White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies have quickly become a favorite in my household. The combination of sweet, creamy white chocolate chips and tart, fresh cranberries makes these cookies a delicious balance of flavors. I first made them during the holiday season, and they were an instant hit with my family. The orange zest adds a delightful, zesty twist that brightens the flavors and makes these cookies stand out. Whether you’re preparing a batch for a festive gathering, as a treat for a loved one, or simply because you’re craving something sweet, these cookies are a perfect choice. They’re easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and deliver a deliciously chewy texture every time.

Ingredients

To make these delectable White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature (12 Tbsp or 1.5 sticks)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tsp grated orange zest
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (or use your favorite GF flour, measured correctly)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
• 3/4 cups white chocolate chips
• 2 cups fresh cranberries (8 oz. bag), coarsely chopped, or substitute 1 cup dried cranberries

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare these delightful cookies:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
   In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium-high speed to cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for 2-3 minutes. The mixture should become light and fluffy.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients:
   Add the egg to the creamed mixture and beat well until fully incorporated. Next, beat in the grated orange zest and vanilla extract, ensuring everything is mixed well.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
   In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture, beating just until the dough comes together.
5. Add the Cranberries and White Chocolate:
   Using a stiff spatula, stir in the chopped cranberries and white chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Shape the Cookies:
   Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the dough into 1-inch balls. Place the cookie dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
7. Bake:
   Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. If using dried cranberries, the cookies will bake faster, so check them around 11-13 minutes.
8. Cool the Cookies:
   Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Enjoy:
   Once cooled, enjoy these delicious cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite warm beverage.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per serving: 180 kcal
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 17g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 90mg

Note: Nutrition information is approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve

These cookies are versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are some serving ideas:

• Classic Cookie Platter: Serve them on a cookie platter with other favorites like chocolate chip or oatmeal cookies.
• With Coffee or Tea: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon snack.
• Holiday Treats: Package them as gifts during the holidays, adding a festive ribbon or tag for a personalized touch.
• As a Dessert: Serve as a dessert after dinner with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Additional Tips

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature before mixing. This ensures that the dough comes together smoothly and the cookies bake evenly.
2. Use Fresh Cranberries: For the best flavor, use fresh cranberries when possible. They add a lovely tartness that complements the sweetness of the white chocolate.
3. Measure Flour Correctly: When measuring flour, fluff it up and then spoon it into your measuring cup to avoid using too much flour, which can lead to dry cookies.
4. Chill the Dough: If your dough is too soft to handle, chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes before scooping and baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
5. Check for Doneness: The cookies will continue to cook slightly on the baking sheet after you remove them from the oven. Be careful not to overbake them, as they can become too crisp.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of these cookies.
• White Chocolate Macadamia: Add chopped macadamia nuts to the dough for an extra crunch and a tropical flavor.
• Dried Cranberries: If fresh cranberries are unavailable, use dried cranberries. They bake faster and provide a sweet, chewy contrast to the white chocolate.
• Spiced Cookies: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or ginger to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced variation of these cookies.
• Cranberry Orange Scones: Turn this recipe into scones by adding a bit more flour and baking powder and shaping the dough into a circle to slice before baking.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are perfect for various occasions. Here are some ideas for serving them:

• Christmas Gatherings: Serve these cookies as part of a holiday dessert spread, alongside gingerbread and sugar cookies.
• Tea Parties: These cookies are a perfect addition to a tea party, offering a sweet balance with the tangy cranberries.
• Gift Giving: Package them in a beautiful tin or decorative box for a homemade gift during the holidays or any special occasion.
• School or Work Treats: They’re easy to pack and make a great snack for kids or colleagues.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing Cookie Dough: If you want to bake the cookies later, you can freeze the dough. After scooping the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.
• Storage: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container for up to a week to preserve their freshness.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh ones?

• Yes, dried cranberries work well in this recipe. However, they will bake faster, so be sure to check them around 11-13 minutes.

1. How can I make the cookies softer?

• For a softer cookie, slightly underbake them. They will firm up as they cool but remain chewy.

1. Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of white chocolate?

• Yes! You can substitute dark chocolate chips or even milk chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.

1. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

• Ensure that your dough is chilled before baking to help prevent excessive spreading. If the dough is too soft, refrigerate it for 30 minutes.

1. Can I add nuts to this recipe?

• Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or macadamia nuts would be a great addition to the dough.

1. How do I know when the cookies are done?

• The cookies are done when the edges turn golden brown. Be careful not to overbake, as they can become too crunchy.

1. What can I substitute for orange zest?

• If you don’t have orange zest, you can use lemon zest for a different citrus flavor.

1. Can I double the recipe?

• Yes, you can easily double the recipe to make more cookies. Just be sure to use multiple baking sheets.

1. Can I freeze the dough?

• Yes, you can freeze the dough. Just scoop the dough into balls, freeze them, and then bake directly from the freezer.

1. How can I make these cookies dairy-free?

• Substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a dairy-free version.

Conclusion

These White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies are the perfect combination of sweet and tangy, with a touch of citrus zest and smooth white chocolate. They’re easy to make, visually stunning, and sure to impress at any gathering. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special occasion, or just for yourself, these cookies are an absolute treat that will have everyone coming back for more. With their chewy texture, delightful flavor, and festive appearance, they’re a perfect addition to any cookie jar or dessert table! Enjoy!

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