White Chocolate Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe
If you’re searching for a cookie that’s both festive and irresistibly delicious, White Chocolate Cranberry Orange Cookies are about to become your new obsession. Imagine bite after bite of zesty orange-infused dough, creamy white chocolate, and jewel-like dried cranberries, all nestled into a soft, chewy cookie. These beauties are vibrant, comforting, and perfect for everything from cozy winter nights by the fire to an impressive sweets tray at a cheerful holiday gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these cookies truly lies in their simple, high-quality ingredients. Each item plays an important role—bringing bursts of flavor, tender texture, and brilliant color to every single bite. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor throughout the dough.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Lends crisp edges and sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.
- Light brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds a subtle hint of caramel and moisture, helping create a chewy center.
- Large eggs (2): They bind the dough and create the perfect cookie structure.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the aromatic notes of orange and cranberry with delicious warmth.
- Orange zest (2 tablespoons, from about 2 oranges): Brings bright citrusy zing and beautiful fragrance to the cookies.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): The essential base for achieving the perfect chunky, sturdy cookie.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Gives each cookie just the right amount of lift.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and sharpens the other flavors.
- White chocolate chips (1 1/2 cups): Offer creamy, sweet bursts that pair perfectly with tart cranberries and citrus.
- Dried cranberries (1 cup): Provide tangy chewiness and vibrant color in every bite.
How to Make White Chocolate Cranberry Orange Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Set the Stage
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking but also ensures even browning and easy cleanup—so you can spend more time enjoying cookies and less time scrubbing pans.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Using a large mixing bowl, cream together your softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until the mixture is fluffy and pale, which helps create tender, light cookies every time.
Step 3: Add the Eggs, Vanilla, and Orange Zest
Incorporate the eggs, one at a time, into the creamed mixture. Follow with the vanilla extract and that wonderfully aromatic orange zest. These ingredients work in harmony to create the signature flavor profile that sets White Chocolate Cranberry Orange Cookies apart.
Step 4: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step distributes the leavening and seasoning evenly, which is crucial for a perfect cookie texture and flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring gently until everything is just combined. Resist the urge to over-mix—stopping as soon as you see no flour streaks helps keep the cookies soft and delicate.
Step 6: Fold in White Chocolate and Cranberries
Pour in those decadent white chocolate chips and tangy dried cranberries. Use a spatula to fold them into the dough, ensuring an even distribution so each cookie is loaded with flavor and color.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about two inches of space between each. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges look golden but the centers still appear slightly soft. This keeps your White Chocolate Cranberry Orange Cookies beautifully chewy as they cool.
Step 8: Cool and Admire
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes—this helps them firm up so they won’t fall apart when transferred. Move them to a wire rack to cool completely, resisting the urge to sample them straight from the oven (though that’s arguably the best time for at least one taste test)!
How to Serve White Chocolate Cranberry Orange Cookies
Garnishes
Dress up your White Chocolate Cranberry Orange Cookies with a simple drizzle of orange glaze (just whisk powdered sugar with a splash of fresh orange juice until smooth). For an extra pop of shine and sophistication, sprinkle a little sanding sugar or a few extra orange zest curls on top.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine beside a mug of hot cocoa or spiced chai tea. For holiday gatherings, serve alongside a platter of mixed fresh citrus and other classic cookies to balance their sweet, tart flavor. They’re even fantastic next to a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream!
Creative Ways to Present
Stack these beauties in clear cellophane bags tied with orange ribbon as thoughtful edible gifts. For a bake sale or party, arrange them on a vibrant platter alternating cookies with slices of fresh orange and clusters of dried cranberries—stunning and appetizing! They also look elegant packaged in a cookie tin lined with parchment paper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your White Chocolate Cranberry Orange Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. They’ll stay soft and flavorful—just be sure to keep the lid tightly closed to lock in all that fresh-baked goodness.
Freezing
These cookies freeze like a dream! You can freeze the baked cookies or freeze unbaked cookie balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Either way, they’ll keep their fantastic texture and flavor for up to three months—perfect for prepping in advance for special occasions or cookie cravings.
Reheating
If you love that just-baked warmth, pop a cookie in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to revive its melty centers and fresh-from-the-oven aroma. Frozen cookies can thaw at room temperature or be gently warmed in a low oven for a couple of minutes.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Dried cranberries work best for White Chocolate Cranberry Orange Cookies because they won’t add excess moisture or make the cookies soggy. If all you have is fresh, chop them small and pat them dry, but expect a slightly tart, less chewy texture.
What’s the best way to get a bold orange flavor?
Don’t skimp on the fresh orange zest—it’s the main driver of citrus flavor. For even more zing, add a teaspoon of orange extract or top with the suggested orange glaze garnish after baking.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough and chill it tightly covered in the fridge for up to 48 hours. Chilled dough can help the flavors develop and often leads to thicker, chewier cookies.
What should I do if my cookies spread too much?
If your dough is very soft or the kitchen is warm, pop the shaped dough onto the baking sheets in the fridge for 20 minutes before baking. This extra chill helps prevent excessive spreading in the oven.
Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Yes! White Chocolate Cranberry Orange Cookies are practically made for gifting. They hold up well, stay delicious for days, and pack attractively in tins or bags, making any holiday cookie box or sweet surprise extra special.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll treat yourself and loved ones to a big batch of White Chocolate Cranberry Orange Cookies—there’s truly nothing like the harmony of white chocolate, cranberry, and orange all in one chewy, golden treat. Grab your apron and let yourself indulge in a little baking magic, one delightful bite at a time!
Print
White Chocolate Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These White Chocolate Cranberry Orange Cookies are the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors. Soft and chewy, with bursts of white chocolate and dried cranberries in every bite, these cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons orange zest (from about 2 oranges)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and orange zest.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
- Add mix-ins: Fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
- Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- These cookies freeze well and make excellent holiday gifts.
- For an extra pop of orange, drizzle with a simple orange glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
