If you’re searching for a delightful treat that perfectly combines festive flavors with a touch of sweetness, the Holiday White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies bring together the tartness of fresh cranberries with the creamy sweetness of white chocolate, all nestled in a soft, buttery dough that feels like a warm holiday hug. Whether for gifting, sharing at a family gathering, or just savoring with a cup of tea, this recipe promises joy in every bite throughout the season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the cold butter that brings tenderness to the dough, to the fresh cranberries adding a burst of holiday cheer, every component works together to deliver a cookie you’ll want to bake again and again.
- 1 cup unsalted butter: Using cold butter helps create that perfect chewy texture and rich flavor.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness that balances the tart cranberries and enhances the white chocolate.
- 2 eggs: These provide structure and moisture to keep the cookies soft and tender.
- 1/2 teaspoon orange extract (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract): Brings a delightful aroma and subtle citrus note that brightens the cookie.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your cookie dough, offering the perfect crumb.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Gives the cookies a gentle rise and lightness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1 cup white chocolate chips: Melts into creamy pockets of sweetness.
- 2 cups fresh cranberries: The star ingredient providing bursts of tartness and vibrant color.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (optional): Adds a fresh, zesty punch that complements the cranberries perfectly.
How to Make Holiday White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies cook evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the cold butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential for creating a tender, airy cookie base that melts in your mouth.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Extract
Beat in the eggs along with your choice of extract—orange brings a festive twist, while vanilla offers classic warmth. Mixing these well ensures your dough will have great flavor and a smooth texture.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix In
Whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mix and stir just until combined. Overmixing can toughen your cookies, so be gentle!
Step 5: Add Cranberries and White Chocolate Chips
Fold in the fresh cranberries and white chocolate chips carefully, so they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. This is the moment your cookies start to take their signature holiday flair.
Step 6: Scoop and Chill (Optional)
Scoop out dough balls ranging from 1/4 to 1/3 cup for each cookie and place six per baking sheet. For extra-thick cookies, chill the dough balls in the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes before baking. This little step makes a big difference in texture.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 13 to 15 minutes until the tops look set and are no longer glossy. If you chilled the dough, add a minute or two to the baking time. Once done, let them cool on the sheet for five minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Holiday White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar can add an elegant snowy effect that makes these cookies look even more festive. Alternatively, a drizzle of melted white chocolate or a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios adds texture and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm mug of spiced tea, hot cocoa, or even a glass of creamy eggnog, bringing out the full holiday spirit with every bite and sip.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your cookies on a festive platter lined with evergreen sprigs or wrap a stack in cellophane tied with a bright ribbon for a charming homemade gift. You can also serve them alongside cheese and fruit boards to surprise guests with a sweet, unexpected addition.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Holiday White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This preserves their softness and keeps the cranberries and white chocolate deliciously fresh.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months and thaw quickly when you’re ready.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies warm, pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10 seconds. This revives their softness and melts the chocolate chips slightly for an extra indulgent treat.
FAQs
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
While fresh cranberries provide a lovely tart burst and juiciness, you can substitute with dried cranberries if fresh aren’t available. Just remember to soak them briefly in warm water to soften and prevent the cookies from drying out.
What if I don’t have orange extract? Can I leave it out?
Yes! If you don’t have orange extract, vanilla extract is a great alternative that still adds warmth and depth to your cookies. You can also omit the extract entirely, but a little flavoring enhances the holiday vibe.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
To make a vegan version of the Holiday White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies Recipe, use a plant-based butter substitute, a flaxseed or chia egg replacement, and vegan white chocolate chips. This way, everyone can enjoy these festive treats.
Is it better to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape and bake up thicker, which many people love. It’s an optional step, but if you prefer a thicker, chewier texture, definitely give it a try.
How do I prevent the cranberries from bleeding into the dough?
To minimize color bleed from fresh cranberries, toss them lightly in flour before incorporating into the dough. This helps keep your cookies looking bright and beautiful rather than mottled.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about baking with ingredients that instantly evoke the cozy feeling of the holidays, and the Holiday White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies Recipe does just that. With their perfect balance of tart and sweet, and that soft, tender texture, these cookies are sure to become a treasured staple in your festive baking repertoire. Don’t wait to give them a try — your taste buds will thank you, and they make any holiday celebration a little bit sweeter.
Print
Holiday White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings
Description
Celebrate the holiday season with these delightful Holiday White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies. Combining sweet white chocolate chips with tart fresh cranberries and a hint of orange zest, these cookies offer a perfect balance of flavors. Soft yet slightly crisp, they are ideal for festive gatherings or a cozy treat any time of year.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, straight from the fridge
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon orange extract (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 2 cups fresh cranberries (add more if desired)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the cold unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step creates a smooth base for your cookies.
- Add Eggs and Extract: Beat in the eggs along with the orange or vanilla extract, blending thoroughly to combine the wet ingredients evenly.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in Cranberries and White Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the fresh cranberries, white chocolate chips, and optional orange zest to evenly distribute throughout the dough without breaking up the berries.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop 1/4 to 1/3 cup of dough per cookie and roll into balls. Place 6 cookie dough balls per prepared baking sheet. For thicker cookies, chill the dough balls in the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes before baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the cookies look set and the tops lose their glossy appearance. If the dough was chilled, add an extra minute or two to the bake time.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cookies firm up and prevents breaking.
Notes
- For extra thick and chewy cookies, refrigerate the dough balls before baking.
- You can substitute orange extract with vanilla extract according to your taste preference.
- Fresh cranberries provide a nice tartness; if unavailable, dried cranberries can be used but will alter texture slightly.
- Ensure not to overmix the dough after adding flour to keep cookies tender.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
