Description
These white chocolate cranberry cookies are a delightful combination of sweet, creamy white chocolate and tart, fresh cranberries, accented by a bright hint of orange zest. Soft and chewy with a perfect golden edge, they make an ideal treat for holidays or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature (12 Tbsp or 1.5 sticks)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 large egg, room temperature
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
Add-ins
- ¾ cup white chocolate chips
- 2 cups fresh cranberries (coarsely chopped, or 1 cup dried cranberries)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat together the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This incorporates air, which helps give the cookies a tender texture.
- Add egg and flavorings: Mix in the egg, grated orange zest, and vanilla extract until the ingredients are fully combined, providing moisture and flavor.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning agents.
- Mix dry into wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until the dough comes together and is evenly mixed.
- Fold in cranberries and white chocolate chips: Gently fold the coarsely chopped fresh cranberries and white chocolate chips into the cookie dough, ensuring they are well distributed without overmixing the dough.
- Shape dough balls: Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow space for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. If using dried cranberries instead of fresh, reduce the baking time to 11 to 13 minutes to avoid over-drying.
- Cool cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring a firm but chewy texture.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh cranberries for a tart contrast; dried cranberries may require shorter baking time.
- Room temperature butter and egg help create a smooth dough and even texture.
- Orange zest adds a wonderful citrus aroma and flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or frozen for longer storage.
- You can substitute gluten-free flour to make these cookies gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: white chocolate, cranberry, cookies, dessert, holiday treat, orange zest, baking
