Save These soft and chewy cookies combine tart dried cranberries with a smooth vanilla essence, creating a balanced sweetness perfect for any occasion. With simple dry and wet ingredient steps followed by a brief baking period, the dough transforms into golden-edged, tender-centered treats. Optional white chocolate chips add extra richness, while nuts can enhance texture and flavor. Cooling on a rack ensures optimal softness. Ideal for casual enjoyment or sharing, these cookies offer both comfort and flavor in each bite.
Discovering these cranberry cookies was like stumbling upon a little treasure—soft, chewy, and packed with tart dried cranberries that instantly reminded me of cozy holiday afternoons spent with family.
I still remember the first time unexpected guests arrived, and I whipped up these cookies on a whim—they vanished within minutes and earned me instant dessert hero status.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: I reach for this trusty flour every time because it gives the cookies just the right structure and tenderness.
- Baking soda: A little lift goes a long way; don’t skip this for that slight puff and perfect chew.
- Salt: Just a pinch to bring out all the flavors without overpowering the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter is key—it mixes smoother and keeps the cookies tender.
- Granulated sugar & light brown sugar: The combo adds sweetness and moisture making every bite melt in your mouth.
- Eggs: They bind everything gently while keeping the cookies soft.
- Pure vanilla extract: I never skimp on this because it adds that warm, inviting aroma.
- Dried cranberries: Tart and chewy, these are the stars that set these cookies apart.
- White chocolate chips (optional): I add these when I want a creamy contrast to the tartness of cranberries.
Instructions
- Get Everything Ready:
- Preheat the oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper so your cookies don't stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until everything is evenly combined—the smell is neutral but this base is where the magic starts.
- Whip the Wet Stuff:
- Beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and creamy; you’ll notice the color brighten and the texture become fluffy, a good sign!
- Combine Eggs and Vanilla:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully mixed, then stir in the vanilla extract to infuse warmth and depth.
- Bring Dry and Wet Together:
- Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to keep the dough tender and soft.
- Add Cranberries and Chocolate:
- Gently fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips if you want a little extra sweet surprise in every bite.
- Form Your Cookies:
- Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto your prepared sheets spacing them about 2 inches apart so they have room to gently spread.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden while the centers still look soft—a cue to take them out for that perfect chewy texture.
- Cool and Enjoy:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, making sure they keep their shape and softness.
Save This recipe became more than just food when my family started requesting these cookies during special moments—suddenly each bite was a connection to warm gatherings and comfort.
Keeping It Fresh
Store your cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft and chewy for up to a week—if they last that long! I like to add a slice of apple inside the container to maintain moisture longer.
When You're Missing Something
If you don't have white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks work wonderfully as a substitute, lending a rich, slightly bitter contrast to the tart cranberries.
Serving Ideas That Clicked
Pair these cookies with a hot cup of tea or a cold glass of milk; they also open up fun possibilities for sandwiching ice cream between two for a quick dessert.
- Before guests leave, remind them these cookies freeze well if they want to save some.
- Oh wait, one more thing—using parchment paper saved me so much cleanup!
- Finally, don't be shy about customizing add-ins to make the recipe your own.
Save Thanks for hanging out in the kitchen with me—enjoy these cookies as much as I do, and don't hesitate to put your own spin on them!
Recipe FAQ
- → How do dried cranberries affect the texture?
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Dried cranberries add bursts of tartness and a chewy contrast to the soft cookie base, enhancing overall texture.
- → Can white chocolate chips be substituted?
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Yes, swapping white chocolate chips for dark chocolate gives a richer, slightly bitter balance to the sweetness.
- → What is the baking time to achieve a chewy interior?
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Baking for 10–12 minutes achieves lightly golden edges while keeping the centers soft and chewy.
- → How does vanilla influence the flavor?
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Vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic depth that complements the tart cranberries and sweet dough.
- → Are there any allergy considerations?
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This contains wheat, eggs, and dairy. Adding nuts like pecans or walnuts introduces tree nut allergens.
