Name: White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies Recipe
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); 1 large egg, room temperature; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup packed light brown sugar; 2 teaspoons grated orange zest; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 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)

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, 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)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: In a large bowl, beat together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add the egg, orange zest, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture; mix until fully combined.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until a dough forms.

Step 5: Gently fold in the fresh cranberries and white chocolate chips.

Step 6: Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 7: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. If using dried cranberries, reduce bake time to 11-13 minutes.

Step 8: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

For a more intense orange flavor, add an extra teaspoon of orange zest to the dough.

If you prefer a crunchier cookie, bake for an additional 2 minutes but watch closely to prevent burning.

Substitute dried cranberries for fresh if fresh are not available; just reduce baking time slightly as noted.

Try adding chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for extra texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the dough.

Do these cookies freeze well?

Yes, these cookies freeze nicely either baked or as dough balls. Thaw baked cookies at room temperature and warm slightly before serving for the best texture.