White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

The first time I baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies, it was a chilly afternoon in November. My friends were coming over for a cozy get-together, and I wanted to impress them with something sweet yet slightly tart. As I mixed the ingredients, the aroma of melted butter and sugar filled my kitchen, instantly brightening the atmosphere. These cookies quickly became a staple in my baking repertoire, with their perfect balance of creamy white chocolate and tangy cranberries. Every bite wrapped me in a warm hug, making them the ultimate treat for fall gatherings.

With every batch, I remember the laughter and joy shared around the table. Each cookie is a crunchy exterior with a gooey center, and the vibrant cranberries add a burst of flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more. They’ve become a holiday favorite, especially during Christmas, where they add a festive touch to dessert trays. Whether you’re hosting a party or just indulging yourself, these cookies are sure to delight!

Key Ingredients for White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

The ingredients for White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies work harmoniously together to create a deliciously chewy cookie that’s bursting with flavor. Each component plays a crucial role, from the rich butter to the bright cranberries. Let’s take a closer look at the key players!

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature: This creamy ingredient is the base of our cookie dough. It adds richness and helps to create a soft texture.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: This is the sweetener that gives our cookies their delightful sweetness.
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the cookies.
• 2 tsp grated orange zest: This ingredient adds a lovely citrus aroma and brightens the flavors of the cookie.
• 1 large egg, room temperature: The egg binds the ingredients together and helps the cookies rise.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the main structure of our cookies, giving them the perfect chewy texture.
• 1 tsp baking powder: The leavening agent that helps our cookies rise and become fluffy.
• ½ tsp fine sea salt: Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
• ¾ cups white chocolate chips: These melt beautifully and add creamy sweetness to each bite.
• 2 cups fresh cranberries: Chopped cranberries provide a tart burst of flavor, making every bite unique.

Making This White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

Making White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. The best part is the aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have warm, delicious cookies in no time.

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for ensuring that your cookies bake evenly. Make sure your oven reaches the right temperature before putting the cookies in!

2. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Place the sheets aside while you prepare the dough.

3. In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, cream together the butter and both sugars until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. You should see a pale, creamy mixture that looks airy and inviting.

4. Add in the egg and beat well to incorporate. This adds richness to the dough. Then, mix in the orange zest and vanilla extract for that lovely citrusy aroma.

5. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps, as this will help your cookies have a consistent texture.

6. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, beating just until combined. You want to mix until the dough starts to come together, but don’t overmix! A few flour streaks are okay.

7. Using a stiff spatula, gently stir in the cranberries and white chocolate chips. Be careful not to break the cranberries too much, as we want those beautiful bursts of tartness in our cookies.

8. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls, and place them 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. A small cookie scoop works wonders for this step, ensuring even sizes and perfect round shapes!

9. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as cookies with dried cranberries may bake faster, around 11 to 13 minutes.

10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps them firm up while retaining their soft center.

Making Adjustments

Whether you want to tweak the recipe or accommodate different preferences, here are tips to help you adjust your White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies.

• Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cookies for longer storage; just ensure they are well-wrapped to avoid freezer burn.
• Pairing: Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with different flavors. You can add nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt for a unique twist.
• Chill the Dough: For an even thicker cookie, consider chilling the dough for an hour before baking.

What to Pair With White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

When serving White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies, there are plenty of delightful pairings to enhance your experience:

• Tea or Coffee: The sweetness of the cookies pairs beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee, especially in the afternoon.
• Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can balance the sweetness of the cookies, making for a lovely light dessert.
• Cheese Board: For a fun twist, include these cookies on a cheese board with soft cheeses and dried fruits.
• Festive Trays: Perfect for holiday gatherings, these cookies can be included on dessert trays alongside other baked goods.

FAQ

Conclusion

These White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies are a wonderful blend of sweetness and tartness, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. I encourage you to gather your loved ones and bake a batch today; they’re sure to bring smiles and warm hearts. Don’t wait too long to try this recipe, as it’s bound to become a favorite in your household!

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

The perfect blend of creamy and tangy, White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies are the ultimate sweet treat for any occasion. With every bite, you’ll experience a delightful combination of textures and flavors that are sure to satisfy your cravings. Bake a batch today and enjoy the warm, inviting aroma filling your kitchen!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 36 cookies

Calories 120 kcal

Equipment

• Grater
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet
• Chef's Knife
• Wooden Spoon
• Whisk
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 0.75 cup Unsalted Butter at room temperature
• 0.5 cup Granulated Sugar
• 0.5 cup Packed Light Brown Sugar
• 2 tsp Grated Orange Zest
• 1 large Egg room temperature
• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 tsp Baking Powder
• 0.5 tsp Fine Sea Salt
• 0.75 cup White Chocolate Chips
• 2 cups Fresh Cranberries coarsely chopped

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and both sugars until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
• Add in the egg and beat well to incorporate. Then, mix in the orange zest and vanilla extract.
• In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, beating just until combined.
• Using a stiff spatula, gently stir in the cranberries and white chocolate chips.
• Shape the dough into 1-inch balls, and place them 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets.
• Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
• Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Notes

• Tip 1: If not baking immediately, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 72 hours.
• Tip 2: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Tip 3: These cookies can also be frozen or refrigerated for longer storage.

Keyword Baking Cookies, Cranberry Cookies Recipe, Festive Cookies, white chocolate cookies

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Meet Bella Banks

I’m the one who makes sure we’re having fun while we work. I love the communal aspect of cooking seven friends in a kitchen can be chaotic, but it’s the best kind of chaos! I cook everything alongside the girls, and I’m often the one setting the table and making sure the “vibe” is right for our photos. I believe that any recipe, no matter how simple or complex, is a celebration.