Holiday Cookie Perfection

These cookies are pure magic - crispy on the edges, soft and chewy in the middle, loaded with white chocolate and cranberries. The secret? Fresh orange zest and overnight chilling for the perfect texture.

Clare Greco
Updated on Tuesday 03 December 2024
A close-up of stacked cookies featuring white chocolate chunks and dried cranberries on a white plate.
A close-up of stacked cookies featuring white chocolate chunks and dried cranberries on a white plate. Pin it
A close-up of stacked cookies featuring white chocolate chunks and dried cranberries on a white plate. | Recipesbyclare.com

These white chocolate cranberry cookies bring back memories of baking with my grandma. The combination of chewy centers and crispy edges makes them completely irresistible. I've perfected this recipe over countless batches in my kitchen and love how quick it is to whip up when cookie cravings hit.

The Story Behind These Cookies

After testing dozens of batches I discovered the secret to getting that perfect texture. The cookies stay soft and gooey in the middle with edges that caramelize beautifully. The tangy cranberries and sweet white chocolate create an amazing flavor balance while orange zest adds that special something that makes everyone ask for the recipe.

Kitchen Essentials

  • Sweet plump dried cranberries that I get from my local market
  • Good quality white chocolate chips they make all the difference
  • Fresh orange zest from my backyard tree
  • Melted butter for that incredible chew
  • Both brown and white sugar for perfect sweetness
  • Farm fresh eggs
  • Pure vanilla extract
  • A pinch of sea salt
  • All purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Chopped walnuts though pecans work beautifully too

Cookie Making Magic

Start With The Basics
Grab your biggest bowl and mix melted butter sugars vanilla salt and that fragrant orange zest until combined then whisk in your eggs
Keep It Simple
Gently fold in flour and baking soda just until mixed trust me overmixing ruins the texture
The Secret Step
Pop your dough in the fridge for a few hours this makes the flavors amazing
Time To Bake
Roll into generous balls space them out on your cookie sheet and bake at 350°F until they're golden around the edges about 8 to 10 minutes
A close-up of a stack of cookies studded with white chocolate chunks and dried cranberries. Pin it
A close-up of a stack of cookies studded with white chocolate chunks and dried cranberries. | Recipesbyclare.com

My Favorite Prep Ahead Tip

Sometimes I make extra dough balls and keep them in the fridge for fresh baked cookies whenever friends stop by. Just remember to let them warm up a bit before baking. They last beautifully in the fridge for about four days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need to chill the dough overnight?

While not required, chilling helps develop flavors and creates better texture. Let dough reach 70°F before baking for proper spreading.

Can I reduce the sweetness of these cookies?

Yes, you can cut the white chocolate down to 6-8 ounces instead of the full 12 ounces for a less sweet cookie.

How do I get perfectly round cookies?

Shape the edges with the back of a spoon while still warm from the oven. You can even do this 2-3 minutes before they're done baking.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

These cookies keep well in an airtight container for several days at room temperature.

Can I skip the orange zest?

Yes, though the orange zest adds wonderful flavor. You can also sprinkle extra zest on top for color and extra citrus punch.

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

Sweet white chocolate chunks and tart cranberries come together in these buttery, chewy cookies with crisp edges and a hint of orange zest.

Prep Time
75 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
85 Minutes

Category: Sweet Treats

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 33 Servings (33)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 2 sticks unsalted butter, melted (8oz/227g).
02 3/4 cup packed brown sugar (5.25oz/149g).
03 3/4 cup granulated sugar (5.25oz/149g).
04 1 teaspoon vanilla.
05 1 teaspoon salt.
06 2 tablespoons orange zest (from 2 large oranges).
07 2 large eggs.
08 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (10.125oz/287g).
09 1 teaspoon baking soda.
10 2 cups white chocolate chunks or chips (12oz/340g).
11 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped (4.2oz/120g).
12 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (2oz/57g) - optional.

Instructions

Step 01

Mix melted butter, both sugars, vanilla, salt and orange zest in large bowl.

Step 02

Whisk in eggs until well combined.

Step 03

Add flour and baking soda, stir just until mixed.

Step 04

Fold in white chocolate, cranberries, and walnuts.

Step 05

Chill dough for 1-2 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 06

Heat oven to 375°F. Position racks in upper and lower thirds.

Step 07

Let chilled dough soften slightly if firm.

Step 08

Form 1.5oz (43g) dough balls, place 3 inches apart on lined baking sheets.

Step 09

Bake 8-10 minutes until edges are golden but centers still soft.

Step 10

Rotate pans halfway through baking.

Step 11

Let rest 1 minute on pan, then move to cooling rack.

Notes

  1. Press extra chocolate chunks and cranberries on top before baking for prettier cookies.
  2. Shape edges with spoon while warm for perfectly round cookies.
  3. Can reduce white chocolate to 6-8oz for less sweetness.
  4. Chilling improves texture but not required if dough is around 70°F.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheets.
  • Parchment paper.
  • Cooling rack.
  • Large mixing bowl.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs.
  • Dairy.
  • Wheat/Gluten.
  • Tree nuts (walnuts).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 203
  • Total Fat: 11g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 26g
  • Protein: 2g