Festive White Chocolate Cranberry and Orange Cookies Recipe
Ideal for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or as a sweet homemade gift, these cookies are a wonderful addition to any dessert table. The combination of cranberries, orange zest, and white chocolate offers a unique flavor profile that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter at room temperature (12 tablespoons or 1.5 sticks)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 2 cups all-purpose flour or use your favorite gluten-free flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 3/4 cup white chocolate chips
- 2 cups fresh cranberries coarsely chopped or 1 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream Butter and Sugars:
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium-high speed to cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for 2-3 minutes, or until light and fluffy. Add the egg and mix well. Beat in the orange zest and vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.
Fold in Cranberries and White Chocolate Chips:
- Using a stiff spatula, gently fold in the chopped cranberries and white chocolate chips until evenly incorporated.
Shape and Bake:
- Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown (if using dried cranberries, bake for 11-13 minutes).
Cool and Enjoy:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.