Description
These delightful Cranberry Cookies combine tart fresh cranberries with sweet white chocolate chips in a buttery, tender cookie. Enhanced with bright orange zest and fragrant vanilla, these festive cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or everyday treats.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet 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
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 2 tsp grated orange zest
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
Add-ins
- 3/4 cups white chocolate chips
- 2 cups fresh cranberries (coarsely chopped) or frozen cranberries, or substitute 1 cup dried cranberries*
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium-high speed to cream together the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the egg and beat well to incorporate it fully. Then beat in the grated orange zest and vanilla extract to infuse the dough with citrus and vanilla flavors.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt to evenly distribute the leavening and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture and beat just until combined and the dough forms, being careful not to over mix.
- Add Cranberries and Chocolate: Using a stiff spatula, gently fold in the chopped fresh or frozen cranberries along with the white chocolate chips until evenly incorporated but the dough retains a chunky texture.
- Form Cookies: Shape the dough into 1-inch balls; using a small cookie scoop can simplify this process. Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. If using dried cranberries, bake slightly less time, about 11 to 13 minutes, as they require less moisture release. After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- If using dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen, reduce the baking time to 11-13 minutes as dried cranberries bake faster.
- Ensure butter and egg are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- You can substitute frozen cranberries if fresh are unavailable; no need to thaw them before adding.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based margarine and white chocolate chips with suitable vegan alternatives.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cranberry cookies, white chocolate chips, holiday cookies, orange zest cookies, easy baked cookies
