These festive White Chocolate Cranberry Orange Cookies bring together the sweetness of white chocolate, the tartness of cranberries, and the fresh citrusy zing of orange. They’re a perfect treat for the holidays or any time you want a delightful burst of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how these cookies strike the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, with a chewy texture that’s irresistible. The orange zest adds a refreshing brightness that pairs wonderfully with the creamy white chocolate and tart cranberries. They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
2 tablespoons fresh orange zest (about 1 large orange)
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup white chocolate chips
Directions
Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes). Add the egg, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice, mixing until well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
Scoop and Bake:
Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool and Serve:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 24 cookies. Prep time is approximately 15 minutes, with a baking time of 9-11 minutes per batch.
Variations
Extra orange flavor: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice over the cooled cookies.
Add nuts: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
Chewier cookies: Slightly underbake the cookies for a softer, chewier bite.
Dark chocolate twist: Swap the white chocolate chips with dark chocolate for a deeper, richer flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To maintain their softness, I like to add a slice of bread to the container. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
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FAQs
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Yes, but fresh cranberries add more moisture and tartness. Chop them finely and pat them dry before adding to the dough.
Can I substitute the orange zest and juice with lemon?
Absolutely! Lemon zest and juice will give the cookies a bright, tangy twist.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be lightly golden, while the centers will still look soft. They’ll firm up as they cool.
What’s the best way to soften butter quickly?
Cut the butter into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Alternatively, microwave it for 10-15 seconds, but avoid melting it.
Conclusion
These White Chocolate Cranberry Orange Cookies are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their sweet, tangy, and citrusy flavors, they’re guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Enjoy every bite.
📖 Recipe:
Print
White Chocolate Cranberry Orange Cookies
- Total Time: ~25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect holiday treat with White Chocolate Cranberry Orange Cookies. These festive cookies blend creamy white chocolate, tart cranberries, and refreshing orange zest for a sweet and tangy delight.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp fresh orange zest
1 tbsp fresh orange juice
Mix-ins:
3/4 cup dried cranberries
3/4 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. - Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. - Cream Butter and Sugars
Beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy (2-3 minutes). Mix in egg, vanilla, orange zest, and orange juice. - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in cranberries and white chocolate chips. - Scoop and Bake
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake for 9-11 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. - Cool and Serve
Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Chill dough for 30 minutes if you prefer thicker cookies.
Swap white chocolate for dark chocolate for a flavor variation.
Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to retain softness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 9-11 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 cookies
