Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
You’ll love these Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies because they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, celebrating a birthday, or simply indulging on a cozy evening, these cookies will impress everyone. Their unique blend of sweet white chocolate and tart cranberries creates a delightful balance that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, the soft-baked texture ensures each bite is wonderfully chewy and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you’ll have delicious cookies in no time.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of white chocolate and cranberries creates a flavor explosion.
- Perfect for Sharing: Bake two dozen cookies—ideal for gatherings and celebrations.
- Customizable: Feel free to tweak the ingredients to suit your taste.
- Great for Any Season: These cookies are perfect year-round, from holidays to casual treats.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking, it’s essential to gather the right tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything ready will make your cookie-making experience enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or handheld mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or handheld mixer: Helps achieve a creamy consistency for your dough effortlessly.
- Mixing bowls: Provides ample space for combining ingredients without spills.
- Baking sheets: Ensures even baking and prevents sticking when lined with parchment paper.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful cookies:
For the Dough
- 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
For the Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (cornflour)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Mix-ins
- 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 handheld mixer or stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together on medium speed until combined and creamy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl and beat again as needed to combine.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt together. On low speed, slowly mix into the wet ingredients until combined. The cookie dough will be soft and thick. Add the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries, then beat on low speed until evenly mixed.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Cover dough tightly and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour and up to 3-4 days. Chilling is important to prevent over-spreading during baking.
Step 4: Preheat Your Oven
Remove cookie dough from the refrigerator. If it has chilled longer than 3-4 hours, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before scooping. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Step 5: Shape Cookies
As the oven preheats, scoop out about 1.5 Tablespoons of dough per cookie ball. Arrange them 3 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
Step 6: Bake Cookies
Bake for about 11-12 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges while still soft in the center. If they haven’t spread much, lightly bang the baking sheets on the counter while warm.
Step 7: Cool Down
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before pressing extra white chocolate chips and dried cranberries into their tops if desired. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your fresh batch of Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies! They stay fresh covered at room temperature for up to one week.
How to Serve Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
Soft-baked white chocolate cranberry cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.
With a Glass of Milk
- Pair the cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination that enhances the sweet and chewy texture of the cookies.
As an Ice Cream Sandwich
- Take two soft-baked cookies and sandwich your favorite ice cream between them. This creates a rich dessert that’s perfect for warm days.
Warm with Whipped Cream
- Serve the cookies warm, topped with a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. The warmth melts the chocolate slightly, adding to the deliciousness.
Dusted with Powdered Sugar
- Lightly dust the tops of the cookies with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. This adds sweetness and makes them visually appealing.
With Hot Cocoa
- Enjoy these cookies with a steaming cup of hot cocoa. The flavors of chocolate and cranberry complement each other beautifully.
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Arrange your soft-baked white chocolate cranberry cookies on a dessert platter alongside other treats. This is great for parties or gatherings.
How to Perfect Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
To ensure your soft-baked white chocolate cranberry cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
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Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial. It helps prevent spreading and results in thicker, chewier cookies.
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter.
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Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
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Bake in Batches: If you’re making multiple trays, bake them one at a time. This ensures even baking and perfect texture.
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Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Ovens can vary; check your cookies around 10 minutes to avoid overbaking.
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Store Properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness.
Best Side Dishes for Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
While these delightful cookies are fantastic on their own, here are some side dishes that pair wonderfully with them.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture complements the chewy cookie perfectly.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
- Cheese Platter: Add some mild cheeses like brie or gouda for a savory contrast.
- Chocolate Fondue: Dip cookie pieces into warm chocolate for an extra indulgent experience.
- Coffee: A warm cup of coffee enhances the flavors while providing a nice caffeine boost.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and bits of cookie for a tasty breakfast option.
- Pecan Pie Bars: These add another sweet option that pairs well with cranberries.
- Tea Selection: A variety of herbal teas offer soothing flavors that complement dessert nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can ensure your Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies turn out perfectly every time.
- Skipping the chill time – Chilling the dough is essential. It helps prevent cookies from spreading too much during baking. Always chill for at least one hour.
- Not measuring flour correctly – Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour. Scooping directly from the bag can lead to too much flour, resulting in dry cookies.
- Overbaking the cookies – Keep an eye on your cookies and remove them when they are lightly browned but still soft in the center. They will continue to cook slightly after being taken out of the oven.
- Using cold ingredients – Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can result in uneven mixing and texture.
- Ignoring ingredient quality – Use high-quality white chocolate and cranberries. The flavor of your cookies depends significantly on these key ingredients.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
- Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
- For best results, flash freeze them first by placing them on a baking sheet until solid before transferring to a container.
Reheating Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and heat cookies for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave – Warm a cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a soft texture.
- Stovetop – Heat in a skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies.
How do I make Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies chewier?
To achieve a chewier texture, add an extra egg yolk or reduce the baking time slightly.
Can I substitute other types of chocolate?
Yes! Feel free to replace white chocolate with dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
How do I store leftover Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week for optimal freshness.
What can I add to customize my Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies?
Consider adding nuts, like walnuts or pecans, or other dried fruits such as apricots or raisins for variety.
Are Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies suitable for gifting?
Absolutely! These cookies make a delightful gift when packaged nicely in a decorative box or tin.
Final Thoughts
These Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize them with your favorite mix-ins or toppings. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee or sharing them with friends, these cookies are sure to bring joy and warmth to any occasion!
Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies, a perfect treat for any occasion. These cookies boast a unique combination of sweet white chocolate and tart cranberries, creating an irresistible flavor profile that will keep you reaching for more. With a wonderfully chewy texture, each bite melts in your mouth, making them ideal for holiday gatherings, birthdays, or cozy evenings at home. Plus, this easy recipe ensures you’ll have fresh cookies ready to impress in no time.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons 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
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix this into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in white chocolate chips and cranberries.
- Chill dough for at least one hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Scoop dough onto lined baking sheets.
- Bake for 11-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft. Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
