White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies Recipe
There’s something undeniably delightful about the combination of sweet and tart flavors in these Cranberry and White Chocolate Cookies. Perfect for any time of year but especially festive during the holiday season, these cookies bring together the rich creaminess of white chocolate, the tangy burst of dried cranberries, and the satisfying crunch of macadamia nuts. Whether you’re baking for a party, a gift, or just a treat for yourself, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
What makes this recipe so good is its simplicity and the balance of flavors and textures. The softness of the cookie base, made with a mix of brown and white sugar, provides a perfect backdrop for the sweet white chocolate and the chewy cranberries. Adding macadamia nuts adds a delightful crunch and richness that takes these cookies to the next level. The recipe is straightforward, requiring just a few common ingredients and minimal preparation time, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced bakers.
Ingredients
- ½ cup salted butter, softened
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- ¾ cup white chocolate chips
- ¾ cup macadamia nuts, chopped
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the butter and sugars. Cream until smooth.
Add in the vanilla and egg, mixing until incorporated.
Add in the flour and baking soda, mixing until thoroughly combined.
Fold in the dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, and macadamia nuts until combined.
Drop 2 tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheet, placing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until the centers are just set. Cool on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes before moving to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Storage Information and Tips
To keep your Cranberry and White Chocolate Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay delicious for up to a week. If you want to prepare the dough in advance, you can freeze the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a ziplock bag or airtight container. When ready to bake, place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Variations and Substitutions
This versatile recipe allows for various substitutions and additions:
- Butter: If you prefer unsalted butter, use it and add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the recipe.
- Nuts: Substitute macadamia nuts with pecans, walnuts, or omit them entirely if you have a nut allergy.
- Chocolate: Use dark or milk chocolate chips instead of white chocolate for a different flavor profile.
- Fruit: Fresh cranberries can be used instead of dried, but the baking time may need to be adjusted slightly due to the moisture content.
- Flavor Enhancements: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest for a citrusy twist, or sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon for a warm, spiced note.
White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup salted butter softened
- ½ cup light brown sugar packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg room temperature
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- ¾ cup white chocolate chips
- ¾ cup macadamia nuts chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the butter and sugars. Cream until smooth.
- Add in the vanilla and egg, mixing until incorporated.
- Add flour and baking soda, mixing until thoroughly combined.
- Fold in the dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, and macadamia nuts until combined.
- Drop 2 tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheet, placing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the centers are just set. Cool on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes before moving to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
These Cranberry and White Chocolate Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. Their delightful combination of flavors and textures makes them a crowd-pleaser, while the ease of preparation ensures they can be whipped up quickly for any event. Whether you’re making them for a holiday cookie tray, a gift, or just a sweet treat for yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
