Cranberry Bliss Cookies Recipe

The Perfect Cranberry Bliss Cookies Recipe for Holiday Magic

Soft, buttery cookies studded with tangy cranberry bliss cookies recipe morsels promise a delightful twist on classic holiday treats.

Warm spices weave through each tender bite, creating a symphony of flavor.

Bakers seeking a festive dessert will adore these simple yet elegant cookies.

The crimson bursts of cranberry contrast beautifully against the golden cookie base.

Sweet and tart notes dance together in perfect harmony.

Every crumb delivers a comforting warmth that feels like a culinary hug.

These cookies will become your new seasonal sensation.

Cranberry Bliss Cookies Special Touches

  • Whip Up Holiday Cheer: These cranberry bliss cookies burst with festive flavors that instantly transport you to cozy winter celebrations.
  • Bake with Ease: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques anyone can master.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Packed with tangy cranberries, zesty orange notes, and sweet white chocolate, these cookies guarantee smiles from kids and adults alike.
  • Quick Dessert Magic: Minimal prep time and simple steps mean you can go from mixing bowl to delicious treat in under an hour, making them ideal for spontaneous baking moments.
Main Ingredients:
  • Butter: A rich, creamy base that provides flavor and helps create a soft cookie texture.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden, crisp cookie exterior.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cookie's structure.
  • Flour: The primary dry ingredient that forms the cookie's base and provides structure.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract, Orange Zest: Add depth and brightness to the cookie's overall flavor profile.
  • White Chocolate Chips, Dried Cranberries: Provide bursts of sweetness and tartness throughout the cookie.
Frosting and Topping Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese, Powdered Sugar, Orange Extract, Milk: Create a smooth, tangy frosting that complements the cookie's flavors.
  • White Chocolate, Fresh Cranberries, Orange Zest: Offer a decorative and flavorful finish to the cookies.

Easy Method for Cranberry Bliss Cookies

Step 1: Whip Up Creamy Base

Grab your mixer and blend softened butter with sugar until it becomes light and airy.

Crack in eggs, splash in vanilla extract, and sprinkle orange zest.

Mix everything until beautifully combined and silky smooth.

Step 2: Craft Cookie Mixture

In a separate bowl, sift together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture.

Tenderly stir in:
  • White chocolate chips
  • Dried cranberries

Step 3: Shape and Bake Cookies

Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Scoop rounded spoonfuls of dough, leaving space between each.

Slide into preheated oven and bake until edges turn golden and centers look soft.

Remove and cool completely on wire rack.

Step 4: Prepare Luxurious Frosting

Whisk cream cheese until ultra-smooth.

Gradually add powdered sugar, orange extract, and splash of milk.

Beat until frosting becomes creamy and spreadable.

Step 5: Decorate with Flair

Spread generous layer of frosting across cooled cookies.

Melt white chocolate and drizzle elegantly.

Sprinkle extra cranberries and orange zest on top for beautiful finish.

Tips for Perfect Cranberry Bliss Cookies

  • Take butter out 30-60 minutes before baking to reach room temperature for smooth, even creaming.
  • Use a kitchen scale or spoon-and-level method to prevent dense, tough cookies.
  • Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes to prevent spreading and enhance flavor development.
  • Rotate baking sheet halfway through cooking for even golden-brown edges.
  • Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper.

Fun Twists for Cranberry Bliss Cookies

  • Gluten-Free Delight: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring cookies remain soft and chewy for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Version: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and select dairy-free white chocolate for a plant-based alternative.
  • Nutty Crunch: Add chopped almonds or pecans to the dough for extra texture and rich, toasted flavor that complements the tangy cranberries.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and incorporate more dried cranberries for natural sweetness.

Serving Cranberry Bliss Cookies with Style

  • Holiday Gift Platter: Create a festive cookie assortment with these cranberry bliss cookies, arranging them beautifully on a rustic wooden board alongside other seasonal treats like gingerbread and peppermint bark.
  • Afternoon Tea Companion: Serve these delightful cookies on elegant china plates next to a steaming cup of orange spice tea, perfect for enjoying a sophisticated mid-afternoon snack with friends.
  • Dessert Buffet Star: Showcase these colorful cookies on a tiered dessert stand during holiday gatherings, allowing guests to enjoy their vibrant orange and cranberry flavors as part of a larger sweet spread.
  • Coffee Shop Style Presentation: Dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar and place them in a clear bakery-style display case, mimicking the professional look of gourmet cafes and bakeries.

Storage Advice for Cranberry Bliss Cookies

  • Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture.
  • Wrap individual cookies or the entire batch tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cookies will keep perfectly for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
  • Keep cookies in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Consume within 2-3 days for maximum freshness and flavor intensity.
  • Add a small piece of bread to the storage container to help maintain the cookies' soft texture and prevent them from becoming dry or crumbly.

FAQs

  • Are these cookies chewy or crispy?

These cookies are soft and slightly chewy with a tender texture that melts in your mouth.

  • Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, dried cranberries work perfectly and will provide a similar sweet-tart flavor profile to the cookies.

  • How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking and ensure your butter is not too soft to help maintain the cookie’s shape.

  • Is this recipe good for holiday baking?

Absolutely! The cranberry and orange combination makes these cookies perfect for Christmas and winter gatherings.

Print
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Cranberry Bliss Cookies Recipe

Cranberry Bliss Cookies Recipe


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4.5 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 39 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Mouthwatering cranberry bliss cookies bring festive holiday cheer with sweet-tart cranberries and white chocolate chips. Rich crumbly texture and delightful flavor profile invite you to savor each delectable bite of winter magic.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups white granulated sugar
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 eggs
  • 3/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped

Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon orange extract
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon orange extract
  • 1 tablespoon milk or cream

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar

Garnish Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, melted
  • Orange zest

Instructions

  1. Cream softened butter with sugar until light and airy, achieving a fluffy texture. Incorporate eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest, mixing thoroughly.
  2. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, creating a cohesive dough.
  3. Gently fold white chocolate chips and dried cranberries into the cookie batter, distributing evenly throughout.
  4. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  5. Drop rounded tablespoon-sized dough portions onto prepared sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
  6. Bake for 12-14 minutes until cookie edges turn golden and centers appear slightly soft. Remove and cool completely on wire racks.
  7. Prepare frosting by beating cream cheese until smooth, then gradually mix in powdered sugar, orange extract, and milk.
  8. Once cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting across the surface.
  9. Melt white chocolate and drizzle delicately over frosted cookies.
  10. Garnish with additional dried cranberries and fresh orange zest for a vibrant, festive finish.

Notes

  • Softening butter at room temperature ensures smoother creaming and better cookie texture.
  • White chocolate chips can be swapped with dark or milk chocolate for varied flavor profiles.
  • Dried cranberries work perfectly if fresh cranberries are unavailable, maintaining recipe integrity.
  • Chilling dough for 30 minutes before baking prevents excessive spreading and creates thicker cookies.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 14 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 230
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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