Buttery Soft White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies Recipe

Sweet, pillowy soft white chocolate chip cranberry cookies dance between tart and creamy flavors that surprise every palate.

These delightful morsels blend tangy cranberries with smooth white chocolate in a perfectly balanced treat.

Each cookie offers a delectable contrast of textures and tastes that beckons dessert enthusiasts.

cranberry and white chocolate create a magical combination that elevates classic cookie expectations.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this simple yet impressive recipe with ease.

The result is a batch of irresistible cookies that spark joy and comfort with every delightful bite.

Prepare to fall in love with this delicious twist on a beloved classic.

What You Need for Soft Cranberry Cookies

• Unsalted Butter: The foundation for creating a rich and creamy cookie texture.
• Brown Sugar: Provides moisture and a deep caramel-like sweetness to the cookies.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cookie structure and crisp edges.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the cookie's soft texture.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, aromatic notes.

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structural component of the cookie.
• Cornstarch: Helps create a softer, more tender cookie texture.
• Baking Soda: Provides leavening and helps the cookies rise slightly.
• Salt: Balances and intensifies the sweet flavors in the cookie.

• White Chocolate Chips, Dried Cranberries: Add delightful bursts of sweetness and tangy flavor to complement the soft cookie base.

How to Make White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Creamy Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and a mixer.

Blend softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy.

Whip these ingredients together for about two minutes to create a creamy foundation.

Step 2: Introduce Moisture and Flavor

Drop in one egg and a splash of vanilla extract.

Mix thoroughly until everything combines beautifully, making sure to scrape down the bowl’s sides to incorporate all ingredients evenly.

Step 3: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.

This dry mixture will give structure and subtle complexity to your cookies.

Step 4: Merge Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Mix gently on low speed until a soft, thick dough forms.

Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Fold in Delightful Additions

Gently incorporate white chocolate chips and dried cranberries into the dough.

Stir until these delectable morsels are evenly distributed throughout.

Step 6: Chill and Develop Flavor

Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour.

This resting period allows flavors to meld and prevents excessive spreading during baking.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for perfect cookie release.

Step 8: Shape Cookie Delights

Roll dough into small balls, using about 1.5 tablespoons per cookie.

Place them generously spaced on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into the oven and bake for 11-12 minutes.

Look for lightly golden edges while keeping the centers soft and tender.

Step 10: Final Touch

Once removed from the oven, gently tap the baking sheet on the counter to help cookies settle and create a slightly crinkled surface.

Allow cookies to cool slightly before serving.

Top Tips for Baking Cranberry Cookies Right

• Chill the cookie dough for at least one hour before baking to control spreading and maintain a thick, soft texture.
• Use the spoon and level method when measuring flour to avoid dense, dry cookies by preventing excess flour from compacting.
• Gently tap the baking sheet on the counter after baking to help cookies develop a slightly crinkled surface and even thickness.
• Let white chocolate chips and dried cranberries sit at room temperature before mixing to ensure even distribution and maximum flavor integration.
• Keep baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, placing a piece of bread inside to maintain softness and prevent drying out.

How to Keep Cranberry Cookies Fresh

• Place cooled cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Keep fresh for up to 7 days at a cool temperature.
• Pack completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze flat for maximum 3 months. Ensure cookies are completely sealed to prevent freezer burn.
• Store in a sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain softness.
• Warm refrigerated or frozen cookies in microwave for 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, reheat in oven at 275°F for 3-5 minutes to restore original soft texture and slightly crisp edges.

Perfect Pairings for White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

• Pair Creamy Milk: Select a cold, rich milk that complements the white chocolate's sweetness, creating a smooth and comforting taste experience that balances the cranberry's tartness.
• Enhance Dessert Wine: Choose a light moscato or sweet riesling that matches the cookie's delicate flavor profile, providing a gentle alcohol warmth that highlights the white chocolate's richness.
• Complement Chai Latte: Brew a warm, spiced chai tea with steamed milk to contrast the cookie's sweetness, adding aromatic cardamom and cinnamon notes that elevate the overall dessert experience.
• Match Vanilla Cappuccino: Prepare a creamy cappuccino with vanilla undertones that harmonizes with the cookie's white chocolate chips, offering a sophisticated and indulgent pairing that enhances the dessert's texture and flavor.

New Versions of Cranberry Cookies to Try

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cranberry Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same soft texture and delicious flavor for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of regular egg, and select dairy-free white chocolate chips to create a plant-based version of the classic cookie.
• Low-Sugar White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies: Substitute brown and granulated sugars with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the cookies' signature sweetness.
• Almond Flour Cranberry Cookies: Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a nutty flavor and lower-carb alternative, perfect for those following keto or paleo dietary approaches.

FAQs

• Why use cornstarch in this cookie recipe?

Cornstarch helps create an extra soft and tender texture in cookies by breaking down the protein in flour, resulting in a more delicate and melt-in-your-mouth cookie.

• Can I use frozen or fresh cranberries instead of dried?

No, dried cranberries work best for this recipe. Fresh or frozen cranberries have too much moisture and will make the cookie dough too wet and potentially ruin the texture.

• How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for lightly browned edges and soft centers. The cookies might seem slightly underbaked, but they will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet. Remove them when the edges are just turning golden.

• What if my dough is too crumbly when forming cookie balls?

Slightly warm the dough with your hands as you roll. If it’s still too dry, you can add a tiny splash of milk to help bind the ingredients together more easily.

Why You’ll Love These White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

• These soft white chocolate chip cranberry cookies are incredibly simple to make, perfect for bakers of all skill levels from beginners to experts.
• The combination of sweet white chocolate chips and tangy dried cranberries creates a mouthwatering taste profile that balances richness with a subtle fruity twist.
• Guaranteed to bring smiles to faces, these cookies work brilliantly for family gatherings, potlucks, holiday parties, or just a cozy afternoon treat with friends.
• The cookie dough can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making it super convenient for spontaneous baking or planned dessert moments.

Soft White Chocolate Chip Cranberry Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Delightful white chocolate chip cranberry cookies bring winter’s warmth to sweet indulgence. Tart cranberries and creamy white chocolate create a perfect balance you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookies Essentials:

• 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup (150g) brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Mix-In Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup (135g) white chocolate chips
• 1 cup (140g) dried cranberries
• Extra white chocolate chips (for garnish)
• Extra dried cranberries (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a smooth, uniform mixture by blending softened butter with brown and granulated sugars using an electric mixer until creamy and well-incorporated, about 2 minutes.
2. Introduce egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar blend, beating thoroughly and scraping bowl sides to ensure complete integration.
3. Separately whisk flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt to create a dry ingredient base.
4. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a cohesive, thick dough forms.
5. Gently fold white chocolate chips and dried cranberries throughout the dough, ensuring even distribution.
6. Wrap dough tightly in plastic and refrigerate for 1-3 hours, allowing flavors to meld and preventing excessive spreading during baking.
7. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal cookie release and even heating.
8. Portion dough into 1.5-tablespoon balls, rolling between palms to create uniform shapes. Place cookies 3 inches apart on prepared sheets.
9. Bake for 11-12 minutes until edges turn golden brown, maintaining soft centers for ideal chewy texture.
10. Remove from oven and gently tap baking sheets on counter to encourage slight spreading and create attractive surface crinkles.
11. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack for complete cooling.

Notes

• Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing cookie spread and creating a thick, soft texture with concentrated flavors.
• Use room temperature butter and egg to ensure smooth, even mixing and better cookie consistency.
• For gluten-free options, swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the cookie’s soft texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 15mg