Soft chewy cranberry cookies (Printable version)
Soft, chewy cookies packed with tart dried cranberries and infused with vanilla for a delightful treat.
# List of ingredients:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
04 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
→ Add-ins
09 - 1 1/4 cups dried cranberries
10 - 1 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until combined.
03 - In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and creamy.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
06 - Fold in dried cranberries and white chocolate chips if using.
07 - Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
08 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and centers remain slightly soft.
09 - Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- These cookies have the perfect balance of sweet and tart that feels like a whispered secret between friends.
- They quickly became a favorite because they're easy to make yet always impress with their chewy texture and bright flavor.
02 -
- Don't overmix your dough once the wet and dry ingredients come together; it keeps the cookies tender, not tough.
- Using dried cranberries instead of fresh balances moisture so your cookies don't get watery, which was a game changer the first time I tried it.
03 -
- Chilling the dough before baking really helps control spreading and enhances flavor.
- The secret that makes all the difference is using a mix of sugars; brown sugar adds moisture and depth no granulated sugar alone can match.