup shelled pistachios

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then mix in eggs and almond extract. Add flour, baking powder, and salt, stirring until a dough forms.
3. Fold in cranberries and pistachios. Shape into a log about 12 inches long and bake for 25 minutes, then let it cool slightly.
4. Slice diagonally and bake again for 10-12 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Let cool completely before gifting or serving with coffee.

Cranberry Jam Christmas Thumbprint Cookies

These Cranberry Jam Christmas Thumbprint Cookies are a holiday classic with a merry twist. Buttery shortbread cookies cradle glossy cranberry jam, creating the perfect mix of tart and sweet in every bite. The dusting of powdered sugar gives them that fresh snowfall look, simple, nostalgic, and perfect for gifting. It’s a Christmas cranberry recipe that brings the spirit of the season to your cookie tray.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cranberry jam or cranberry sauce
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolks and vanilla. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms.
3. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the sheet. Press the center of each cookie with your thumb to create a small well and fill with a spoonful of cranberry jam.
4. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely and dust with powdered sugar for a festive finish.

Cranberry Apple Crisp with Cinnamon Oat Topping

This Cranberry Apple Crisp with Cinnamon Oat Topping is pure winter comfort: tart cranberries meet tender apples under a warm, buttery crumble. The oats bake up golden and crisp, with just the right hint of cinnamon for that cozy holiday aroma. Serve it straight from the oven for a Christmas dessert that feels both rustic and festive. Every spoonful brings that sweet-tart sparkle of the season.

Ingredients

• 4 cups sliced apples (about 4 medium)
• 1½ cups fresh cranberries
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 tbsp flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¾ cup old-fashioned oats
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, toss apples and cranberries with sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, and cinnamon. Spread into a baking dish.
3. In another bowl, mix oats, brown sugar, and ½ cup flour, then cut in the butter until crumbly.
4. Sprinkle over the fruit mixture and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the filling bubbles around the edges. Serve warm for a cozy, comforting Christmas cranberry recipe.

Cranberry Breads, Jams, Salads, and Appetizers

For homemade gifts and make-ahead dishes that feel personal and festive, this section is full of cozy ideas. Think fragrant cranberry bread, glossy jars of vanilla-bean jam, and bright holiday salads that sparkle with sugared berries. And for gatherings, a creamy cranberry jalapeño dip brings just the right mix of sweet and heat. These Christmas cranberry recipes are perfect for gifting, sharing, and adding that homemade touch to the holidays.

Cranberry Christmas Bread with Citrus Zest

This Cranberry Christmas Bread is a cheerful bake that tastes like the holidays in every slice. The bright pop of tart cranberries meets the sunny flavor of orange zest, creating a loaf that’s tender, fragrant, and perfectly sweet. It’s easy enough for everyday baking but festive enough for gifting or serving at Christmas brunch. Every bite brings a balance of cozy and refreshing, a true holiday favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup buttermilk
• ⅓ cup melted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and orange zest. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed, then fold in cranberries.
3. Pour into the pan and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before slicing and serve as part of your favorite Christmas cranberry recipes lineup.

Homemade Christmas Cranberry Jam

This homemade Christmas Cranberry Jam is holiday magic in a jar. Tart cranberries simmer with sugar and a hint of vanilla until glossy and rich, creating a jam that tastes like the season itself. It’s perfect for spreading on toast, pairing with cheese, or gifting in little jars tied with ribbon. A cozy, small-batch Christmas cranberry recipe that turns a handful of ingredients into something beautifully festive.

Ingredients

• 3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1½ cups sugar
• ½ cup water
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped (or 1 tsp pure vanilla extract)

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, sugar, and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then add the vanilla bean and seeds (or extract).
2. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency. Stir in lemon juice, remove from heat, and let cool.
3. Discard the vanilla bean pod, spoon into jars, and tie with festive twine for the perfect homemade Christmas gift.

Sugared Cranberry Christmas Salad

This sugared Cranberry Christmas Salad is a bright, festive showpiece for any holiday table. Crisp greens, tangy feta, and sparkling sugared cranberries create a mix of textures and colors that’s both elegant and refreshing. The sweet-tart poppyseed dressing ties it all together with just the right balance of flavor. It’s a Christmas cranberry recipe that brings a cheerful, colorful touch to winter gatherings.

Ingredients

• 6 cups mixed greens (such as arugula and spinach)
• 1 cup sugared cranberries
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted
• For the dressing:
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp poppy seeds
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. To make the dressing, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, honey, mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. In a large bowl, toss greens with half the dressing. Add sugared cranberries, feta, and almonds, then drizzle with remaining dressing. Serve immediately for a salad that sparkles with holiday flavor and color.

Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip

This Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip is creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of festive heat. Chopped cranberries and fresh jalapeños are folded into smooth cream cheese, creating a dip that’s as colorful as it is addictive. It’s a go-to Christmas appetizer that pairs perfectly with crackers, pretzels, or crostini: easy to make, impossible to stop eating.

Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 1–2 jalapeños, finely diced (seeds removed for mild heat)
• ¼ cup green onions, chopped
• 1 tbsp honey
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, stir together softened cream cheese, cranberries, jalapeños, green onions, and honey until evenly combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve with crackers or crostini for a creamy, festive dip that adds sparkle to any Christmas party spread.