White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

Why Make This Recipe

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly balance sweetness and tartness. The creamy white chocolate pairs wonderfully with the chewy dried cranberries, making each bite a burst of flavor. These cookies are not only delicious but also easy to make, making them perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual snacks. Plus, they fill your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma that makes everyone feel at home.

How to Make White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup white chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
4. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; gradually blend into the creamed mixture.
5. Fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
6. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets.
7. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden.
8. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.

How to Serve White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

These cookies are perfect warm from the oven, but they are also great at room temperature. Serve them on a festive platter for parties, or enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy snack. You can also package them in a nice box or tin to share with friends and family.

How to Store White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure they cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They will stay good for up to three months in the freezer.

Tips to Make White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

• Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming.
• Don’t overmix the dough once you add the flour; this keeps the cookies light and chewy.
• For a little extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
• If you want more texture, chop the dried cranberries into smaller pieces before adding them to the dough.

Variation

You can change things up by using dark chocolate chips or milk chocolate instead of white chocolate. Adding nuts, like walnuts or pecans, can also give these cookies a nice crunch.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries?
Fresh cranberries are too tart and contain too much moisture for this recipe. It’s best to stick with dried cranberries.

2. How can I make these cookies healthier?
You can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and use less sugar or a sugar substitute.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time and freeze it. Just scoop it onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from the freezer, just add a minute or two to the baking time.