Description

Delightfully soft and chewy white chocolate cranberry cookies featuring a perfect balance of sweet white chocolate chips and tart fresh cranberries, enhanced with a hint of zesty orange and vanilla for a festive touch. Ideal for holiday celebrations, parties, or any special occasion, these cookies offer a luscious flavor combination that’s sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Dairy & Eggs

¾ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature (12 Tbsp or 1.5 sticks)
1 large egg, room temperature

Sugars & Sweeteners

½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup packed light brown sugar

Flavorings

2 teaspoons grated orange zest
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon fine sea salt

Add-ins

¾ cup white chocolate chips
2 cups fresh cranberries (coarsely chopped, or 1 cup dried cranberries)

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
Add wet flavorings: Incorporate the egg, grated orange zest, and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, mixing until everything is fully combined and smooth.
Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt to evenly distribute the leavening and salt.
Combine dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding carefully until the dough comes together without overmixing to keep cookies tender.
Fold in add-ins: Gently fold in the coarsely chopped fresh cranberries (or dried cranberries) along with the white chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Shape cookies: Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. If using dried cranberries, reduce baking time slightly to 11 to 13 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Cool cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.

Notes

Fresh cranberries provide a burst of tartness, while dried cranberries offer a chewier texture and sweeter flavor; adjust baking time accordingly.
Room temperature ingredients ensure better mixing and cookie texture.
For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend of equal measure.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Orange zest adds a subtle citrus note; you may adjust quantity to taste or substitute with lemon zest for a different flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: white chocolate cranberry cookies, holiday cookies, festive cookies, cranberry cookies, white chocolate chips cookies, chewy cookies, citrus zest cookies