Description
The holiday season brings with it the joy of baking delicious treats that fill your home with warmth and festive cheer. These White Chocolate Cranberry Christmas Cookies combine the rich, creamy sweetness of white chocolate with the tartness of cranberries and a hint of citrus. Perfect for holiday gatherings, homemade gifts, or a delightful snack with family, these cookies are sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp or 1.5 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tsp grated orange zest
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 3/4 cup white chocolate chips
- 2 cups (8 oz. bag) fresh cranberries (or dried), coarsely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Flavorings: Mix in the grated orange zest and vanilla extract until evenly incorporated.
- Incorporate the Egg: Add the egg and beat until combined.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Mix in the Cranberries and White Chocolate: Fold in the chopped cranberries and white chocolate chips.
- Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still soft.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use Fresh Cranberries for Tartness: Fresh cranberries provide a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the white chocolate. If you prefer a chewier cookie, dried cranberries are a great alternative.
- Measure the Flour Correctly: Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid adding too much flour.
- Chill the Dough for Better Texture: Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much and improves the texture.
- Use High-Quality White Chocolate: Opt for high-quality white chocolate chips for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American