Cranberry Chocolate Cookies

Featured in desserts.

Look at these gorgeous cookies! The rich, fudgy chocolate base is absolutely divine, and those pops of white chocolate and tart cranberries create the most incredible flavor combination. You can see how perfectly they're baked - crispy on the edges but still soft in the center. The white chocolate chips are slightly melted and glossy, while those ruby-red cranberries add such a beautiful festive touch. These cookies are going to fill your kitchen with the most amazing aroma, and trust me, they taste even better than they look. The contrast between the bitter chocolate and sweet-tart cranberries is pure magic in every bite!

Tswira dial profile dial zaho awlaydi..
Updated on Fri, 06 Jun 2025 20:57:34 GMT
Fresh baked double chocolate cookies with white chocolate chips and cranberries on baking sheet pin it
Fresh baked double chocolate cookies with white chocolate chips and cranberries on baking sheet | lonerecipes.com

I remember the first time I made these cookies - I was looking for something that captured the essence of the holidays in one bite. The deep, rich chocolate base provides the perfect canvas for the bright, tart cranberries and creamy white chocolate chips. What I love most about this recipe is how the cranberries don't just add flavor, they add beautiful color and texture too. The cookies come out with this gorgeous marbled appearance, with the white chocolate slightly melted and the cranberries glistening like little jewels. The texture is absolutely perfect - crispy edges that give way to a soft, fudgy center. Every bite delivers that perfect balance of bitter chocolate, sweet white chocolate, and tart cranberry that makes your taste buds dance.

Why I love this recipe

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it represents everything I love about baking - taking simple ingredients and creating something extraordinary. The versatility is amazing - you can dress them up for special occasions or enjoy them as an everyday treat. What really sets these cookies apart is how they appeal to everyone. Chocolate lovers get their fix, while those who prefer fruity desserts are won over by the cranberries. The visual appeal is stunning too - they look like they came from a high-end bakery. But beyond all that, these cookies bring people together. I've shared this recipe with countless friends and family members, and it never fails to create smiles and spark conversations about favorite treats and childhood memories.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

  • All-purpose flour: Forms the base structure of the cookies
  • Cocoa powder: Provides rich chocolate flavor and dark color
  • Butter: Cream until light and fluffy for tender texture
  • Brown sugar: Adds moisture and caramel notes to complement chocolate
  • White chocolate chips: Fold in gently to maintain chunks throughout dough
  • Dried cranberries: Adds tart flavor and chewy texture contrast

Let's Make These Together

Prepare your workspace
Start by preheating your oven and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures everything is ready when your dough is prepared, and the parchment prevents sticking while giving you perfectly shaped cookies.
Create the chocolate base
Cream your butter and sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy - this incorporates air and creates the perfect tender texture. The combination of brown and white sugars gives depth of flavor and the ideal chewy-crispy balance.
Build the flavor foundation
Add your eggs and vanilla, beating until smooth. This creates the binding agent that holds everything together while adding richness and that classic vanilla background note that enhances the chocolate.
Incorporate dry ingredients carefully
Mix in your flour and cocoa powder just until combined - overmixing develops gluten and creates tough cookies. The cocoa powder gives that deep chocolate flavor and beautiful dark color we're after.
Add the star ingredients
Gently fold in your white chocolate chips and cranberries. This is where the magic happens - the sweet white chocolate and tart cranberries create the perfect flavor balance against the rich chocolate base.
Recipe picture pin it
Homemade chocolate cookies with colorful white chocolate and cranberry toppings fresh from oven | lonerecipes.com

Switch Things Up

I first discovered this combination when I accidentally grabbed cranberries instead of chocolate chips at the store. What started as a baking mishap turned into my family's favorite cookie recipe! Now I make these every holiday season, and the kids always ask for them. The contrast of flavors reminds me of those fancy bakery cookies, but these are so much better because they're made with love at home. I love watching people's faces when they take that first bite - the surprise of the tart cranberry followed by the rich chocolate is priceless. Sometimes I make a double batch because they disappear so quickly!

Perfect Pairings

These cookies pair beautifully with a tall glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee. For a more indulgent treat, serve them alongside vanilla ice cream or with a drizzle of caramel sauce. They also complement hot chocolate perfectly, making them ideal for cozy winter evenings. For wine lovers, try them with a glass of port or dessert wine.

Decadent chocolate cookies topped with white chocolate and red cranberries cooling on tray pin it
Decadent chocolate cookies topped with white chocolate and red cranberries cooling on tray | lonerecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries will release more moisture during baking and may make the cookies less stable. Stick with dried cranberries for best results, or chop fresh ones and pat them dry first.

→ How do I prevent the white chocolate from burning?

The baking temperature and time in this recipe are perfect for white chocolate chips. Just don't overbake - remove when edges are set but centers still look slightly soft.

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days or freeze cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes.

→ Why are my cookies spreading too much?

This usually happens when butter is too warm or dough is too soft. Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking, and make sure your butter was properly softened, not melted.

→ Can I substitute the cocoa powder?

You can use Dutch-processed cocoa for a milder flavor, but don't substitute with chocolate syrup or melted chocolate as it will change the dough consistency significantly.

Conclusion

These cranberry chocolate cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. The combination of rich chocolate with tart cranberries and sweet white chocolate creates a delightful flavor experience. They're easy to make and always impress guests. Store them in an airtight container for up to a week, though they rarely last that long! Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you need a special sweet treat.

Cranberry Chocolate Cookies

Decadent double chocolate cookies loaded with white chocolate chips and tart dried cranberries for the perfect sweet-tart balance.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
12 Minutes
Total Time
27 Minutes
By: chris

Category: desserts

Difficulty: easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 24 Servings (24 balls)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Contains Gluten

Ingredients

012 cups all-purpose flour
023/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
031 cup butter, softened
043/4 cup granulated sugar
053/4 cup brown sugar, packed
062 large eggs
072 teaspoons vanilla extract
081 cup white chocolate chips
093/4 cup dried cranberries

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and cocoa powder until well combined.

Step 02

In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.

Step 03

Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. Mix until well combined and the mixture is smooth.

Step 04

Gradually add the flour and cocoa mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Don't overmix.

Step 05

Fold in white chocolate chips and dried cranberries using a wooden spoon or spatula until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 06

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers still look slightly soft.

Notes

  1. Don't overbake these cookies - they'll continue cooking on the hot pan after removing from oven
  2. For extra soft cookies, slightly underbake and let them cool completely on the baking sheet
  3. Store in airtight container for up to one week or freeze dough balls for future baking
  4. You can substitute dried cherries or raisins for cranberries if desired

Tools You'll Need

  • Electric mixer or stand mixer
  • Large mixing bowls
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Cookie scoop or tablespoon
  • Wire cooling racks

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten from flour
  • Contains dairy from butter and white chocolate
  • Contains eggs

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 185
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 3 g

Spice Up Your Inbox!

Join our gourmet community and get sizzling recipes, cooking tips, and exclusive updates delivered straight to your inbox.

We respect your privacy. No spam, just deliciousness.

×

Success!

You've successfully subscribed to our newsletter!