Soft White Chocolate Chip Cranberry Cookies Recipe

Satisfy your sweet tooth with these soft-baked white chocolate cranberry cookies. The perfect blend of sweet and tart, these cookies are sure to be a hit with friends and family. Bursting with white chocolate chips and dried cranberries, they are a delight to the senses. A touch of cornstarch makes these cookies extra soft and chewy, while the combination of dark brown sugar and granulated sugar lends a rich depth of flavor.

soft-baked white chocolate cranberry cookies recipe

Photos of Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies Recipe

While most of the ingredients for this recipe are pantry staples, you may need to pick up a couple items. The white chocolate chips and dried cranberries are the stars of this recipe, and they can be found in the baking aisle or snack section of most supermarkets. Also, cornstarch, which is used to achieve the soft and chewy texture, may not be a common ingredient in every home, but it is easily found in the baking section.

Ingredients for Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

Unsalted butter: Adds a rich, creamy flavor to the cookies and helps with the overall structure. Dark brown sugar: This gives the cookies a deep, caramel-like sweetness. Granulated sugar: Regular table sugar that sweetens the cookies. Large egg: Binds the ingredients together. Pure vanilla extract: Provides a warm, sweet flavor. All-purpose flour: The main dry ingredient that forms the structure of the cookies. Cornstarch: Makes the cookies soft and thick. Baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise. Salt: Enhances the other flavors. White chocolate chips: Adds a sweet, creamy flavor. Dried cranberries: Provides a tart contrast to the sweet white chocolate.

One reader, Lanae Peters says:

These soft-baked white chocolate cranberry cookies are absolutely divine! The perfect blend of sweet white chocolate and tart cranberries makes for a delightful treat. The cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor. A definite crowd-pleaser and a must-try for any cookie lover!

Lanae Peters

Techniques Required for Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

How to prepare the cookie dough: Mixing the butter, sugars, egg, and vanilla until creamy and light in color. Then, combining the dry ingredients and folding in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.

How to chill the cookie dough: Covering the dough tightly and refrigerating for at least 2 hours, allowing it to firm up and develop flavor.

How to scoop and roll the cookie dough: Working the slightly crumbly dough with your hands to form individual balls, then placing them on a lined baking sheet.

How to bake the cookies: Preheating the oven, placing the cookie dough balls on baking sheets, and baking until the edges are barely golden brown.

How To Make Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

These white chocolate chip cranberry cookies have a bright festive color and are bursting with tart and tangy punch flavors in each soft bite.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 8 minutes

Chill and Cool Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Total: 2 hours 38 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

¾cupunsalted butter,(1.5 sticks), softened to room temperature
¾cuppacked dark brown sugar
¼cupgranulated sugar
1large egg,at room temperature
2tsppure vanilla extract
2cupsall-purpose flour,leveled
2tspcornstarch,cornflour
1tspbaking soda
½tspsalt
¾cupwhite chocolate chips
¾cupdried cranberries

Instructions

In a large bowl using a hand-held mixer or stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat the butter for about 1 minute on medium speed until completely smooth and creamy.
Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar and mix on medium-high speed until fluffy and light in color. Beat in egg and vanilla at high speed. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt together until combined. At low speed, slowly mix into the wet ingredients until combined. The cookie dough will be quite thick.
Add the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries mix on low for about 5 to 10 seconds until evenly disbursed. Cover dough tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours and up to 2 days. Chilling is mandatory for this cookie dough.
Remove cookie dough from the refrigerator and allow to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes– if the cookie dough chilled longer than 2 hours, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This makes the cookie dough easier to scoop and roll.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.
Once chilled, the dough will be slightly crumbly, but will come together if you work the dough with your hands as you roll into individual balls. Scoop and roll balls of dough, about 1 heaping tablespoon of dough each, into balls.
Place 10 to 12 on each baking sheet. Bake in batches for about 10 to 11 minutes, until barely golden brown around the edges. They will look extremely soft when removed from the oven.
Allow to cool for about 5 minutes on the cookie sheet. If the cookies are too puffy, try gently pressing down on them with the back of a spoon. They will slightly deflate as you let them cool. Transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Recipe Notes

Make Ahead & Freezing Instructions: Cookies stay fresh covered at room temperature for up to 1 week. Make the cookie dough and chill it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow to come to room temperature then continue with step 4. Baked cookies freeze well for up to 3 months. Unbaked cookie dough balls freeze well for up to 3 months. Bake frozen cookie dough balls for an extra minute, no need to thaw.
Tip: Do not drop dough onto warm cookie sheets. Allow cookie sheets to cool completely between batches.

Nutrition

Calories: 134.48kcal
Fat: 6.25g
Saturated Fat: 3.81g
Trans Fat: 0.19g
Monounsaturated Fat: 1.65g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.30g
Carbohydrates: 18.65g
Fiber: 0.41g
Sugar: 11.54g
Protein: 1.38g
Cholesterol: 19.29mg
Sodium: 71.47mg
Calcium: 16.93mg
Potassium: 33.72mg
Iron: 0.48mg
Vitamin A: 41.87µg
Vitamin C: 0.03mg

Crucial Technique Tip for Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

When incorporating the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries into the dough, try to distribute them evenly. This ensures that each cookie will have a balanced amount of sweetness from the chocolate and tartness from the cranberries. Also, when chilling the dough, make sure it's covered tightly to prevent it from drying out. This will help maintain the softness of the cookies after baking.

Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe

Chill the dough: Chilling the cookie dough for at least 2 hours is mandatory, but you can chill it for up to 2 days. This can be done in advance to save time when you're ready to bake.

Use a cookie scoop: Using a cookie scoop will help you achieve uniform cookie sizes, making the baking process quicker and more efficient.

Bake in batches: Instead of trying to fit all the cookie dough on one baking sheet, bake in batches to ensure even baking and consistent results.

Room temperature dough: Allowing the chilled dough to sit at room temperature for a few minutes will make it easier to scoop and roll, saving time and effort.

Pressing down the cookies: If the cookies are too puffy after baking, gently press down on them with the back of a spoon to help them cool and set faster.

Substitute Ingredients For Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies Recipe

unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a similar richness and flavor to the cookies, while also adding a hint of coconut flavor.
dark brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar molasses-like flavor and can be used as a 1:1 replacement for dark brown sugar.
granulated sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can add a natural sweetness and moisture to the cookies, while also imparting a subtle maple flavor.
large egg - Substitute with flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water): Flaxseed egg can act as a binding agent and provide moisture to the cookies, making it a suitable vegan alternative.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can add a nutty flavor and a slightly denser texture to the cookies, while also providing additional fiber.
white chocolate chips - Substitute with vanilla chips: Vanilla chips can provide a similar creamy and sweet flavor to the cookies, while adding a touch of vanilla essence.
dried cranberries - Substitute with dried cherries: Dried cherries can offer a similar tartness and chewy texture to the cookies, while adding a slightly different fruity flavor.

Best Way to Present White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

Elevate the cookie size: Present the cookies in a larger size to create a grand and indulgent appearance. This will make a bold statement and showcase the luxurious ingredients.
Artful plating: Arrange the cookies on a pristine white plate, allowing the vibrant colors of the cranberries and white chocolate to pop against the background, creating a visually stunning presentation.
Garnish with powdered sugar: Lightly dust the cookies with powdered sugar to add an elegant touch and create a beautiful contrast against the dark brown sugar and white chocolate.
Pair with a delicate dessert wine: Serve the cookies alongside a glass of late harvest Riesling to complement the sweetness of the white chocolate and cranberries, adding a sophisticated touch to the overall presentation.
Use a gold-rimmed serving platter: Present the cookies on a luxurious gold-rimmed platter to add a touch of opulence and sophistication to the overall presentation, creating a visually stunning display.

Essential Tools for Making Soft-Baked Cookies

Hand-held mixer: A hand-held mixer is a versatile tool used for mixing, beating, and whipping ingredients. It is perfect for creaming butter and sugar together for cookie dough.
Stand mixer with paddle attachment: A stand mixer with a paddle attachment is ideal for creaming butter and sugar, and mixing cookie dough. It provides consistent and thorough mixing.
Whisk: A whisk is used for combining dry ingredients and ensuring they are evenly distributed. It is essential for achieving a uniform cookie dough texture.
Baking sheets: Baking sheets are used to place the cookie dough for baking. They provide a flat, even surface for the cookies to bake on.
Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: Parchment paper or silicone baking mats are used to line the baking sheets, preventing the cookies from sticking and ensuring even baking.
Cooling rack: A cooling rack is used to allow the cookies to cool evenly after baking. It promotes air circulation around the cookies, preventing sogginess.

Storing and Freezing Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
- To freeze the cookie dough, roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Freeze the dough balls until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- When ready to bake, remove the desired number of dough balls from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
- Bake the cookies as directed in the recipe, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time if needed.
To maintain the soft and chewy texture of the cookies, avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as this can cause them to become dry and crumbly.
If the cookies become slightly stale, you can refresh them by microwaving them for 5-10 seconds or placing them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 2-3 minutes.

How to Reheat Leftover Cookies

To reheat soft-baked white chocolate cranberry cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cookies are warmed through and slightly crispy around the edges. This method will help restore the cookies' original texture and bring out the flavors of the white chocolate and dried cranberries.
Another option is to use a microwave. Place the cookies on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 10-second intervals until they reach your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat the cookies, as this can cause the white chocolate chips to melt and the cookies to become too soft.
For a quicker and more convenient method, you can reheat the cookies in a toaster oven. Set the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the cookies on the rack. Heat for 3-5 minutes, or until the cookies are warmed through and slightly crispy.
If you prefer a softer texture, you can wrap the cookies in a damp paper towel before microwaving them. This will help maintain their moisture and prevent them from drying out during the reheating process. Microwave the wrapped cookies for 10-15 seconds, or until they reach your desired temperature.
For a more indulgent treat, you can crumble the soft-baked white chocolate cranberry cookies over a scoop of vanilla ice cream and reheat the mixture in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. This will create a delicious, gooey dessert that combines the flavors of the cookies with the creamy texture of the ice cream.

Interesting Fact About White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

The soft-baked white chocolate cranberry cookies are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of white chocolate with the tartness of cranberries. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings and make a great addition to any dessert table. They are also a wonderful homemade gift for friends and family. The combination of white chocolate and cranberries creates a unique and delicious flavor that is sure to be a hit with everyone. So, next time you're looking for a special treat to bake, consider making these soft-baked white chocolate cranberry cookies!

Is This Recipe Budget-Friendly for Home Cooking?

The cost-effectiveness of this soft-baked white chocolate cranberry cookies recipe is quite high. The ingredients are commonly found in households, and the recipe yields a generous batch. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$15, making it an affordable treat. The delightful combination of white chocolate and cranberries creates a luxurious flavor, earning this recipe a solid 9/10 rating.

Are These Cookies Healthy or Unhealthy?

This recipe for soft-baked white chocolate cranberry cookies is not particularly healthy. Here's why:

The recipe contains a significant amount of butter and sugar, which are high in calories and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in excess.
White chocolate is made with cocoa butter, milk, and sugar, but lacks the beneficial antioxidants found in dark chocolate.
All-purpose flour is refined and has a high glycemic index, which can cause blood sugar spikes.
The recipe does not include any whole grains, fruits (apart from dried cranberries), or vegetables, which are essential for a balanced diet.

To make this recipe healthier, you could try the following modifications:

Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or oat flour to increase the fiber content and reduce the glycemic index.
Reduce the amount of sugar by 25% to 50% and replace some of the sugar with natural sweeteners like applesauce or mashed bananas.
Use dark chocolate chips instead of white chocolate chips to increase the antioxidant content.
Replace half of the butter with Greek yogurt or mashed avocado to reduce the saturated fat content and add some healthy fats and protein.
Add some chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, to increase the protein and healthy fat content.
Experiment with reducing the amount of chocolate chips and dried cranberries to lower the overall sugar content.

Editor's Opinion on These Soft-Baked Cookies

The soft-baked white chocolate cranberry cookies recipe is a delightful combination of sweet white chocolate and tart cranberries, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The use of dark brown sugar adds a rich depth of flavor, while the chilling of the dough ensures a chewy and soft texture. The addition of cornstarch helps to create a tender cookie, and the slightly underbaking ensures a soft and gooey center. This recipe is a wonderful choice for a holiday treat or any time you want to indulge in a delicious cookie.

Enhance Your Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of roasted garlic, perfect for balancing the sweetness of the cookies.

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Tender asparagus grilled to perfection and topped with a zesty lemon zest, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich cookies.

Cranberry Orange Salad: A light and refreshing salad with a mix of cranberries and oranges, offering a tangy and citrusy flavor to complement the sweetness of the cookies.

Similar Recipes to Try

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: This creamy tomato basil soup is the perfect comfort food for a chilly day. The combination of ripe tomatoes and fresh basil creates a rich and flavorful soup that will warm you up from the inside out.

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Grilled lemon herb chicken is a delicious and healthy option for dinner. The tangy flavor of the lemon combined with the aromatic herbs creates a mouthwatering dish that is perfect for a summer barbecue.

Mango Coconut Popsicles: These mango coconut popsicles are a refreshing and tropical treat that is perfect for a hot summer day. The sweet and juicy mango combined with the creamy coconut milk creates a delightful frozen dessert that everyone will love.

Appetizers and Main Courses to Complement This Cookie Recipe

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Impress your guests with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. They make the perfect bite-sized appetizer for any gathering.

Bruschetta: Elevate your appetizer game with a classic bruschetta topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The combination of flavors and textures will leave your guests wanting more.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Indulge in a creamy and rich pasta dish featuring tender chicken and al dente fettuccine. The savory flavors of the parmesan and garlic-infused Alfredo sauce perfectly complement the juicy chicken, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.

Beef Stir Fry: Savor the bold and vibrant flavors of a beef stir fry, packed with tender strips of beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce. The combination of tender beef and crunchy vegetables creates a delightful textural contrast, while the savory sauce ties all the flavors together for a delicious and satisfying dish.

Why trust this Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies Recipe:

This recipe guarantees a delightful experience with its perfect balance of white chocolate and dried cranberries. The use of high-quality unsalted butter and pure vanilla extract ensures rich and authentic flavors. The meticulous incorporation of cornstarch results in a soft and chewy texture, while the precise chilling time enhances the depth of flavors. Trust the expertise behind this recipe, as it has been meticulously crafted and tested to deliver exceptional cookies every time.

Want to share your experience making these soft-baked white chocolate cranberry cookies? Head over to the Baking and Desserts section of our forum to discuss the recipe, share your tips, and connect with fellow baking enthusiasts!

FAQ:

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to balance the flavor.

Can I skip chilling the cookie dough?

Chilling the dough is essential for the texture and flavor of the cookies. It helps the flavors meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries?

Fresh cranberries can be used, but they will add more moisture to the dough. You may need to adjust the amount of flour slightly to compensate for the extra moisture.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Simply roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.

Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate, such as milk or dark chocolate, to customize the flavor of the cookies to your preference.