Name: Chewy Chocolate Chip Cranberry Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 large egg yolk; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup dried cranberries

Welcome to our delightful and indulgent world of cookies! The star of today’s recipe is none other than the incredibly tasty Chewy Chocolate Chip Cranberry Cookies. Imagine soft, warm cookies fresh from the oven, with chunks of rich chocolate melted within, paired with the tangy sweetness of dried cranberries. This unique twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie merges flavors that will satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you craving more. Whether you’re planning for a holiday gathering, a picnic, or simply looking for a family-friendly dessert, these cookies are perfect for any occasion.

Not only are these cookies easy to make, but they also offer a delightful fusion of flavors that’ll have your taste buds dancing with joy. If you have a hectic schedule, worry not; whipping up a batch of these cookies is simple and quick. With minimal prep time and straightforward ingredients, you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious homemade treat in no time. Plus, these cookies make fantastic gifts or a delightful surprise for friends and family, packed in a beautiful jar or box. Let’s dive into this wonderful Chewy Chocolate Chip Cranberry Cookies recipe that will undoubtedly become a favorite in your household!

Why You’ll Love This Chewy Chocolate Chip Cranberry Cookies

Delicious Flavor: The combination of semi-sweet chocolate chips and tart cranberries creates a perfect balance of flavors.
Perfectly Chewy Texture: The unique blend of ingredients results in cookies that are soft and chewy with just the right amount of fluffiness.
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers will find success in making these delightful cookies.
Versatile Ingredients: Easily adaptable for dietary preferences—swap butter for a non-dairy option or choose gluten-free flour.
Fun Baking Activity: A wonderful way to engage kids in the kitchen and create fun memories as you bake together!

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the baking process, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and workspace for success. Start by gathering all your ingredients, including the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, unsalted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and dried cranberries. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.

Next, ensure you have the necessary tools: a medium bowl for the dry ingredients, a large bowl for mixing wet ingredients, a whisk for combining, and a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon for folding in your chocolate chips and cranberries. You will also need a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and set out your measuring cups and spoons as well. A wire rack will be needed for cooling the cookies after they’re baked. With everything in place, you’re ready to embark on this delicious baking journey!

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup dried cranberries

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it ensures your cookies bake evenly. While the oven is getting to temperature, it’s the perfect time to prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent any sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This dry mixture provides the base for your cookies and ensures that the leavening agent (baking soda) is evenly distributed throughout the flour. Set this aside as you move on to the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using a whisk or a mixer, beat these ingredients together until they are completely blended. The butter should be fully incorporated, and the mixture should appear smooth. To this, add the whole egg and the egg yolk along with the vanilla extract, mixing again until the batter is homogeneous.

Step 4: Merge Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently with a spatula or mixing spoon until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to dense cookies that lack the desired chewy texture.

Step 5: Incorporate Chocolate and Cranberries

Now it’s time to fold in the chocolate chips and dried cranberries. Use a spatula to gently integrate these mix-ins into the dough, ensuring they’re distributed evenly, creating pockets of flavor throughout each cookie.

Step 6: Shape and Bake Your Cookies

Scoop about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough and place it onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave enough space between each mound of dough to allow for spreading as they bake. Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as you want the edges to turn a light golden brown while the centers remain slightly soft.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy!

Once your cookies are baked, remove the sheet from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes. This cooling time on the baking sheet allows them to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen as you wait for your cookies to cool down!

Variations

Protein: Substitute the chocolate chips with peanut butter chips for a nutty flavor, or try adding some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
Vegetables: Incorporate shredded zucchini or carrots for added moisture and nutritional benefits. Just be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture!
Spices: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, aromatic flavor profile.

Cooking Notes

For the best texture, make sure your butter is melted and cooled—this will prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
If you’re using room temperature butter instead of melted, consider creaming it with the sugars for a fluffier texture.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these cookies with a glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee for the ultimate treat.
Consider serving them at gatherings with ice cream for a delicious cookie sundae!

Tips

To achieve perfectly round cookies, use a cookie scoop or measuring spoon for uniform size.
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 150 per cookie
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 75mg

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can use gluten-free flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour if you are looking for a gluten-free alternative.

What can I add to enhance the flavor?

Adding spices such as cinnamon, or even a touch of sea salt on top before baking can enhance the cookie flavors even more.

How do I store the cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, or freeze them for optimal freshness.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and either refrigerate it for a couple of days or freeze it for up to a month before baking.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chewy Chocolate Chip Cranberry Cookies are a delightful treat that everyone will enjoy. With their unique combination of flavors and easy preparation, they are perfect for bakers of all levels. So why not treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch today? You can easily experiment with variations, making them your very own signature cookie. If you try this recipe, don’t forget to share your thoughts and any modifications you made in the comments below. Happy baking, and enjoy every chewy, chocolatey, cranberry-filled bite!