Orange Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies
Soft, chewy cookies bursting with bright orange zest, tart dried cranberries, and creamy white chocolate chips. The orange essential oil adds an intense citrus aroma that perfectly complements the sweet-tart cranberry flavor. These festive cookies are ideal for holiday gatherings, bake sales, or any time you want a batch of crowd-pleasing treats with a sophisticated citrus twist.
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter, room temperature
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 10 drops orange essential oil, edibleorange extract1:2 rationone
use 1/2 teaspoon extract instead
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
- 2
Grease a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray or line with parchment paper
- 3
Cream the butter, brown sugar, and sugar for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy
- 4
Add the orange zest and essential oil and mix to combine
- 5
Add the egg to the butter mixture and mix on low speed until combined
- 6
Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl and whisk together
- 7
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix on low speed until combined
- 8
Add the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips and mix by hand until everything is combined
- 9
Scoop dough balls onto the prepared cookie sheet about 2 inches apart
- 10
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown
- 11
Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2-5 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack
Tips
Make sure butter is truly at room temperature for proper creaming with the sugars
Don't overbake - cookies will continue cooking on the hot pan after removal
Use edible orange essential oil sparingly as it's very potent
Good to Know
Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week
Dough can be made 1 day ahead and refrigerated, or shaped cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months
Serve at room temperature with milk or coffee
Common Mistakes
Don't overmix after adding flour to avoid tough cookies
Ensure oven is fully preheated before baking for even cooking
Substitutions
use 1/2 teaspoon extract instead
FAQ
Can I use regular orange extract instead of essential oil?
Yes, substitute with 1/2 teaspoon orange extract for similar flavor without the intensity of essential oil.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for golden brown edges while centers still appear slightly underbaked - they'll finish cooking on the hot pan.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, scoop dough balls and freeze on a tray, then store in bags for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes.