Description
White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies Recipe
Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup white chocolate chips
3/4 cup dried cranberries
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just incorporated. Fold in white chocolate chips and dried cranberries. Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect cookies every time. First, ensure your butter is truly softened at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes; it should yield slightly to pressure but not be greasy or melted. Preheat your oven and line your sheets. When whisking your dry ingredients, do so for a full 30 seconds to ensure the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed. For the creaming step, beat the butter and sugars on medium-high speed for a full 2-3 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy; this incorporates air for a better texture. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until no streaks remain. When adding the flour mixture, mix on low speed just until the flour disappears. Finally, use a spatula to gently fold in the chips and cranberries by hand to avoid over-mixing.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are versatile. Serve them warm with a cold glass of milk for a classic treat. For a festive dessert, crumble them over vanilla ice cream or a bowl of Greek yogurt. They also pair wonderfully with coffee or tea during holiday gatherings. Consider packaging them in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
How-to Summary
In brief: Whisk dry ingredients. Cream softened butter with sugars until fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Mix in dry ingredients just until combined. Fold in white chocolate and cranberries. Scoop onto a parchment-lined sheet. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until golden edges. Cool slightly before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh or frozen cranberries instead of dried? No, fresh or frozen cranberries contain too much moisture and will make the cookies soggy. Stick with dried cranberries for the correct texture and flavor concentration.
How do I store these cookies to keep them soft? Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Adding a piece of bread to the container can help maintain softness.
Can I freeze the cookie dough? Absolutely. Scoop dough balls onto a tray, freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
My cookies spread too much. What happened? This is often caused by butter that is too warm or melted. Ensure your butter is softened but cool. Also, check that your baking soda is fresh and not expired.
Can I substitute dark or milk chocolate chips? Yes, you can use any chocolate chips you prefer. The tartness of the cranberries pairs well with both white, milk, and dark chocolate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using melted butter, which causes excessive spreading.
- Over-mixing the dough after adding the flour, which develops gluten and leads to tough cookies.
- Not spacing the dough balls at least 2 inches apart, causing them to bake into one another.
- Over-baking. Remove cookies when the edges are set and golden but the centers still look slightly soft.
- Using stale baking soda, which will prevent the cookies from rising properly.
Conclusion
These White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies are a perfect blend of sweet and tart, with a wonderfully soft and chewy texture. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can consistently create a crowd-pleasing treat that’s ideal for any occasion, from casual snacks to holiday gift-giving. Their delightful flavor and simple process make this recipe a reliable favorite.