Are you ready to bake up some holiday cheer? Forget those store-bought cookies – this cranberry chocolate chip cookie recipe is the perfect blend of tart and sweet, chewy and crunchy, making it a delicious addition to your holiday baking or a delightful treat any time of year. These easy recipes are perfect for beginner bakers, yet satisfying enough for experienced cooks looking for a delicious twist on a classic. Get ready to enjoy the aroma of warm spices and melted chocolate filling your kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate – your choice!)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents for perfectly textured cookies.
Step 2: Cream the butter and sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer, but you can also achieve this with a good amount of elbow grease!
Step 3: Add the wet ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine wet and dry ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
Step 5: Stir in cranberries and chocolate chips
Fold in the chopped cranberries and chocolate chips.
Step 6: Bake the cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Leave some space between each cookie as they will spread.
Step 7: Baking time
Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as ovens can vary.
Step 8: Cool and enjoy!
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these warm, gooey, and delicious cookies!
Tips for the Best Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies:
- Softened butter is key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This will ensure proper creaming and a good texture.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Chill the dough (optional): For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading.
- Use quality chocolate: The better the chocolate, the better the cookies!
Variations:
- Nuts: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
- Citrus zest: A little orange or lemon zest will add a bright, refreshing flavor.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices like ginger, nutmeg, or cardamom.
- White chocolate: Substitute white chocolate chips for a sweeter treat.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 150-200 Fat: 8-10g Sugar: 15-20g
These delicious cranberry chocolate chip cookies are perfect for any occasion. They're a simple recipe, a quick dinner option, and a healthy meal alternative to other sugary treats. Enjoy the homemade cooking experience and share the joy with friends and family! This quick and easy recipe will quickly become one of your best recipes.