You’ll love these Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies because they are a delightful treat for any occasion. With their chewy texture, rich flavor from extra vanilla, and the perfect blend of sweet white chocolate and tart cranberries, these cookies are sure to impress. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just want to indulge yourself, this recipe is a must-try!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistibly Chewy: These cookies have a soft-baked texture that makes each bite melt in your mouth.
Flavorful Combination: The mix of sweet white chocolate and tart cranberries creates a perfect balance of flavors.
Simple Preparation: With easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up a batch in no time.
Versatile Treat: Great for cookie exchanges, parties, or as an everyday snack.
Make Ahead Option: Chilling the dough allows you to prepare it in advance for fresh cookies whenever you like.

Tools and Preparation

To bake these delicious cookies, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Stand mixer or handheld mixer
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
Baking sheets
Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

Stand mixer or handheld mixer: These tools ensure that your butter and sugars mix thoroughly for a creamy dough.
Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls helps keep your wet and dry ingredients separate until it’s time to combine them smoothly.
Baking sheets: Proper baking sheets promote even cooking and prevent sticking when lined with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients for these Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies:

3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
3/4 cup (150g) packed light or dark brown sugar (I use dark)
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
1 large egg, at room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
2 teaspoons cornstarch (cornflour)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (135g) white chocolate chips, plus a few extra for garnish
1 cup (140g) dried cranberries, plus a few extra for garnish

How to Make Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl using a stand mixer or handheld mixer, beat together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually mix this dry mixture into the wet ingredients on low speed until just combined. The cookie dough will be thick.

Step 3: Add Chocolate and Cranberries

Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 3–4 days).

Step 4: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 5: Shape Cookies

Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough for each cookie. Roll into balls and place them about 3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Bake for approximately 11–12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned but centers remain soft.
If cookies don’t spread much, gently tap the baking sheet on the counter while warm.

Step 7: Cool Down

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before pressing extra chocolate chips and cranberries into their tops if desired.
Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your freshly baked Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies! They stay fresh covered at room temperature for up to one week—if they last that long!

How to Serve Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

These soft-baked white chocolate cranberry cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging at home, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.

Pair with Milk

A classic pairing that balances the sweetness of the cookies with the creaminess of milk. Serve cold or warm for an extra treat.

Add Ice Cream

Top your cookies with a scoop of vanilla or cranberry ice cream for a delicious dessert. The contrast between warm cookies and cold ice cream is heavenly.

Create a Cookie Sandwich

Spread your favorite frosting or whipped cream between two cookies to make a delightful sandwich. This adds an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Serve with Coffee or Tea

Enjoy these cookies with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack. The flavors complement each other beautifully.

Garnish with Fresh Fruit

Add some fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries on the side. They provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies.

Gift Them

Package these cookies in a decorative box as a thoughtful gift for friends and family. They make perfect homemade gifts for any occasion.

How to Perfect Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

Achieving the perfect soft-baked white chocolate cranberry cookies requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out just right.

Chill the Dough: Chilling helps prevent over-spreading and maintains the cookie’s shape during baking.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring butter and eggs are at room temperature allows for better mixing and texture.
Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies; remove them when they are lightly browned at the edges but still soft in the center.
Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to add nuts or substitute dried cranberries with other dried fruits for variety.

Best Side Dishes for Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

While these soft-baked white chocolate cranberry cookies are delicious on their own, pairing them with complementary dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great side dish suggestions:

Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda for a savory contrast to sweet treats.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a delightful combination that pairs well with cookies.
Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate served with fruits and marshmallows creates a fun dipping experience alongside your cookies.
Nut Butter Dip: Serve peanut butter or almond butter as a dip for an added protein boost that complements the cookie’s sweetness.
Mini Muffins: A selection of mini muffins, such as blueberry or banana, offers variety while keeping things sweet.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a soft texture.
Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the dough may cause cookies to spread too much. Always chill for at least one hour for best results.
Using cold ingredients: Cold butter and eggs can affect the mixing process. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
Not measuring flour correctly: Scooping directly from the bag can compact flour, leading to dry cookies. Use the spoon and level method for accurate measurement.
Ignoring oven temperature: An incorrectly set oven can ruin your cookies. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container in the fridge.
They will stay fresh for up to one week.

Freezing Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds on low power.
Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, covered, for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies unique?

These cookies combine sweet white chocolate with tart cranberries, creating a delightful balance of flavors that is both comforting and satisfying.

Can I customize my Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, swap cranberries for other dried fruits, or even use dark chocolate chips instead of white chocolate for a different flavor profile.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

Look for lightly browned edges while the centers remain soft. If they look too underbaked, they’ll firm up as they cool.

Can I use this recipe for other types of cookies?

Yes! This recipe serves as a base; you can easily switch out cranberry and white chocolate with other ingredients like raisins or nuts.

Final Thoughts

These Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies are not just delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them to suit your taste or occasion. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying them yourself, they’re sure to bring joy and satisfaction!

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Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

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Author: Cara
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful experience of Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies. These cookies offer a perfect balance of flavors, combining the sweet richness of white chocolate with the tartness of cranberries, all wrapped in a chewy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Ideal for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply treating yourself, this recipe guarantees to impress. With simple preparation steps and the option to make ahead by chilling the dough, these cookies are as convenient as they are delicious. Bake a batch today and savor the comforting warmth of freshly baked treats!

Ingredients

Scale

3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup white chocolate chips
1 cup dried cranberries

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using a mixer until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.
Gently fold in white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
Chill cookie dough for at least one hour in the refrigerator.
Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough per cookie onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about three inches apart.
Bake for 11–12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned while centers remain soft.
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American