Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
You’ll love these Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies because they’re soft-baked, wonderfully chewy, and enhanced with extra vanilla. Each bite combines sweet white chocolate morsels with tart dried cranberries, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a gathering, or just indulging yourself, these cookies are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Chewy: The unique combination of ingredients gives these cookies their signature soft-baked texture.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for holidays, parties, or cozy nights at home with a glass of milk.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, even novice bakers can achieve success.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the amount of cranberries or white chocolate chips to suit your taste.
- Fresh Flavor: Extra vanilla enhances the cookie’s flavor profile, making each bite delightful.
Tools and Preparation
Gathering the right tools makes baking easier and more enjoyable. Ensure you have everything ready before starting your cookie adventure.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or handheld mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Wire rack for cooling
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or handheld mixer: This tool simplifies mixing the dough, ensuring a smooth consistency without much effort.
- Baking sheets: A good quality baking sheet promotes even baking and prevents sticking when lined with parchment paper.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup (150g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 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
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 stand mixer or handheld mixer with the paddle attachment, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed until creamy—about 2 minutes. Add in the egg and vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix again as needed until fully combined.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture into the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough will be soft but thick. Stir in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries until evenly distributed.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (up to 3-4 days). Chilling is crucial as it helps prevent over-spreading during baking.
Step 4: Scoop & Roll
Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. If it has been chilling longer than 3-4 hours, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to make scooping easier. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Step 5: Bake
Scoop out about 1.5 tablespoons of dough for each cookie ball and roll them into smooth balls. Place them about 3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 11–12 minutes until they are lightly browned around the edges but still soft in the center. If they didn’t spread much, gently bang the sheets against the counter while they are warm.
Step 6: Cool & Garnish
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. For an attractive finish, press some extra white chocolate chips and cranberries into each warm cookie’s top if desired.
Enjoy your freshly baked Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies! They can be stored covered at room temperature for up to one week.
How to Serve Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
These soft-baked white chocolate cranberry cookies are a delightful treat that pairs beautifully with various accompaniments. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.
With a Glass of Milk
- A classic pairing that never disappoints. The creamy texture of milk complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
With Coffee or Espresso
- Enjoy these cookies with a hot cup of coffee or espresso for a rich and satisfying afternoon pick-me-up.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or cranberry ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent dessert that everyone will love.
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Arrange these cookies alongside other treats like brownies and fruit tarts for an inviting dessert platter at parties.
Gift Them
- These cookies make great gifts! Package them in a decorative box tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade present.
How to Perfect Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
Achieving the perfect soft-baked white chocolate cranberry cookies requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out deliciously every time.
-
Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential to prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
-
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
-
Don’t Overbake: Remove the cookies from the oven when they look slightly underbaked. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
-
Add Extra Mix-ins: For added flavor, consider mixing in nuts like walnuts or pecans along with the white chocolate and cranberries.
Best Side Dishes for Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
Pairing side dishes with your soft-baked white chocolate cranberry cookies can elevate your snack time. Here are some great options:
-
Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds a light contrast to the sweet flavors of the cookies.
-
Cheese Platter – Include various cheeses, such as brie or goat cheese, for a savory balance against the sweetness.
-
Yogurt Parfait – Layer Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a wholesome side that complements cookie indulgence.
-
Chocolate Fondue – Dip pieces of cookie into warm chocolate fondue for an extra decadent treat.
-
Nut Mix – A crunchy nut mix provides texture and healthy fats, making it an excellent side option.
-
Tea Selection – Offer an assortment of herbal teas that can enhance the flavors of the cookies wonderfully.
-
Caramel Sauce – Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cookies before serving for an extra sweet touch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Using cold ingredients – Always ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This helps create a creamy texture and ensures proper mixing.
- Skipping the chilling step – Chilling the dough is crucial. It prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, keeping them soft-baked.
- Overmixing the dough – Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.
- Not measuring correctly – Use a scale or proper measuring cups for accuracy. Too much flour can make the cookies dry instead of soft-baked.
- Ignoring oven temperature – Make sure your oven is preheated accurately. An oven thermometer can help ensure it’s at 350°F (177°C) before baking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store 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 in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Reheating Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and heat for about 5 minutes until warm.
- Microwave – Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds on low power.
- Stovetop – Warm in a skillet over low heat for a minute or two, flipping once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies that might help you perfect your baking!
How do I know when my cookies are done?
Cookies should be lightly browned around the edges but still look soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool.
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips for different flavors in your Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
This could be due to not chilling the dough long enough or using cold ingredients. Always chill your dough for at least an hour before baking.
What can I add to customize my cookies?
Consider adding nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even oats for added texture and flavor in your Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies.
Final Thoughts
These Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies offer a delightful combination of sweetness and chewiness that everyone loves. They are versatile, allowing for various chocolate options and mix-ins. Try customizing them to fit your taste, and enjoy these heavenly treats anytime!
Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies, where chewy goodness meets a perfect balance of sweet white chocolate and tart cranberries. These cookies are not only easy to make but also versatile enough for any occasion—be it holiday celebrations, cozy nights in, or gatherings with friends and family. Enhanced with extra vanilla, each bite transports you to cookie heaven. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a batch that will impress everyone. So why wait? Get ready to bake these irresistible treats that are bound to become a favorite in your home!
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 bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla until fully combined.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt together. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in white chocolate chips and cranberries.
- Chill the dough for at least one hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Scoop dough onto lined baking sheets about three inches apart.
- Bake for 11–12 minutes until edges are lightly browned but centers remain soft. Cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (35g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
