Lemon Cranberry Cookies

There’s something truly special about the combination of lemon and cranberry, especially when it comes to cookies. These Lemon Cranberry Cookies capture the essence of bright citrus balanced with sweet and tart cranberries, all wrapped up in a chewy, delectable treat. I first stumbled upon this recipe while searching for a delightful addition to my holiday cookie platter, and let me tell you—these treats were an instant hit! Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering, a cozy family brunch, or simply because you need a sweet pick-me-up, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.

Why you’ll love this dish

What makes these Lemon Cranberry Cookies stand out? For starters, they are incredibly easy to whip up, requiring minimal fuss while delivering maximum flavor. The fusion of zesty lemon and rich white chocolate creates a wonderful complexity that appeals to both young and old. These cookies are perfect for a variety of occasions: holiday parties, lunchbox treats, or even as a spontaneous dessert after dinner. Plus, they stay soft and delicious for days, making them an ideal make-ahead treat.

“These cookies are a burst of flavor! The lemon zest and cranberries create a fresh taste that I can’t resist. Perfect for any gathering!” — Sarah, a delighted home baker.

Preparing Lemon Cranberry Cookies

Ready to dive into these delightful cookies? The process is both straightforward and satisfying, combining familiar baking techniques with a fruity twist. Let’s break it down:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get started on your cookie journey.
2. Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth – this will help create that lovely, soft texture.
3. Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the mixture for a burst of flavor and moistness.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt together to ensure even distribution before combining the dry with the wet ingredients.
5. After that, stir in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips for a delightful surprise in every bite.
6. Drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them out for nice, even baking.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden—a telltale sign of cookie perfection.
8. Finally, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

What you’ll need

To make these scrumptious Lemon Cranberry Cookies, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest (freshly grated for the best flavor)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh squeezed, please!)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup white chocolate chips

Feel free to make a few substitutions if needed—coconut sugar can replace brown sugar for a healthier twist, or vegan butter can be used to accommodate a dairy-free diet.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed mixture, mixing until combined.
6. Stir in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
7. Drop rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Best ways to enjoy it

These cookies aren’t just delicious on their own; they can also be served with flair! Pair them with a tall glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of tea to enhance the citrus and cranberry flavors. They make an excellent addition to any dessert table, or you can even stack a few in a mason jar for a charming gift for friends and family. If you want to elevate the experience, serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream transforms these delightful cookies into an indulgent dessert.

Keeping leftovers fresh

To maintain the freshness of your Lemon Cranberry Cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you’d like to save them for later, these cookies freeze beautifully! Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper, and they can last for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw and heat briefly in the microwave for that fresh-baked taste.

Helpful cooking tips

1. Use fresh lemons! Fresh lemon zest and juice yield the best flavor over bottled options.
2. Don’t overmix the dough once you add the flour. This helps keep the cookies tender.
3. Chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking for even fluffier cookies, especially in warmer climates.

Creative twists

Feel free to get creative with this cookie recipe! You can swap in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch, use dark chocolate chips in place of white for a richer flavor, or even throw in a handful of coconut for a tropical twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a dash of lavender or a sprinkling of cinnamon for an unexpected flavor profile.

Your questions answered

What is the prep time for these cookies?
The preparation time is about 15 minutes, with an additional 10-12 minutes of baking time.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
While you can use fresh cranberries, they are much more tart. You may need to adjust the sugar levels in the recipe for balance.

How long can I keep these cookies?
Stored in an airtight container, these cookies can last up to one week at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze them as described above.

Enjoy baking and savoring these Lemon Cranberry Cookies—your taste buds will thank you!

Lemon Cranberry Cookies

Delightful cookies that mix zesty lemon flavor with sweet and tart cranberries, perfect for various occasions.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 27 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American, Baking

Servings 24 cookies

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

  

Cookie Base

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 medium egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest freshly grated for the best flavor
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed

Dry Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Mix-Ins

• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup white chocolate chips

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
• Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
• In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed mixture, mixing until combined.
• Stir in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
• Drop rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets.

Baking

• Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
• Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Notes

Cookies can be enjoyed with milk or tea. They store well in an airtight container for up to a week or can be frozen for three months. Use fresh lemons for best flavor.

Keyword Baking Recipe, Cranberry Cookies, Dessert Recipe, Holiday Cookies, lemon cookies