Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

You’ll love these Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies because they’re the perfect blend of chewy texture and delightful flavors. These cookies are ideal for various occasions, from cozy family gatherings to festive holiday parties. With their buttery softness, rich vanilla notes, and a balance of sweet white chocolate and tart cranberries, they stand out as a must-try treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Soft: These cookies are soft-baked to perfection, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Flavorful Combination: The mix of creamy white chocolate chips and tangy dried cranberries creates a delightful flavor contrast.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday party or a casual gathering, these cookies fit right in.
• Make Ahead Option: You can chill the dough in advance, giving you flexibility for when you want to bake.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making these delicious cookies, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or handheld mixer: These help in easily blending ingredients to achieve that creamy texture essential for soft-baked cookies.
• Mixing bowls: Using separate bowls prevents ingredient overflow and ensures even mixing.
• Baking sheets: Good quality baking sheets ensure even heat distribution for perfectly baked cookies.

Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make these delicious Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies:

• 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, beating again as needed to combine.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. On low speed, slowly mix this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until fully combined. The cookie dough will be soft and thick. Add in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries, beating on low speed until combined. Cover the dough tightly and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour but up to 3-4 days.

Step 3: Ready to Bake

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

Step 4: Preheat Oven

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

Step 5: Shape Cookies

As the oven preheats, scoop 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 about three inches apart on prepared baking sheets.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 11–12 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges. The centers should still look soft. If your cookies didn’t spread much, lightly bang the baking sheets on the counter while they are still warm.

Step 7: Cool Down

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

Step 8: Enjoy!

These Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies stay fresh covered at room temperature for up to one week—if they last that long!

How to Serve Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

These soft-baked white chocolate cranberry cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself, here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic treat. The creaminess balances the sweetness of the white chocolate and tartness of the cranberries.

As a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a dessert platter with fresh fruits and other cookies. This colorful presentation will impress your guests at any gathering.

With Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these cookies alongside your favorite coffee or tea. The warm beverages complement the chewy texture and flavors perfectly.

As an Ice Cream Sandwich

• Take it up a notch by making ice cream sandwiches! Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a delicious dessert twist.

At Holiday Gatherings

• Serve these cookies during holiday celebrations. Their festive colors make them a great addition to holiday cookie trays.

Gift-Wrapped Treats

• Package these cookies in decorative boxes or bags as thoughtful gifts. Friends and family will appreciate this homemade delight!

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How to Perfect Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

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

• Chill the Dough – Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading, resulting in thicker, softer cookies.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensure butter and egg are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix – Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the cookies tender.
• Watch Baking Time – Bake until edges are golden but centers appear soft; they will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
• Add Extra Mix-Ins – For enhanced flavor, consider adding nuts or more white chocolate chips to the dough.
• Store Properly – Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness.

Best Side Dishes for Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

Soft-baked white chocolate cranberry cookies can be complemented with various side dishes that enhance their flavor profile. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Cheese Platter – Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a savory contrast against sweet flavors.
3. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a wholesome breakfast option alongside your cookies.
4. Chocolate Fondue – Melted chocolate served with fruits and marshmallows pairs perfectly for those who love extra sweetness.
5. Nutty Granola Bars – A crunchy counterpart that offers texture and additional flavors, ideal for snacks.
6. Spiced Chai Latte – The warm spices in chai complement the cranberry flavors while enhancing your cookie enjoyment.
7. Ice Cream Sundae Bar – Set up a sundae station where guests can top their ice cream with cookie crumbles!
8. Coffee Cake Slices – Serve slices of light coffee cake as an alternative sweet treat, perfect for brunch gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies, avoiding common pitfalls can lead to better results. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Incorrect Butter Temperature: Using cold butter can lead to dense cookies. Always ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for the best texture.
• Skipping the Dough Chilling: Not chilling the dough can cause cookies to spread too much. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 1 hour before baking.
• Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can make cookies tough. Mix just until combined; some lumps are okay.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Correctly: Using too much flour or sugar can affect cookie texture. Use the spoon and level method for accurate measuring.
• Ignoring Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can result in uneven cookies. Always preheat your oven properly before baking.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen 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 a cookie for about 10-15 seconds until soft but not hot.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat for about 1-2 minutes to warm gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes these Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies soft?

These cookies are soft due to the combination of cornstarch and chilling the dough, which helps maintain their chewy texture while baking.

Can I substitute white chocolate chips?

Yes! Feel free to use dark chocolate chips or even nuts if you prefer a different flavor profile.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough is crucial as it firms up the butter, preventing excessive spreading during baking.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days before baking.

Are these Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies gluten-free?

No, this recipe contains all-purpose flour, but you could try using a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

Final Thoughts

These Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies are delightful and versatile treats perfect for any occasion. Their chewy texture combined with sweet white chocolate and tart cranberries makes them irresistible. Don’t hesitate to customize them with other mix-ins like nuts or spices for even more flavor!