White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

Strawberry Jargarita

Strawberry Jargarita

Prepration Time
  • 5–10 minutes
Total Time
  • 10 minutes
Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita

Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita

Prepration Time
  • 10 minutes
Total Time
  • 10 minutes
Orange Creamsicle Margarita

Orange Creamsicle Margarita

Prepration Time
  • 5 minutes
Total Time
  • 5 minutes
Cherry Margarita

Italian Cherry Margarita

Prepration Time
  • 5 minutes
Total Time
  • 5 minutes
Prepration Time
  • 10–12 minutes
Total Time
  • 30–40 minutes
Serving
  • 24 cookies

Ingradients

  • 2½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup (1½ sticks / 170g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1½ tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (180g) white chocolate chunks or chips (not chips labeled “candy coating”)
  • 1 cup (120g) dried cranberries (sweetened or unsweetened)
  • Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or macadamia nuts

Directions

  1. Preheat Oven:

    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

  2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

    • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

  3. Cream Butter & Sugars:

    • In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with a mixer for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.

  4. Add Wet Ingredients:

    • Beat in egg and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

  5. Combine:

    • Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing on low until just combined.
    • Fold in white chocolate chunks and dried cranberries (and nuts, if using). Do not overmix.

  6. Chill (Optional but Recommended):

    • Cover dough and chill for 30 minutes to prevent spreading and enhance flavor.

  7. Scoop & Bake:

    • Scoop dough by the tablespoon (about 1.5 tbsp) and roll into balls.
    • Place 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
    • Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden and centers still look soft.
    • Do not overbake — they firm up as they cool.

  8. Cool & Store:

    • Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
    • Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Pros:

  1. Perfect Sweet-Tart Balance: White chocolate + cranberries = flavor harmony.
  2. Soft & Chewy Texture: Melts in your mouth — ideal for all ages.
  3. Festive & Gift-Ready: Beautiful on holiday trays or in gift tins.
  4. Freezer-Friendly: Dough or baked cookies freeze well.
  5. Customizable: Add nuts, orange zest, or coconut for variation.

Cons:

  1. High in Sugar (11g per cookie): Especially if glazed — not ideal for diabetics.
  2. Low in Protein & Fiber: Not a balanced snack on its own.
  3. Contains Saturated Fat (4g): From butter and white chocolate — best in moderation.
  4. Gluten & Dairy Present: Not suitable for gluten-sensitive or lactose-intolerant individuals.
  5. White Chocolate Often Contains Milk & Sugar: Not vegan or low-sugar by default.

Suitability for Aged People (65+ years)

✅ Generally Suitable — With Care:

  • Soft Texture: Easy to chew, even with dentures.
  • Bright Flavor: Tart cranberries can stimulate appetite.
  • Comforting & Familiar: Holiday flavors bring joy and nostalgia.

🔹 Recommendations for Seniors:

  • Serve in small portions (1 cookie) to manage sugar and calories.
  • Pair with tea, coffee, or warm milk for easier swallowing.
  • Use unsweetened cranberries and reduced-sugar white chocolate if available.
  • Avoid if managing diabetes, heart disease, or GERD (sweetness may trigger symptoms).

Who Should Avoid or Modify This Recipe?

Condition
Reason
Suggested Modification
Diabetes
High sugar (11g) causes blood glucose spikes.
Use sugar-free white chocolate and unsweetened cranberries.
Heart Disease
Saturated fat from butter and white chocolate.
Use plant-based butter and limit portion.
Lactose Intolerance
Butter and white chocolate contain dairy.
Use dairy-free butter and vegan white chocolate.
Gluten Sensitivity
Contains all-purpose flour.
Use certified gluten-free flour blend.
Milk Allergy
White chocolate contains milk solids.
Use allergen-safe white chips.
Obesity / Weight Loss
High in calories and sugar for a snack.
Limit to 1 cookie occasionally; offer fruit instead.
Kidney Stones (Oxalate)
Cranberries are moderately high in oxalates.
Limit portion or avoid if prone to calcium-oxalate stones.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrient
Amount
% Daily Value
Calories
140
Total Fat
7g
9%
Saturated Fat
4g
20%
Trans Fat
0.2g
Cholesterol
20mg
7%
Sodium
75mg
3%
Total Carbohydrate
19g
7%
Dietary Fiber
0g
0%
Total Sugars
11g
Protein
1g
2%
Vitamin A
80 IU
2%
Vitamin C
0mg
0%
Calcium
20mg
2%
Iron
0.9mg
5%
Potassium
35mg
1%