Cranberry Cookies

As the leaves start to tumble and the chill of autumn whispers through the air, nothing feels more comforting than a cozy kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked Cranberry Cookies. These delightful treats are a cherished part of my culinary repertoire, harking back to childhood days spent nestled in my grandmother’s warm kitchen. There, surrounded by the love and laughter of family, I first learned the magic of transforming simple ingredients into something special. Today, I’m excited to share this recipe with you, embracing the warmth and nostalgia of homemade goodness.

Baking these Cranberry Cookies is a heartwarming ritual that brings so many benefits beyond the irresistible taste. First, they’re a wonderful way to bring loved ones together, whether you’re baking with kids, sharing with neighbors, or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea. These cookies also offer a delightful balance of tart cranberries and creamy white chocolate, creating an indulgent yet refreshing treat. The recipe itself is a breeze to follow, making it perfect for bakers of all levels, and it’s adaptable for gluten-free diets. Plus, the citrusy hint of orange zest adds a bright note that lifts the spirit with every bite.

Why This Recipe Should Be on Your Table

There’s something undeniably special about adding Cranberry Cookies to your baking rotation. They’re an embodiment of the festive cheer that comes with the holiday season, but versatile enough to enjoy all year round. The cookies offer a delightful mix of textures and flavors—soft and chewy, with occasional bursts of tartness from the cranberries and sweetness from the white chocolate. They’re also great for gifting, bringing a personal touch to any occasion. Imagine the joy of presenting a tin full of homemade cookies to a friend or family member, knowing they were made with love and care.

These cookies are not just about taste; they’re about creating memories and sharing moments. Whether you’re baking them as a family activity or as a personal treat, the process itself is soothing and rewarding. The act of measuring, mixing, and baking can be a meditative escape from the hustle of daily life, allowing you to focus on the simple pleasure of creating something delicious. Moreover, their vibrant red cranberries and creamy white chocolate chips make them visually appealing, perfect for any festive table or as a bright addition to your cookie jar.

Kitchen Tools to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy

Creating these Cranberry Cookies requires just a few simple tools, ensuring the process remains stress-free and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A large mixing bowl and a medium bowl: Essential for mixing wet and dry ingredients separately before combining them.
• An electric mixer: This helps in achieving the perfect creamy consistency for the butter and sugar mixture, ensuring a smooth dough.
• A stiff spatula: Useful for folding in the cranberries and chocolate chips without overmixing the dough.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial in baking to achieve the right texture and flavor.
• A microplane or grater for the orange zest: This tool ensures you get fine, aromatic zest that blends seamlessly into the dough.
• Baking sheets lined with parchment paper: Prevents the cookies from sticking and ensures even baking.
• A wire rack for cooling: Allows the cookies to cool evenly, maintaining their texture and preventing sogginess.

These tools are likely already in your kitchen, making it easy peasy to dive into baking these cookies whenever the craving strikes.

How to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy

INGREDIENTS

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature (12 Tbsp or 1.5 sticks)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 2 tsp grated orange zest
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, or use your favorite GF flour, measured correctly
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
• 3/4 cups white chocolate chips
• 2 cups fresh cranberries (8 oz. bag), coarsely chopped, or frozen cranberries, or substitute 1 cup dried cranberries*

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps the cookies bake evenly and prevents them from sticking to the sheet.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, with an electric mixer on medium-high speed, cream together the butter and both sugars for 2-3 minutes or until light and fluffy. Add the egg and beat well to incorporate. Beat in the zest and vanilla extract. The creaming process is key for light, airy cookies, as it incorporates air into the mixture.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to the butter mixture and beat just until combined and dough comes together. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so mix until just combined.
4. Add Cranberries and Chocolate: Using a stiff spatula, stir in the cranberries and chocolate chips just until incorporated. Shape into 1-inch balls (a small cookie scoop makes it easy) and place 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. The spacing ensures they bake evenly without merging into each other.
5. Bake 12-15 minutes or until golden brown at the edges (Cookies with dried cranberries will bake faster, about 11-13 minutes). Cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on a wire rack helps maintain their texture by allowing air to circulate around each cookie.

