As the leaves turn and the air gets crisp, nothing beats the joy of freshly baked cookies. Our soft-baked, chewy white chocolate cranberry cookies are perfect for the holiday season. This recipe, first shared in 2012, has become a favorite. It’s loved for its sweet and tart mix, all in a soft and chewy cookie.
Key Takeaways
- Soft, chewy texture with slightly crisp edges
- Sweet white chocolate chips and tart dried cranberries for a perfect flavor balance
- Festive and suitable for holiday baking or year-round enjoyment
- Easy to make with a 1-hour chilling time for the dough
- Highly rated recipe with 4.8 stars from 104 reviews
Why These Festive Cookies Will Become Your Favorite
Try our White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies for a sweet and tart treat. These festive cookies are a perfect mix that will win your heart. They’re a favorite all year round.
Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tart
The creamy white chocolate and juicy cranberries create a perfect taste. This versatile cookie recipe offers a delightful contrast. You’ll want more with every bite.
Year-Round Appeal
These White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies are not just for holidays. They’re a versatile treat for any time. Enjoy them at winter gatherings or summer picnics.
Make-Ahead Convenience
Need a treat for a party or a craving? The dough can be made ahead. Chill it for 3-4 days for a quick cookie fix.
These cookies are loved for their taste, versatility, and convenience. Bake a batch today. Enjoy the joy of this delightful treat!
“These cookies are an absolute delight! The combination of sweet white chocolate and tart cranberries is simply irresistible.” – Sarah, Avid Cookie Connoisseur
Essential Ingredients for White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
Making the perfect white chocolate cranberry cookies starts with the right ingredients. Our recipe combines a special mix of cookie essentials. This mix gives you a sweet and tangy taste in every bite.
The main ingredients are white chocolate chips and dried cranberries. The creamy white chocolate and the chewy, tart cranberries create a unique flavor. It’s both rich and refreshing.
To get a soft, chewy texture, we use unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. More brown sugar than white sugar adds a deep flavor and a tender crumb. Cornstarch also helps make the cookies extra soft.
The other ingredients are all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and vanilla extract. Flour gives structure, baking soda helps them rise, salt balances sweetness, and vanilla adds to the flavor.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2¼ cups (270g) |
| Baking soda | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup (227g) |
| Light brown sugar | 1 cup (220g) |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup (100g) |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tablespoon |
| Dried cranberries | 1½ cups (180g) |
| White chocolate chips | 1 cup (180g) |
With these key cookie ingredients, white chocolate chips, dried cranberries, and baking essentials, you’re ready to make irresistible white chocolate cranberry cookies. They’re sure to impress your family and friends.
Baking Tips and Techniques for Perfect Results
To make delicious white chocolate cranberry cookies, focus on a few key steps. These include tempering ingredients and mastering the creaming method. These tips will help your cookies be soft, chewy, and full of holiday flavor.
Proper Ingredient Temperature
Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This makes them blend smoothly into the dough, giving your cookies a light texture. Avoid using cold ingredients from the fridge. They won’t cream well, leading to dense cookies.
Mixing Methods
For the perfect cookie texture, cream the butter and sugars well. This adds air, making the cookies soft and tender. Use a stand or hand mixer to beat the butter and sugars until light, about 2-3 minutes. Then, mix in the eggs and vanilla slowly until they’re fully incorporated.
Baking Time and Temperature Control
Bake your cookies at 350°F (177°C) for 11-12 minutes. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Press more white chocolate chips and cranberries into the dough as soon as they come out.
By using these cookie baking tips, you’ll make irresistible white chocolate cranberry cookies. They’ll be a hit with your family and friends all season.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines
Our white chocolate cranberry cookies are a joy to bake and eat. They can also be stored for later. With the right care, they stay fresh and tasty for days or months.
At room temperature, they keep for up to 1 week in an airtight container. For longer storage, bake them and freeze for up to 3 months. Let them cool, then put them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Want to prep the dough ahead? Freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months. When baking, add a minute or two for frozen dough. You can also refrigerate the dough for 3-4 days. These cookie storage and freezing cookies tips are perfect for busy times or make-ahead desserts.
| Storage Method | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 1 week |
| Freezer (baked cookies) | Up to 3 months |
| Freezer (unbaked dough) | Up to 3 months |
| Refrigerator (dough) | 3-4 days |
These cookie storage and freezing cookies tips make enjoying our white chocolate cranberry cookies easy. Enjoy the convenience of make-ahead desserts and treat yourself whenever you want.
Conclusion
These White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies are perfect for any time of year. They have a soft, chewy texture and a sweet and tart taste. They’re sure to be a hit with family and friends.
The recipe is great for busy bakers or those planning ahead. You can make them ahead of time or freeze them. This makes them perfect for special occasions.
Looking to add a festive touch or just want a tasty cookie? This versatile cookie recipe will impress. The mix of white chocolate and cranberries is unique and irresistible. You can also try different mix-ins to make them your own.
So, get your ingredients ready and preheat your oven. It’s time to bake these delightful holiday baking favorites. They’re easy to make and loved by all, making them a favorite for years to come.
FAQ
What makes these White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies so special?
These cookies mix white chocolate’s sweetness with cranberries’ tartness. They’re great for any time, not just holidays.
How can I make the dough ahead of time?
Make the dough ahead and chill it for 3-4 days before baking. You can also freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months.
The main ingredients are unsalted butter, brown and white sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Also, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, salt, white chocolate chips, and dried cranberries.
Use room temperature butter for better creaming. Chill the dough for at least 1 hour to prevent spreading. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 11-12 minutes until lightly browned.
Cookies stay fresh for up to 1 week at room temperature. Baked cookies freeze well for up to 3 months. Unbaked dough balls can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
