Cranberry Orange White Chocolate Cookies

Name: Cranberry Orange White Chocolate Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 44 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups sugar; 2 eggs; 2 teaspoons fresh orange zest; 2 teaspoons vanilla or almond extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries, halved (or substitute 1 cup dried cranberries); 1 1/2 – 2 cups white chocolate chips or chunks; 1/4 cup butter, softened (optional for glaze); 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (optional for glaze); 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice (optional for glaze); 2 teaspoons orange zest (optional for glaze)

By:

Marry

Published:

November 29, 2025

[grow_share_buttons]

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

These Cranberry Orange White Chocolate Cookies are a fantastic blend of flavors that will make your holiday season or cozy afternoons brighter! Picture biting into a soft, chewy cookie, where the tartness of fresh cranberries meets the zing of zesty orange and the sweet decadence of white chocolate. What’s not to love? Whether you’re baking for a festive party, a family gathering, or just because you deserve a treat, these cookies are sure to impress. They’ve got that perfect balance of sweetness and citrus, making every bite a joyful experience. I’m excited to share this recipe with you, and I promise it’s easy to follow. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get baking!

Why This Recipe Works

This Cranberry Orange White Chocolate Cookies recipe combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with zesty orange flavors and sweet white chocolate, creating a delightful contrast that tantalizes your taste buds. The use of butter and sugar in the right proportions ensures the cookies come out soft and chewy, while the addition of cream of tartar creates the perfect balance in texture, making every bite simply irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange White Chocolate Cookies

These cookies are not just a treat; they’re an experience. Ideal for holiday gatherings, cozy family events, or simply a soothing afternoon snack, they embody the warmth and joy of the season. Plus, the bright flavors make them a fantastic addition to your dessert repertoire, sure to impress friends and family alike!

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons fresh orange zest
2 teaspoons vanilla or almond extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries, halved (or substitute 1 cup dried cranberries)
1 1/2 – 2 cups white chocolate chips or chunks

Optional Orange Glaze:

1/4 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
2 teaspoons orange zest

Cream Together Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, combine the softened butter and sugar. Use an electric mixer to cream them together for about 4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is critical; it creates air pockets that help the cookies rise.

Add Eggs and Flavorings

Next, add each egg one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, incorporate the fresh orange zest and either vanilla or almond extract into the mixture, creaming for an additional minute. The zest adds a vibrant flavor that elevates your cookies!

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. It’s important to avoid overmixing here; you want the cookies soft and chewy, not tough.

Fold in Cranberries and White Chocolate

Gently fold in the cranberries and white chocolate chips or chunks, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. This step makes sure each cookie has a little burst of flavor from the cranberries and sweetness from the chocolate.

Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step helps enhance the flavors and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. Chilling allows the dough to firm up, making it easier to shape later.

Drop onto Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line baking sheets with Silpat or parchment paper. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie. This space is essential so they don’t stick together while baking!

Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 11-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This cooling period is key—it helps the cookies set up nicely.

Make the Orange Glaze (Optional)

While the cookies cool, prepare the orange glaze by stirring together the softened butter, powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cookies for an extra burst of flavor. It adds a lovely finish that compliments the cookies beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these delightful cookies warm from the oven, or store them in an airtight container. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or a glass of cold milk. Sharing them during holiday parties or simply enjoying one on a quiet evening is sure to uplift spirits.

Tips for Success

Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming.
If using dried cranberries, allow them to soak in warm water for a few minutes to plump them up before adding them to the dough.
For chewy cookies, avoid overmixing the dough after adding the dry ingredients. This will keep them soft and delicious.

Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are some ideas:
– Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
– Use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate for a richer flavor. The slight bitterness of dark chocolate pairs wonderfully with the sweetness.
– Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added crunch. This adds layers of texture to your cookies.

Storage Tips

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked dough in balls. When you’re ready for fresh cookies, bake straight from the freezer for a warm treat anytime!

Pairing Ideas

These cookies go perfectly with:
– Freshly brewed coffee or espresso
– Hot cocoa or spiced cider during the holidays
– A scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Yes, frozen cranberries can be used, but be sure to thaw and drain them before mixing into the dough.

2. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1. You won’t miss the gluten!

3. Can I omit the orange glaze?
Absolutely! The cookies are delicious on their own, but the glaze adds a lovely finishing touch.

4. How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough before baking helps maintain shape and prevent excessive spreading.

5. What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze them for longer-lasting freshness.

These Cranberry Orange White Chocolate Cookies are sure to become a cherished recipe in your collection, combining a festive flair with mouth-watering flavors that everyone will adore. Enjoy baking and sharing this sweet treat with loved ones!