Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

You’ll love these Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies because they are irresistibly chewy and bursting with flavor. The sweet white chocolate morsels perfectly complement the tart dried cranberries, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply want a sweet snack, these cookies are sure to impress family and friends alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of white chocolate and cranberries creates a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness.
• Perfect Texture: These cookies are soft-baked, ensuring each bite is chewy and satisfying.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip these up in no time.
• Versatile Treat: Great for holidays, parties, or just an everyday dessert.
• Make Ahead Option: The dough can be chilled for several days, making it easy to prep ahead of time.

Tools and Preparation

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

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Handheld Mixer or Stand Mixer
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats
• Baking Sheets

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing Bowl: A large bowl is essential for combining all your wet ingredients easily.
• Handheld Mixer or Stand Mixer: This tool saves time and ensures that the butter and sugars become creamy without too much effort.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: These help prevent cookies from sticking to the baking sheets, ensuring perfect removal.

Ingredients

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 and beat again as needed to combine.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Scoop the Dough

Remove cookie dough from the refrigerator. If chilled longer than 3-4 hours, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften slightly. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 4: Shape Cookies

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

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 11-12 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges while keeping centers soft. If cookies didn’t spread much, lightly bang baking sheets on the counter a couple of times while still warm.

Step 6: Cool Down

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. During this time, you can press extra white chocolate chips and dried cranberries into their tops if desired.

These Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies stay fresh covered at room temperature for up to one week! Enjoy every delicious bite!

How to Serve Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

These Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies are not just delightful on their own; they can be served in various ways to enhance your dessert experience. Here are some fun serving suggestions that will take your cookie enjoyment to the next level.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing that balances the sweetness of the cookies with the creaminess of milk.

Warm with Ice Cream

• Serve the cookies warm and top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert sundae.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• Add a touch of luxury by drizzling warm caramel sauce over the cookies for an extra sweet treat.

Alongside Hot Cocoa

• Enjoy these cookies with a steaming cup of hot cocoa for a cozy winter afternoon.

As Part of a Cookie Platter

• Combine these cookies with other favorites like chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin for a festive cookie platter at gatherings.

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How to Perfect Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

To ensure your Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill is essential. It prevents spreading and keeps the cookies soft-baked.

• Don’t Overbake: Remove cookies from the oven when they are lightly browned around the edges. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet.

• Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheets helps in easy removal and prevents sticking.

• Add Extra Chips: Pressing additional white chocolate chips and cranberries on top before cooling adds visual appeal and enhances flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

Pairing side dishes can elevate your cookie experience. Here are some great options that complement these delicious treats:

1. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad offers a bright contrast to the sweet, rich flavors of the cookies.

2. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can balance the sweetness, creating an interesting flavor profile.

3. Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and berries is a creamy accompaniment that complements the chewy texture of the cookies.

4. Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea provides a comforting beverage option alongside your cookies.

5. Nut Mix: A bowl of mixed nuts adds crunch and a savory element that pairs well with sweet treats.

6. Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into warm chocolate fondue for an indulgent dessert experience.

7. Caramel Dipping Sauce: Provide a side of caramel for dipping, enhancing each bite with extra sweetness if desired.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect batch.

• Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the dough can lead to cookies that spread too much during baking. Always chill the dough for at least an hour for better texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Using too much flour can make your cookies dry. Spoon and level the flour in your measuring cup for accuracy.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can develop gluten, resulting in tough cookies. Mix just until combined after adding dry ingredients.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can affect cookie texture. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
• Baking on ungreased sheets: This can cause cookies to stick or burn. Use parchment paper or silicone mats for easy removal and even baking.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking them.

Freezing Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds; watch closely not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat for about 1 minute, covered with a lid, to retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about these delicious cookies.

What makes Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies chewy?

The combination of butter and cornstarch helps create a soft, chewy texture by retaining moisture during baking.

Can I substitute white chocolate chips?

Yes! You can use dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips if you prefer a different flavor profile in your cookies.

How long will Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies last?

These cookies will stay fresh at room temperature in an airtight container for up to one week.

Can I add nuts to the recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a nice crunch and flavor contrast to the sweet white chocolate and tart cranberries.

Final Thoughts

These Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies are not only delightful but also customizable. You can experiment with different mix-ins or flavors according to your taste. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or shared with friends, these cookies are sure to bring joy!