Delicious Holiday Sweets

As seen on: Delicious Dessert Recipes

Blend tart cranberries and smooth white chocolate into the ultimate soft, chewy holiday treat. These are hard to stop eating!

emilyscooks.com
Shared By Emily
Last revised on Wed, 09 Jul 2025 17:42:14 GMT
Three big cookies loaded with cranberries and big white chocolate chunks sit on a plate. Save this
Three big cookies loaded with cranberries and big white chocolate chunks sit on a plate. | emilyscooks.com

I'm excited to tell you about the cookie I always make for the holidays—Fresh Cranberry White Chocolate Cookies! They're a tasty combo of tangy cranberries and smooth white chocolate in every bite. The chewy soft texture is awesome, plus they're super pretty with splashes of red and white. Honestly, I bake these whenever I get the craving, not just when it's festive season.

Why They're a Hit

What makes these stand out is how the sweet and tart really balance out. Those cranberries bring zippy flavor and the white chocolate makes everything creamy. They're always a favorite at get-togethers and, when I'm snacking alone, they boost my mood every single time.

Stuff You'll Need

  • The Key Extras:
    • White chocolate chunks (1 cup)
    • Fresh cranberries (1 ½ cups)
  • For the Dough:
    • Pure vanilla extract
    • Both brown and white sugar (¾ cup each)
    • Sifted all-purpose flour (2 ¼ cups)
    • Soft butter (1 cup)
    • Fresh eggs
    • Baking soda and salt
Three big cookies loaded with white chocolate bits and bright red cranberry pieces on a simple white plate. Save this
Three big cookies loaded with white chocolate bits and bright red cranberry pieces on a simple white plate. | emilyscooks.com

Easy Baking Instructions

Let’s Bake:
Drop your dough on the trays and bake until the sides look golden.
Mix In the Stars:
Fold in those white chocolate chunks and cranberries gently.
Pull It Together:
Add your dry mixture in just until you can’t see flour anymore.
Build Your Base:
Beat butter and both sugars till creamy, add eggs one after another and a splash of vanilla.
Dry Ingredients:
Mix up flour, baking soda, and salt, put aside for now.
Prep First:
Toss your oven on 350°F and line your pans.

Pro Tips I Love

  • Mix in your own favorites, not just cranberries and white chocolate
  • Don't overbake, just wait for the edges to turn golden
  • For the best look, pop the dough in the fridge first
  • Fresh cranberries really shine here
  • Go for really good white chocolate for a rich flavor

How to Store Them

Your cookies will taste just as good for five days if you stash them airtight on the counter or stick 'em in the fridge. Want to get ahead? Freeze dough balls or already baked cookies for up to three months. Pop one in the oven for a couple of minutes to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven magic.

Fast Facts

  • Only have dried cranberries? Use a little less than fresh
  • Dough running? Chilling it stops spreading
  • If you like, swap in dark chocolate—tastes amazing
  • Vegan version? Use your best swaps
  • Stay good in a jar for five days or in the freezer three months

Common Questions

→ Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Fresh cranberries work great, but if you use dried ones, use less since they're already sweet.

→ Why chill the dough?

Letting the dough chill half an hour keeps the cookies thick and helps them taste even better.

→ Can I make these gluten-free?

Yep! Just swap in your gluten-free flour mix. The texture may change a bit though.

→ How do I know when they're done?

Pull them out when the sides turn golden but they're still soft in the middle. They'll firm up as they cool off.

→ Can I freeze the dough?

Totally, just roll into balls and freeze for up to three months. You can bake them frozen, no problem.

White Chocolate Cranberry

These chewy, pillowy treats are loaded with bright cranberries and creamy white chocolate in every mouthful. Tang and sweetness all at once.

Preparation Time
15 Minutes
Cooking Time
12 Minutes
Overall Time
27 Minutes
Shared By: Emily

Meal Type: Desserts

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Style: American

Makes: 24 Portions (24)

Special Diet: Vegetarian-Friendly

What You’ll Need

01 items 1 cup white chocolate chunks or chips.
02 items 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries.
03 items 2 large eggs.
04 items 1 tsp vanilla extract.
05 items 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed.
06 items 3/4 cup granulated sugar.
07 items 1 cup unsalted butter, softened.
08 items 1/2 tsp salt.
09 items 1/2 tsp baking soda.
10 items 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted.

Steps To Make It

Step 01

Let the cookies sit on the pan for 5 minutes. Move to a rack to finish cooling.

Step 02

Pop them in the oven for 10-12 minutes. The edges should look golden, and the middles a little soft.

Step 03

Grab some dough, roll into balls with about a tablespoon each, leave 2 inches between them.

Step 04

Gently stir in the white chocolate and cranberries.

Step 05

Add the dry mix bit by bit so the dough comes together.

Step 06

Mix eggs in one at a time, then stir in vanilla.

Step 07

Beat the butter with both sugars until creamy. Should take 3 or 4 minutes.

Step 08

In another bowl, blend salt, baking soda, and flour together.

Step 09

Get your oven hot at 350°F. Cover your baking sheets with parchment.

Extra Notes

  1. Frozen cranberries are okay, just thaw and pat dry before adding.
  2. If you want softer cookies, chill the dough half an hour first.
  3. Pull them out before they look totally set—the middles firm up as they cool.
  4. Fresh cranberries taste best.

Essential Tools

  • Cooling rack.
  • Mixing bowls.
  • Electric mixer.
  • Parchment paper.
  • Baking sheets.

Allergen Info

Review ingredients carefully for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Eggs.
  • Dairy.
  • Wheat/Gluten.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Keep in mind, this data is an estimate and not a substitute for professional dietary advice.
  • Calories: 180
  • Fat Content: 8 grams
  • Total Carbs: 24 grams
  • Protein Content: 2 grams