There’s something incredibly comforting about the combination of White Chocolate and cranberries in a cookie. For anyone with a sweet tooth, these White Chocolate cranberry Cookies are a festive treat that combines sweetness with a tart kick, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons with a cup of tea. Whether you’re baking for your family or bringing a treat to a party, these cookies are sure to delight!
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Growing up, my grandmother made cookies every Saturday, and I still remember the smell that would fill the house. She often let me add my favorite ingredients to her classic Cookie Dough, and one day, I chose white chocolate and cranberries. It was love at first bite! This tradition of baking these sweetest memories still brings us together as a family every holiday season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies are not just a treat; they’re an experience. First, the combination of white chocolate and tart cranberries creates a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Second, they’re incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have at home. Finally, their beautiful appearance with specks of red and white make them perfect for any festive occasion, ensuring your cookie tray will stand out at any gathering.
Ingredients Notes
When preparing these cookies, it’s important to use high-quality white chocolate chips for the best melting quality and flavor. Dried cranberries provide a tangy counterbalance to the sweetness, but you can substitute them with dried cherries if desired. Ensure all ingredients like butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing.
Recipe Steps
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and helps them bake evenly.
Step 2
Cream together the butter and sugars in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This step is crucial for ensuring a tender cookie texture.
Step 3
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Make sure to mix well after each addition to create a smooth batter base.
Step 4
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the white chocolate chips and cranberries gently.
Step 5
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden. Allow them to cool on a wire rack for best results.
Storage Options
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to keep them longer, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy them, allow them to thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave for that fresh-baked feel.
Variations & Substitutions
For a nutty twist, try adding a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to your dough. If you prefer a richer cookie, use Brown Butter in place of regular butter, which adds a deeper, nutty flavor. For a healthier option, you can replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect served warm with a glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee, making them a hit at breakfast or as an afternoon snack. They’re also an excellent choice for holiday cookie exchanges or to include in a gift basket for friends and family.
frequently asked questions
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
While fresh cranberries can be used, they alter the texture of the cookies and introduce more moisture. Dicing them finely before adding to the dough can help minimize the moisture’s impact.
What if I don’t have white chocolate chips?
If you’re out of white chocolate chips, you can chop up a white chocolate bar into small pieces. Alternatively, you can explore using dark or milk chocolate for a different flavor profile.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The edges of the cookies should be lightly golden, but the centers may still look slightly underbaked. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet after you remove them from the oven, leading to a perfectly chewy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoons baking soda
- 0.25 teaspoons salt
- 0.75 cups unsalted butter softened
- 0.5 cups sugar
- 0.5 cups brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 cups white chocolate chips
- 0.75 cups dried cranberries
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in vanilla and egg until well combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until edges are golden brown.
- Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
