Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

You’ll love these Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies because they are the perfect blend of chewy and sweet. With their soft texture and delightful balance of sweet white chocolate and tart cranberries, these cookies are ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving a delicious treat, this recipe will not disappoint!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor Combination: The mix of sweet white chocolate chips and tangy dried cranberries creates a mouthwatering taste experience.
• Perfectly Chewy Texture: These cookies are soft-baked, ensuring each bite is wonderfully chewy.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can achieve great results.
• Versatile Treats: These cookies are suitable for holidays, parties, or just a cozy night in with your family.
• Make Ahead Option: You can chill the dough for up to 3-4 days, making it easy to bake fresh cookies when you want them.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking, gather your tools and equipment to ensure a smooth process.

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: Makes it easy to combine ingredients quickly and thoroughly for a smooth cookie dough.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for separating wet and dry ingredients properly.
• Baking sheets: Provides a flat surface for even baking; using parchment paper prevents sticking.

Ingredients

You’ll love these white chocolate chip cranberry cookies because they’re soft-baked, wonderfully chewy, have extra vanilla, plus they combine sweet white chocolate morsels with tart dried cranberries. Set aside 1 hour to chill the dough in the refrigerator before baking.

• 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 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 and beat on low speed until combined. Cover dough tightly and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour and up to 3-4 days. Chilling is imperative to prevent the cookies from over-spreading.

Step 3: Scoop Cookies

Remove cookie dough from the refrigerator. If the cookie dough chilled longer than 3-4 hours, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This makes the firm cookie dough easier to scoop and roll.

Step 4: Preheat Oven

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

Step 5: Shape the Dough

As the oven preheats, scoop and roll about 1.5 Tablespoons of dough each into balls. The dough may be slightly crumbly but will come together as you work it with your hands. Arrange dough balls 3 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Bake for 11-12 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges. The centers will still look soft. If cookies didn’t spread much, lightly bang the baking sheets on the counter a couple of times while they are still warm; they’ll stretch and deflate.

Step 7: Cool Down

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. During this time, press extra white chocolate chips and dried cranberries into the warm tops if desired. After that time, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Store Your Cookies

Cookies stay fresh covered at room temperature for up to one week.

Enjoy your freshly baked Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies, perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

These delicious soft-baked white chocolate cranberry cookies can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions that will enhance your experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk for a classic treat that complements the sweetness and tartness beautifully.

As Dessert After Dinner

• Serve warm cookies as a delightful dessert after dinner. Their soft texture is perfect for ending a meal on a sweet note.

At Holiday Gatherings

• Bring these cookies to holiday parties and gatherings. They make great gifts and are sure to impress family and friends with their festive flavors.

With Ice Cream

• Top a warm cookie with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for an indulgent dessert. The combination of warm and cold is simply irresistible.

On a Cookie Platter

• Arrange them on a platter alongside other cookies for a fun dessert spread. Mix in different varieties for added appeal.

With Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these cookies with your favorite hot beverage. The flavors of coffee or tea pair well with the sweetness of the cranberries and white chocolate.

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How to Perfect Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

To ensure your cookies come out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent spreading. It helps maintain the soft texture while baking.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature to achieve the best mixing consistency.

• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag. This prevents dense cookies.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined after adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Remove them when they’re lightly browned but still soft in the center.

• Store Properly: For freshness, store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Best Side Dishes for Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

Soft-baked white chocolate cranberry cookies can be paired with various side dishes to create an enjoyable snack or dessert experience.

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Cheese Platter: Include some sharp cheeses for contrast; their saltiness complements the sweet flavors perfectly.
3. Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into melted chocolate for an extra layer of indulgence.
4. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and chunks of cookie for a delightful breakfast or snack.
5. Nut Mix: Serve alongside a mix of nuts for added crunch and protein, enhancing texture with each bite.
6. Granola Bars: Pair with homemade granola bars; their chewy texture works well with soft-baked cookies.
7. Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats provide a different flavor profile while maintaining that soft, sweet element.
8. Coffee Cake: A slice of moist coffee cake makes for a cozy pairing, especially during brunches or casual gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies, it’s easy to overlook some key details that can affect the final product. Here are common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using cold butter: Cold butter doesn’t cream well, leading to a dense cookie. Always use softened butter at room temperature for the best results.
• Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the dough can cause your cookies to spread too much during baking. Allow at least 1 hour for chilling in the refrigerator.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a tender texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make your cookies dry. Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag.
• Ignoring baking times: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your cookies and remove them when they’re lightly brown around the edges but still soft in the center.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.

Reheating Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies are done?

The cookies should be lightly browned around the edges while still appearing soft in the center.

Can I use different types of chocolate in these cookies?

Yes! You can substitute white chocolate with milk or dark chocolate chips for a different flavor.

What can I use instead of dried cranberries?

You may use dried cherries, raisins, or even chopped nuts as alternatives based on your preferences.

Do I need to chill the dough overnight?

Chilling for at least 1 hour is recommended, but you can chill overnight if you wish. Just let it sit at room temperature before scooping.

Final Thoughts

These Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies are delightfully chewy and bursting with flavor, thanks to the combination of sweet white chocolate and tart cranberries. They offer versatility, allowing you to customize with different mix-ins like nuts or various types of chocolate. Give this recipe a try; your friends and family will love them!