Chewy White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies Recipe

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies are the ultimate blend of sweet and tart flavors, featuring creamy white chocolate chips, chewy dried cranberries, and a soft, buttery cookie base. These delightful cookies are a must-have for the holiday season, cookie swaps, or anytime you want a homemade treat that looks as good as it tastes. Their golden edges and tender centers make them a crowd favorite, and they pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to make these cookies from scratch, along with expert baking tips, storage suggestions, and customization options to make them your own.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Flavor Balance: The sweetness of white chocolate complements the tartness of dried cranberries, creating an irresistible taste.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: Thanks to the perfect ratio of butter and sugar, these cookies turn out wonderfully soft while maintaining slightly crisp edges.
• Festive and Beautiful: Their red and white color combination makes them perfect for holiday gatherings, gifts, or dessert platters.
• Easy to Make: With simple pantry ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 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 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for extra softness)
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional, for added crunch)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process takes about 2 minutes and helps incorporate air into the dough, resulting in soft cookies.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed in before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for a boost of flavor.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cornstarch. The cornstarch is optional but helps create an extra soft and chewy texture.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
6. Fold in the Add-Ins: Gently stir in the white chocolate chips, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans (if using).

Step 2: Shaping and Baking

1. Scoop the Dough: Use a tablespoon or a cookie scoop to portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
2. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers appear set but slightly soft.
3. Cool the Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up while maintaining their chewy texture.

Step 3: Serving and Enjoying

These cookies are best enjoyed warm with a glass of milk, coffee, or tea. Their rich, buttery texture and sweet-tart flavor make them a perfect addition to any dessert table.

Baking Tips for the Best Cookies

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Butter and eggs should be at room temperature for a smoother, more evenly mixed dough.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid packing in too much flour, which can make the cookies dense.
• Avoid Overbaking: The cookies should look slightly underbaked in the center when you remove them from the oven. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): If you want thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent excessive spreading.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy these cookies on their own or as part of a holiday cookie platter.
• Serve with vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
• Pack them in festive tins or boxes for a homemade gift.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week. To keep them extra soft, place a slice of bread in the container.
• Freezing Dough: Roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, place them on a baking sheet and add 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Let the cookies cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Yes, but fresh cranberries contain more moisture, which can change the cookie’s texture. If using fresh cranberries, chop them finely and slightly reduce the baking time to prevent excess softness.

2. What can I substitute for white chocolate chips?

If you prefer a different flavor, you can use milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or yogurt chips as a substitute. Each will give the cookies a unique taste.

3. How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

4. How do I keep the cookies soft?

• Adding cornstarch to the dough helps maintain a chewy texture.
• Avoid overbaking; the cookies should look slightly underdone when removed from the oven.
• Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to retain moisture.

5. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours before baking. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before scooping and baking.

Final Thoughts

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies are an easy yet impressive treat that brings together the creamy richness of white chocolate, the tartness of cranberries, and the perfect cookie texture. Whether you’re making them for a festive gathering, a cozy afternoon snack, or a homemade gift, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit.

Now that you have the perfect recipe, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start baking! Enjoy these chewy, flavorful cookies with loved ones, and don’t forget to share your experience in the comments. Happy baking!