Name: White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature (12 Tbsp or 1.5 sticks); ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup packed light brown sugar; 2 teaspoons grated orange zest; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour); 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon fine sea salt; ¾ cup white chocolate chips; 2 cups fresh cranberries (coarsely chopped, or 1 cup dried cranberries)

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why make this recipe

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the sweet creaminess of white chocolate with the tart flavor of cranberries. These cookies are not only delicious but also colorful, making them perfect for special occasions or a sweet addition to your everyday snack. Their unique flavor profile makes them stand out while still being easy enough for anyone to bake at home.

how to make White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

Ingredients:

¾ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature (12 Tbsp or 1.5 sticks)
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup packed light brown sugar
2 teaspoons grated orange zest
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 large egg, at room temperature
2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
¾ cup white chocolate chips
2 cups fresh cranberries (coarsely chopped, or 1 cup dried cranberries)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, beat together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add the egg, orange zest, and vanilla extract; mix until everything is well combined.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture until the dough comes together.
Gently fold in the cranberries and white chocolate chips.
Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. If using dried cranberries, reduce the bake time to 11-13 minutes.
Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

how to serve White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

Serve these delicious cookies warm or at room temperature. They can be enjoyed on their own, paired with a glass of milk, or even served as a sweet treat during festive gatherings. Their festive colors make them perfect for holiday parties or as a thoughtful gift wrapped in a pretty box.

how to store White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week. If you want to keep them for a longer time, consider freezing them. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.

tips to make White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

Make sure your butter is at room temperature for better mixing.
If you prefer a chewier cookie, slightly underbake them.
Feel free to experiment with different nuts or chocolate types if you want to customize the cookies.

variation

If you want to switch things up, you can use dried cranberries instead of fresh ones. You can also add nuts like pecans or walnuts for an added crunch. Additionally, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for a sweet and salty combination.

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can replace fresh cranberries with dried cranberries. Just remember to reduce the baking time slightly.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour.

How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking can help keep them from spreading too much in the oven.

What can I do with leftover cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container or freeze them for later enjoyment.