If you’ve ever dreamed of the perfect holiday treat that balances sweetness and tang, then this White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies Recipe is your dream come true. These cookies bring together the rich creaminess of white chocolate chips with the tart burst of dried cranberries, wrapped in a soft, chewy cookie that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re baking for cozy family gatherings, festive celebrations, or just because you deserve a little sweetness, this recipe is an absolute joy to make and share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple but essential, each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the buttery base to the sweet and tart mix-ins, the ingredients combine to make every bite memorable.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides a rich, creamy foundation and helps achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Light brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds moistness and a subtle caramel flavor that complements the white chocolate.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Balances sweetness and helps create a slightly crisp edge on the cookies.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the dough together and contribute to the tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the overall flavor with warm aromatic notes.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): The structure of the cookie, providing just the right chew and softness.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise and spread evenly.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- White chocolate chips (1 1/2 cups): Bring creamy, luscious pockets of sweetness throughout the cookie.
- Dried cranberries (1 cup): Offer a tart contrast to the white chocolate with vibrant chewy bursts.
How to Make White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by setting your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple preparation step ensures your cookies bake evenly without sticking, and it makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is key because it incorporates air into the dough, helping to create soft and tender cookies.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract. The eggs add richness and moisture, while vanilla enhances the cookie’s warm, comforting aroma.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Combining these ingredients separately helps ensure the leavening agent and salt distribute evenly throughout the dough.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies instead of soft, chewy ones.
Step 6: Fold in White Chocolate and Cranberries
Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries, evenly distributing these delightful pockets of flavor throughout the dough.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave about two inches between each cookie to allow enough room for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden and the centers set but remain soft.
Step 8: Cool Before Enjoying
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps the cookies hold their shape and keeps them soft.
How to Serve White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle a little powdered sugar or a light drizzle of melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies. A tiny piece of cranberry or a small edible flower on top can also add a festive flair when serving to guests.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. During the holidays, try serving them alongside spiced mulled wine or a creamy hot cocoa for an indulgent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies Recipe into a delightful gift by stacking them in a decorative tin tied with a festive ribbon. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a dab of cream cheese frosting for a luscious twist on the classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and flavorful for up to five days, perfect for enjoying throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to save these cookies for even later, freeze them in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to three months. Just be sure to separate the layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Reheating
To revive your cookies, warm them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or pop them in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes. This will help restore their soft and chewy texture, as if freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh cranberries for dried ones in the White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies Recipe?
Fresh cranberries have a higher moisture content and can make the cookie dough too wet, altering the texture and baking time. It’s best to stick with dried cranberries or lightly chop and dry fresh ones before using.
Can I use dark or milk chocolate instead of white chocolate chips?
Absolutely! While this recipe highlights white chocolate’s creamy sweetness, swapping in milk or dark chocolate chips will create a different flavor profile that’s equally delicious.
How do I make these cookies more festive for the holidays?
Adding a teaspoon of orange zest to the dough or sprinkling cinnamon on the cookies before baking can give your White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies Recipe a lovely seasonal twist.
Are these cookies gluten-free or can they be made gluten-free?
The recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as written. However, you can substitute an equal amount of gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version, just be mindful of texture differences.
What’s the best way to ensure my cookies stay soft instead of getting crunchy?
Don’t overbake—take the cookies out when the edges are just golden but the centers still look slightly underdone. Also, storing in an airtight container with a slice of bread can help keep them moist.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about the combination of sweet white chocolate and tart cranberries, especially when baked into wholesome, chewy cookies. This White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies Recipe is a wonderful way to bring warmth and joy to any day, holiday or not. I encourage you to try it out, share it with your favorite people, and watch as these delightful treats become a beloved staple in your kitchen too.
Print
White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these soft and chewy White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies, a perfect treat for the holiday season or any time you crave a sweet, fruity twist. With a buttery base, tangy dried cranberries, and creamy white chocolate chips, these cookies combine classic flavors for a deliciously comforting dessert.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter, packed light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air and create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure full incorporation, then mix in the vanilla extract for flavor depth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough which can result in tough cookies.
- Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries to disperse them evenly throughout the dough without breaking them up.
- Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet: Using a tablespoon-sized scoop, place portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cookie edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft.
- Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely ensuring proper texture.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of orange zest to the dough to enhance the cranberry and white chocolate notes.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- You can freeze the cookies for longer storage; just thaw at room temperature before serving.
