Cranberry Bliss White Chocolate Cookies

$- 1 cup unsalted butter - 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup white chocolate chips - 3/4 cup dried cranberries - Zest of 1 orange These ingredients make your cookies rich and flavorful. The unsalted butter gives the right creaminess. Brown sugar adds a deep, caramel-like taste, while granulated sugar adds sweetness. The egg binds everything together. Vanilla extract brings warmth and enhances flavors. All-purpose flour gives the cookies structure. Baking soda helps them rise and keeps them soft. Salt balances the sweetness. White chocolate chips add creaminess, while dried cranberries offer a tart bite. Finally, the zest of one orange brightens every bite with a fresh, citrus twist. - Nuts (e.g., macadamia or pecans) - Different types of chocolate - Coconut flakes Adding nuts gives a nice crunch. Macadamia or pecans work well. You can mix in other types of chocolate for a twist. Dark chocolate pairs nicely with cranberries. Coconut flakes add a chewy texture and a tropical taste. Feel free to customize these cookies to match your taste. The fun part is experimenting with what you love! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step keeps your cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easy. 2. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 3/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process adds air to your dough, making your cookies soft and chewy. 3. Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined. The egg binds everything together, while the vanilla adds flavor. 1. In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This step ensures even distribution of the leavening agent. 2. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few flour streaks are okay. 1. Fold in 1 cup of white chocolate chips, 3/4 cup of dried cranberries, and the zest of 1 orange. This gives your cookies bursts of flavor. 2. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart. This space allows the cookies to spread while baking. 1. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges. The centers will look soft but will firm up as they cool. 2. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is key for perfect texture. To keep your cookies soft and chewy, do not overbake them. Bake until the edges are golden. The centers should look soft. They will firm up as they cool. Avoid overmixing the dough. Mix until just combined for the best texture. If you mix too much, your cookies can turn tough. For a stronger orange flavor, add more orange zest. Start with half a teaspoon more and taste it. If you want a light hint, use less zest. Try pairing these cookies with a glass of milk or hot tea. The creamy milk balances the sweetness. Tea adds a warming feel, perfect for cozy moments. Serve the cookies on a decorative platter. Sprinkle some extra orange zest on top for color. You can also stack them high for a fun display. To keep cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their soft texture. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. Just thaw when you're ready to enjoy! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your dried cranberries are fresh and plump for the best flavor and texture in your cookies. Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading. Perfect Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; they should look soft in the center. They will firm up while cooling. Experiment with Zest: Try adding lemon or lime zest in addition to orange for a unique twist on the flavor profile. {{image_2}} You can change up the flavors in these cookies. Here are two fun ideas: - Mint chocolate cranberry cookies: Add mint extract and dark chocolate chips. The mint gives a fresh taste. - Dark chocolate cranberry cookies: Swap white chocolate for dark chocolate. This makes a richer cookie with deep flavor. You can also make these cookies fit your diet: - Gluten-free option: Use almond flour or oat flour instead of regular flour. This keeps them tasty and safe for those who can't eat gluten. - Vegan version: Replace the egg with flaxseed meal mixed with water. This keeps the cookies moist and delicious without using eggs. These variations help you enjoy the cookies your way! To keep your white chocolate cranberry cookies fresh, use an airtight container. This helps them stay soft and chewy. Cookie jars are great for display but may not seal as well. If you live in a humid area, opt for the airtight option. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature. At room temperature, these cookies last about five days. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. If you notice any signs of spoilage, like a change in smell or texture, it’s best to toss them out. Keep an eye out for hard or dry cookies. They lose their chewy texture when stale. A fresh cookie should feel soft when you press it lightly. Enjoy your cookies while they're still at their best! Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried? Yes, you can use fresh cranberries. Fresh cranberries are tart. To balance the flavor, add a bit more sugar to the dough. Chop them into smaller pieces to mix easily. What can I substitute for white chocolate chips? You can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips. If you want a fruity twist, try adding butterscotch chips. Just remember, these changes will alter the flavor. How do I ensure my cookies don’t spread too much? Chill the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps keep the shape. Also, make sure your baking sheets are cool. Warm sheets can make cookies spread. What is the best way to soften butter quickly? Cut the butter into small cubes and place it in a bowl. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. You can also microwave it for 5-10 seconds on low power. Can I double the recipe? If so, how? Yes, you can double the recipe easily. Just multiply all the ingredients by two. Make sure you have enough space on your baking sheets. You may need to bake in batches. What drinks pair well with these cookies? These cookies pair well with milk, tea, or coffee. A glass of orange juice also works great. The flavors complement each other nicely. Ideas for gifting cookies during holidays Wrap the cookies in festive boxes or bags. You can add a personal note or card. Consider including a recipe card so the recipient can make their own! You learned about the key ingredients and steps for making delicious cookies. I shared tips for keeping them soft and fresh. You also saw fun flavor variations and storage tips. Baking can be simple and enjoyable. Now, you have all the tools to create cookies that everyone will love. Get ready to impress your friends with your new skills! Happy baking!$

Cranberry Bliss White Chocolate Cookies

Delicious cookies featuring white chocolate and dried cranberries with a hint of orange zest.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 24

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3.75 cup brown sugar, packed
0.5 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
0.5 teaspoon salt
1 cup white chocolate chips
0.75 cup dried cranberries
1 zest of 1 orange

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Fold in the white chocolate chips, dried cranberries, and orange zest until evenly distributed in the dough.
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will look soft but will firm up as they cool.
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter and sprinkle with additional orange zest for a vibrant touch. Enjoy them with a glass of milk or a warm cup of tea!

Keyword cookies, cranberries, dessert, white chocolate