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. These cookies pair rich white chocolate with tart cranberries, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether for a holiday celebration, a cozy family gathering, or just a sweet snack, this recipe stands out with its extra vanilla flavor and soft texture. You’ll find that these cookies are not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet white chocolate and tart cranberries creates a delightful balance.
• Chewy Texture: These cookies are soft-baked, ensuring each bite is wonderfully chewy and satisfying.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can enjoy success.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for holiday parties or everyday snacks, they suit every occasion and delight all ages.
• Make Ahead Option: The dough can be chilled for up to 3-4 days, making it convenient for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

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: Ensures consistent mixing and aeration of the cookie dough for the best texture.
• Mixing bowls: Allows for separate mixing of dry and wet ingredients before combining them.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: Provides a non-stick surface for baking, preventing cookies from sticking to the pan.

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.

Ingredients:
– 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 as needed.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. On low speed, slowly mix this into the wet ingredients until combined. The cookie dough will be soft and thick.

Step 3: Add Mix-ins

Add the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries to the dough. Beat on low speed until fully incorporated. Cover dough tightly with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour or up to three to four days.

Step 4: Preheat Oven

Remove cookie dough from refrigeration. If chilled longer than three hours, let it sit at room temperature for about thirty minutes before scooping. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 5: Scoop Cookie Dough

Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough each into balls. Arrange them three inches apart on prepared baking sheets.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Bake in preheated oven for 11-12 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges. The centers should still look soft. If cookies didn’t spread much during baking, gently bang the baking sheets on the counter while still warm.

Step 7: Cool Cookies

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Press extra white chocolate chips and cranberries into the warm tops if desired for decoration.

Step 8: Enjoy!

These cookies stay fresh covered at room temperature for up to one week—perfect for enjoying throughout the week!

How to Serve Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

These delicious soft-baked white chocolate cranberry cookies can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging at home, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair your cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination. The creaminess of the milk complements the sweetness of the white chocolate and tartness of the cranberries.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange cookies on a beautiful dessert platter alongside other treats. Mixing them with brownies or fudge will create an enticing display that guests will love.

As Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Use two cookies to sandwich your favorite ice cream flavor. The warm, soft cookies against cold ice cream create a delightful contrast in textures.

At Holiday Gatherings

• Serve these cookies during holiday celebrations as a festive treat. Their vibrant colors and rich flavors will surely impress friends and family alike.

Drizzled with Chocolate

• Give your cookies an extra touch by drizzling melted white chocolate over them before serving. This adds visual appeal and enhances the flavor.

With Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these cookies with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack. The flavors in the cookies pair well with both hot beverages.

How to Perfect Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

To achieve the best results with your soft-baked white chocolate cranberry cookies, consider these helpful tips.

• Chill the Dough: Always chill your cookie dough for at least one hour before baking. This helps prevent spreading and ensures a thick, chewy texture.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This helps them blend smoothly and contributes to a better cookie consistency.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag. This prevents using too much flour, which can lead to dry cookies.
• Baking Time Matters: Keep an eye on the baking time. Remove cookies when they are lightly browned around the edges but still soft in the center for that perfect chewy texture.
• Store Properly: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them fresh and maintains their softness for up to a week.
• Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to add nuts or other dried fruits if you want to customize your cookie recipe further. This can add new flavors and textures.

Best Side Dishes for Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

While these soft-baked white chocolate cranberry cookies are delicious on their own, pairing them with certain side dishes can elevate your dessert experience even further.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream enhances the sweetness of the cookies while adding a cool contrast.
2. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can provide refreshing acidity that balances out the richness of the cookies.
3. Cheese Platter: Pairing these cookies with mild cheeses creates an interesting sweet-salty experience that guests might enjoy.
4. Chocolate Fondue: Serve along with warm chocolate fondue for dipping; it adds an interactive element that everyone will love!
5. Nut Mix: A variety of roasted nuts can offer crunchy texture and savory notes that complement the sweet flavors of the cookies.
6. Coffee Cake: Offering slices of coffee cake alongside these cookies makes for a delightful brunch spread that balances sweetness with mild flavor.
7. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh berries to serve as a lighter option next to those indulgent cookies.
8. Lemonade: A refreshing glass of lemonade offers citrusy brightness that contrasts beautifully with rich desserts like these soft-baked treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to keep in mind.

• Not chilling the dough: Chilling the dough is essential for preventing spreading. Always chill for at least one hour.
• Using cold ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This helps the ingredients blend properly and creates a better texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined, especially after adding flour.
• Skipping the baking sheet prep: Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking. An inconsistent temperature can affect the cookie’s texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking.

Freezing Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

• Freeze cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Reheating Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds on low power.
• Stovetop: Warm cookies in a skillet over low heat for a minute or two, covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies.

How do I achieve soft-baked cookies?

To get that soft-baked texture, ensure you don’t overbake them. They should look slightly underdone when you take them out of the oven.

Can I use other types of chocolate?

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

How long do these cookies last?

Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies stay fresh at room temperature for up to one week if stored correctly.

Can I make cookie dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can chill the dough in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days before baking. Just remember to let it soften slightly if chilled longer.

What can I add for extra flavor?

Consider adding nuts like walnuts or pecans, or spices like cinnamon for added warmth and depth in flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them by adding nuts or switching up the chocolate type. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!