Name: Cranberry Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
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; 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)

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

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp fine sea salt

3/4 cup white chocolate chips

2 cups fresh cranberries (coarsely chopped) or frozen cranberries, or substitute 1 cup dried cranberries

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium-high speed to cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for 2-3 minutes, until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add the egg to the mixture and beat well to combine. Then mix in the grated orange zest and vanilla extract until evenly incorporated.

Step 4: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and sea salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture and beat just until the dough comes together.

Step 5: Gently fold in the cranberries and white chocolate chips using a stiff spatula until evenly distributed.

Step 6: Shape the dough into 1-inch balls using a small cookie scoop or your hands. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. If using dried cranberries, bake for 11-13 minutes. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, toast the white chocolate chips lightly before adding to the dough.

Use frozen cranberries directly from the freezer without thawing to prevent the dough from becoming too wet.

Substitute dried cranberries for a chewier texture and slightly sweeter taste.

Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch.

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, dried cranberries can be used as a substitute. Use about 1 cup of dried cranberries, and expect a slightly sweeter, chewier cookie. Bake a bit less time, around 11-13 minutes.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure the butter is softened but not melted before mixing. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can also help the cookies hold their shape.