White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a cookie that combines festive charm with irresistible flavor, this White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. Soft, buttery dough studded generously with tart cranberries and melting pockets of creamy white chocolate makes these cookies a perfect treat for any occasion, especially during the holiday season. The touch of orange zest adds a bright, fresh note that brings all the flavors together beautifully. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become a favorite you’ll want to bake again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is key to achieving the perfect balance of sweet and tangy in these cookies. Each item has a purpose, whether it’s enriching the dough’s texture, adding a burst of flavor, or creating that classic festive color palette.

• Unsalted butter (3/4 cup): Room temperature butter ensures a smooth, creamy dough crucial for soft cookies.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create a slight crispness on the edges.
• Light brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Provides moisture and a subtle hint of caramel flavor to the cookies.
• Orange zest (2 teaspoons): Brings a citrusy brightness that compliments the tart cranberries perfectly.
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Deepens the overall flavor and ties all the ingredients together.
• Large egg (1, room temperature): Helps bind ingredients while adding tenderness.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups): The foundation of the dough; gluten-free blends can be used for dietary preferences.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Gives the cookies a slight lift and fluffiness.
• Fine sea salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
• White chocolate chips (3/4 cup): Melt into creamy pockets, adding luxurious sweetness.
• Fresh cranberries (2 cups, chopped): Offer a tart punch and gorgeous bursts of color; dried cranberries can be substituted if needed.

How to Make White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy, while ensuring your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, cream together the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aeration step is essential to get that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 3: Add Egg, Orange Zest, and Vanilla

Beat in the egg until fully incorporated, then mix in the freshly grated orange zest and vanilla extract. These ingredients infuse the dough with layers of flavor that make the cookies so special.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt. This ensures even distribution so every cookie bakes perfectly.

Step 5: Form the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so stop as soon as the dough comes together.

Step 6: Fold in White Chocolate and Cranberries

Gently fold in the chopped cranberries and white chocolate chips using a sturdy spatula, distributing them evenly without breaking up the berries too much.

Step 7: Shape and Bake

Form the dough into 1-inch balls using a small cookie scoop or your hands, placing them about 2 inches apart on your parchment-lined sheets. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the edges are golden brown. If you use dried cranberries, watch closely as the baking time might be closer to 11 to 13 minutes.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but also hold up well for later indulgence.

How to Serve White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Add a festive touch by sprinkling a little powdered sugar over the cooled cookies or drizzling melted white chocolate on top. A few extra dried cranberries placed decoratively can also brighten up a cookie platter.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk, a steaming cup of hot cocoa, or even a robust cup of coffee or tea. Their sweetness and tartness balance any warm drink wonderfully, making snack time feel like a cozy celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these cookies on a holiday-themed platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary or pine for a colorful, seasonal display. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a light cream cheese frosting infused with orange zest for a delightful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to five days, perfect for sharing or saving some for later cravings.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls for up to three months. Just place them on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to freezer bags. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

For a freshly baked taste, warm the cookies in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This melts the white chocolate chips slightly again and makes the cookies smell heavenly, as if they just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! While fresh cranberries provide a juicier burst and vibrant tartness, dried cranberries are a convenient substitute and will slightly change the texture and baking time.

Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend measured carefully. The cookies will still be soft and delicious, making them accessible to those with gluten sensitivities.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

With some ingredient substitutions like vegan butter, egg replacements, and vegan white chocolate, you can adapt this recipe to be vegan-friendly, though the flavor may vary slightly.

How should I store these cookies to keep them fresh?

An airtight container at room temperature is best to maintain their softness and flavor for up to five days. Avoid refrigeration, which can dry them out.

Are these cookies suitable for freezing after baking?

Yes! Once baked and completely cooled, freeze cookies in a sealed container or bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies Recipe a try because it’s one of those joyful baking experiences that fills your kitchen with warmth and delightful aromas. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, a gift, or just because, these cookies bring a beautiful balance of sweet, tart, and citrusy flavors all wrapped up in a tender bite. Happy baking, and even happier eating!

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies Recipe

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4 from 70 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Delight in these soft and chewy White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies, bursting with tart cranberries and sweet white chocolate chips. Enhanced with fresh orange zest and vanilla, these cookies are perfect for a festive treat or any time you crave a balance of fruity and creamy flavors.

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Ingredients

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Wet Ingredients

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature (12 Tbsp or 1.5 sticks)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 large egg, room temperature

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (or your preferred gluten-free flour blend, measured correctly)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

Add-ins

• 3/4 cup white chocolate chips
• 2 cups fresh cranberries (8 oz. bag), coarsely chopped, or substitute with 1 cup dried cranberries

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium-high speed to cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
3. Add the Egg: Add the egg and beat well to incorporate thoroughly into the creamed butter and sugar mixture.
4. Flavor the Dough: Mix in the grated orange zest and vanilla extract until evenly combined to infuse the dough with bright, aromatic flavors.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt to ensure even distribution of leavening and seasoning.
6. Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined and a cohesive dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
7. Incorporate Add-ins: Using a stiff spatula, fold in the chopped fresh cranberries and white chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
8. Shape the Cookies: Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, form the dough into 1-inch balls for uniform baking.
9. Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow space for spreading.
10. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden brown. For dried cranberries, bake approximately 11-13 minutes as they require less time.
11. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Serve: Enjoy these delightful cookies fresh with a glass of cold milk or your favorite beverage.

Notes

• Substituting dried cranberries for fresh will change the baking time slightly and results in a chewier texture.
• Room temperature ingredients help create a smooth, creamy dough and better texture.
• Measure flour properly by spooning into measuring cup and leveling to avoid dense cookies.
• White chocolate chips can be refrigerated beforehand to prevent melting during mixing.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American