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Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure even baking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set the dry ingredients aside for now.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer or stand mixer on medium speed.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, and beat until smooth and fully incorporated.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed. Once the dough begins to come together, stop mixing and scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly combined.
- If you’re using oats, fold them into the dough at this stage. Oats will add extra texture to the cookies, but they’re completely optional.
5. Add Cranberries and White Chocolate
Fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips (or chopped white chocolate). The tart cranberries and sweet white chocolate create a beautiful balance of flavors in each bite.
6. Scoop and Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded portions of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space the cookies about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread while baking.
- If you like larger cookies, you can use a heaping tablespoon or even an ice cream scoop for bigger, bakery-style cookies!
7. Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on the size of your cookies.
- The cookies will firm up as they cool, so be careful not to overbake. For softer cookies, you can remove them from the oven as soon as the edges start to turn golden.
8. Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures they hold their shape and don’t break apart.
Tips for the Perfect White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
- Use Quality White Chocolate: The quality of your white chocolate can make a big difference in the flavor of the cookies. Choose high-quality white chocolate bars or chips that will melt smoothly and provide a creamy, rich sweetness.
- Add Fresh Cranberries for a Tart Kick: While dried cranberries are more commonly used, you can substitute with fresh cranberries for a more intense tartness. If using fresh cranberries, chop them roughly to make them easier to incorporate into the dough, as they tend to be larger than dried cranberries.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: When you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies that lack the chewy texture we love.
- Customize with Nuts: For added crunch and flavor, you can throw in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts. The toasted flavor of the nuts pairs wonderfully with the sweet white chocolate and tart cranberries.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, and it can enhance the overall flavor. It’s not necessary, but if you’re looking for thicker cookies, it’s worth considering.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze them for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or container.
Why You’ll Love White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
These cookies offer the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a rich, melt-in-your-mouth white chocolate flavor complemented by the chewy, tangy cranberries. The texture is soft yet slightly chewy, with a bit of crunch from the oats (if you choose to add them). Every bite is a delightful combination of flavors that feel both festive and comforting, making them ideal for the holiday season or any time of year.
Whether you’re looking for a treat to share at a holiday party, bake for a special occasion, or simply enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee, these White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies will hit the spot every time. They’re easy to make, beautiful to look at, and most importantly—absolutely delicious.
Final Thoughts
The combination of white chocolate and cranberries is a classic for a reason, and these White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies are a perfect example of why. From the first bite to the last, the blend of sweet, tart, and creamy flavors creates a treat that’s both comforting and festive. Make a batch today, and prepare to be amazed by how quickly they disappear!
Enjoy! 🍪🍫🍒
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