Difficulty: Easy • Cuisine: American • Preparation Time: 15 minutes • Cooking Time: 15 minutes • Total Time: 30 minutes • Calories: 120 per cookie • Servings: 36

Note: If using dried cranberries, reduce the baking time slightly as they cook faster than fresh or frozen cranberries.

Health and Flavor Benefits of Ingredients

Each ingredient in these Cranberry Cookies contributes both to their delightful flavor and to some surprising health benefits. Cranberries are loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C, which are great for boosting your immune system, especially as the colder months approach. They also contain proanthocyanidins, which are known to support urinary tract health. White chocolate chips add a creamy sweetness and a touch of indulgence, while the orange zest brightens the flavor profile and adds a dose of vitamin C, enhancing the cranberries’ tartness and creating a refreshing contrast to the sweet chocolate.

Using fresh or frozen cranberries instead of dried ones reduces added sugars, making these cookies a slightly healthier treat. The flour provides essential carbohydrates for energy, while the butter contributes not only to the cookies’ rich flavor but also to a tender texture that melts in your mouth. The eggs offer protein and help bind all the ingredients together, ensuring the cookies hold their shape.

Tasty Pairings to Serve with This Easy Peasy Dish

These Cranberry Cookies pair beautifully with a variety of beverages and other treats. Enjoy them with a steaming cup of herbal tea or a creamy latte for a comforting afternoon break. If you’re serving these cookies at a gathering, consider pairing them with a cheese platter, where their sweet-tart profile can complement rich, savory flavors. A sharp cheddar or a creamy brie would be wonderful companions.

For a special dessert, serve these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a warm apple cider. The warm spices and fruity undertones of apple cider enhance the flavors in the cookies, creating a harmonious and satisfying treat. You might also consider pairing them with a glass of milk or a hot chocolate for a classic, nostalgic combination that is sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Storage Tips and How to Enjoy Leftovers the Easy Peasy Way

To keep your Cranberry Cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. Simply stack them in a freezer-safe container, separated by layers of parchment paper. To enjoy them again, allow the cookies to thaw at room temperature or give them a quick warm-up in the oven for that just-baked aroma and texture.

These cookies are perfect for meal prep too. You can freeze the dough balls and bake them fresh whenever you desire a warm, homemade treat. Simply place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. This method ensures you can enjoy freshly baked cookies anytime without the hassle of making a full batch from scratch.

There’s something truly magical about baking cookies that reminds us of simpler times, of family, and of home. These Cranberry Cookies encapsulate that magic, offering a taste of comfort and nostalgia with every bite. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are sure to bring joy to your kitchen and warmth to your heart.

Cranberry Cookies

Delicious cranberry cookies with a hint of orange zest and white chocolate chips, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Cooling Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 36 cookies

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 120

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Wet Ingredients

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter at room temperature (12 Tbsp or 1.5 sticks)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg room temperature
• 2 tsp grated orange zest
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour or use your favorite GF flour, measured correctly
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt

Mix-ins

• 3/4 cups white chocolate chips
• 2 cups fresh cranberries coarsely chopped, or frozen cranberries, or substitute 1 cup dried cranberries*

Equipment

• Electric Mixer
• Baking Sheets
• Parchment Paper
• Wire Rack

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, with an electric mixer on medium-high speed, cream together the butter and both sugars for 2-3 minutes or until light and fluffy. Add the egg and beat well to incorporate. Beat in the zest and vanilla extract.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. Add to the butter mixture and beat just until combined and dough comes together.
4. Using a stiff spatula, stir in the cranberries and chocolate chips just until incorporated. Shape into 1-inch balls (a small cookie scoop makes it easy) and place 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake 12-15 minutes or until golden brown at the edges (Cookies with dried cranberries will bake faster, about 11-13 minutes). Cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

These cookies can be made with either fresh or dried cranberries. Adjust the baking time as needed if using dried cranberries, as they cook faster. The orange zest adds a refreshing citrus flavor that complements the sweetness of the chocolate and the tartness of the cranberries.