Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies

Summary

Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful blend of tart cranberries and sweet white chocolate, perfect for any occasion. This detailed recipe ensures your cookies come out just right—crispy on the edges and soft in the center. With easy-to-follow steps and a few pro tips, you'll be baking like a pro in no time. Discover the secrets to perfect cookies and impress your friends and family with this irresistible treat.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix-ins

• 1 cup sweetened dried cranberries
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional but recommended)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

4. Add Mix-ins: Fold in the dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, and chopped pecans (if using).

5. Shape the Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Optional Drizzle: If desired, melt an additional 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cookies

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
• Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.

Interesting Stats

• Cranberry Production: The United States is the largest producer of cranberries, with Wisconsin and Massachusetts leading the way. In 2020, the U.S. produced over 9 million barrels of cranberries. Source: USDA
• White Chocolate Popularity: While not as popular as milk or dark chocolate, white chocolate has been gaining traction in recent years. In 2020, the global white chocolate market was valued at approximately $17.5 billion. Source: Statista

Conclusion

Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies are a perfect blend of flavors and textures that are sure to impress. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice, this recipe is straightforward and yields delicious results every time. So, gather your ingredients and get baking—your taste buds will thank you!

For more baking tips and recipes, check out AllRecipes and Food Network.