White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies are the perfect combination of sweet and tart, offering a delightful balance of creamy white chocolate and tangy dried cranberries. These cookies are soft, chewy, and utterly irresistible, making them ideal for holiday gatherings, bake sales, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Balanced Flavors:ย The sweetness of white chocolate pairs perfectly with the tartness of dried cranberries.
- Soft and Chewy Texture:ย These cookies have a delightful texture that stays moist for days.
- Easy to Make:ย Requires simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Perfect for Gifting:ย These cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Ingredients
(Tip: Youโll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Light brown sugar
- Large eggs
- Vanilla extract
- White chocolate chips
- Dried cranberries
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:ย Set your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:ย In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars:ย In a separate bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients:ย Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Combine:ย Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
- Shape the Cookies:ย Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake:ย Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Serve and Enjoy:ย Enjoy the cookies warm or at room temperature!
Servings and Timing
- Servings:ย Approximately 24 cookies
- Prep Time:ย 15 minutes
- Cook Time:ย 10-12 minutes
- Total Time:ย About 30 minutes
Variations
- Nuts:ย Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Citrus Zest:ย Incorporate orange or lemon zest to complement the cranberries.
- Dark Chocolate:ย Substitute white chocolate chips with dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Gluten-Free:ย Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature:ย Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing:ย Freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Theyโll keep for up to 3 months.
- Reheating:ย Warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their softness.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries?
Fresh cranberries are not recommended as they release too much moisture and may alter the texture of the cookies.
2. Can I substitute margarine for butter?
Yes, but the flavor and texture may differ slightly. Butter provides a richer taste.
3. How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies maintain their shape.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Simply double the ingredient quantities and bake in batches.
5. Whatโs the best way to measure flour?
Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid overpacking.
6. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours before baking.
7. Are white chocolate chips necessary?
You can replace white chocolate chips with any chocolate variety or even yogurt chips.
8. Can I make these cookies vegan?
Substitute butter with vegan butter and eggs with flaxseed or chia seed gel. Use dairy-free white chocolate chips.
9. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be lightly golden, and the centers will look slightly underbaked but will set as they cool.
10. Can I add other dried fruits?
Yes, you can add raisins, dried cherries, or chopped dried apricots for variety.
Conclusion
White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies are a versatile and delightful treat that everyone will love. Whether youโre baking for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet snack, these cookies are sure to impress. With endless customization options and straightforward preparation, this recipe is a must-try!
Print
White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
- Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These cookies feature a perfect balance of creamy white chocolate and tangy dried cranberries, making them a festive treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:ย Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Cream Butter and Sugars:ย In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla:ย Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat well to incorporate, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:ย In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:ย Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined and a dough forms.
- Fold in Mix-ins:ย Using a spatula, fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape Cookies:ย Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake:ย Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly undercooked, which is ideal for a chewy texture.
- Cool:ย Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a festive touch, consider adding a teaspoon of grated orange zest to the dough to complement the cranberries.
- Ensure the butter is at room temperature to achieve the best texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
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