Holiday Cookie Perfection

Name: White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
Prep time: 75 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 85 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 sticks unsalted butter, melted (8oz/227g).; 3/4 cup packed brown sugar (5.25oz/149g).; 3/4 cup granulated sugar (5.25oz/149g).; 1 teaspoon vanilla.; 1 teaspoon salt.; 2 tablespoons orange zest (from 2 large oranges).; 2 large eggs.; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (10.125oz/287g).; 1 teaspoon baking soda.; 2 cups white chocolate chunks or chips (12oz/340g).; 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped (4.2oz/120g).; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (2oz/57g) - optional.

Featured in Irresistible Sweet Treats.

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.

By Clare Greco

Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:07:07 GMT

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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. | 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

By: Clare Greco

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

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