Chewy White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies with Orange Zest
🎉 Introduction
Get ready to indulge in the holiday spirit with these Chewy White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies! Perfectly soft and chewy, these delightful cookies are packed with sweet white chocolate chips and tart cranberries, all enhanced by a zesty kick of fresh orange. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a cozy gathering, or simply to enjoy at home, these cookies are sure to please everyone. Let’s dive into making this festive treat!
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- Zest of 1 orange
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 5: Fold in the dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, and orange zest until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
Step 8: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
Makes about 24 cookies | Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 12 minutes | Total time: 27 minutes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a zip-top bag for up to three months. Reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
🥄 Variations
- Substitute dark chocolate chips for white chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans for some extra crunch.
- Replace dried cranberries with dried cherries for a different fruity twist.
- Use lemon zest instead of orange zest for a citrusy alternative.
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
A: No, fresh cranberries are too tart for this recipe. Dried cranberries are recommended for the right balance of sweetness.
Q: How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures like regular flour.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.
Q: What can I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
A: If the dough is too sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes to an hour to make it easier to handle.
Q: How can I tell when the cookies are done baking?
A: The cookies should have golden edges and look slightly underbaked in the center. They will continue to set as they cool.
Q: Can I add spices to the cookie dough?
A: Absolutely! You can add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor in the cookies.
Q: How should I store these cookies?
A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to a week.
Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A: Yes, you can freeze the dough in small portions. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Q: Are these cookies suitable for shipping?
A: Yes, these cookies ship well! Just ensure they are packed in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Q: What should I do if I have leftover white chocolate chips?
A: You can add them to other desserts, mix them into yogurt, or simply enjoy them as a tasty snack.
🏁 Conclusion
These Chewy White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies with Orange Zest are a delightful treat that captures the essence of the holiday season. With their perfect blend of sweetness and tartness, they’re ideal for sharing with friends and family or enjoying as a sweet indulgence. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, these cookies will not disappoint. Happy baking!
Chewy White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies with Orange Zest
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, and orange zest until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Notes
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a zip-top bag for up to three months. Reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Variations:
- Substitute dark chocolate chips for white chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans for some extra crunch.
- Replace dried cranberries with dried cherries for a different fruity twist.
- Use lemon zest instead of orange zest for a citrusy alternative.
