These White Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies are soft-baked, lightly spiced, and bursting with the sweet-tart contrast of white chocolate and dried cranberries.
The addition of oats gives them a hearty texture that’s incredibly satisfying—perfect for holiday baking, snack time, or anytime you crave a cozy treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfectly chewy texture – Thanks to rolled oats and brown sugar.
Festive flavor combo – Cranberries and white chocolate are a match made in cookie heaven.
Quick-chill dough – Just 30 minutes in the fridge for thick, bakery-style cookies.
Easy to freeze – Great for prepping ahead.
Naturally nut-free – No nuts unless you want to add them!
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
All-purpose flour – Provides the structure for a chewy, tender cookie.
Rolled oats – Old-fashioned oats offer the best chewy texture.
Butter – Softened to room temperature for perfect creaming.
Brown and white sugar – The duo creates sweetness with depth and balance.
Egg – Adds richness and helps bind everything together.
Ground cinnamon – For a warm, subtle spice.
White chocolate chips – Sweet and creamy bites throughout.
Dried cranberries – Tart and chewy, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
Vanilla extract – Adds warm aroma and flavor depth.
How to Make White Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
Set aside.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat together:
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup (100g) light brown sugar
¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
Beat until light and fluffy, about 1–2 minutes. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Add:
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
Mix until well incorporated.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Step 5: Fold in the Good Stuff
Stir in:
1½ cups (150g) rolled oats
¾ cup (105g) sweetened dried cranberries
¾ cup (140g) white chocolate chips
Mix until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
This helps the cookies hold their shape and stay thick during baking.
Step 7: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 8: Scoop and Shape
Using a cookie scoop (1.5 to 2 tbsp), scoop the dough onto the baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
Gently press each ball just slightly to flatten.
Step 9: Bake
Bake one sheet at a time for 10–13 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underdone.
Step 10: Cool
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5–10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
What to Serve Them With
A glass of milk – The classic pairing.
A warm mug of chai or coffee – Complements the cinnamon spice.
Holiday gift box – These cookies travel and store beautifully.
Vanilla or cranberry ice cream sandwich – A creative twist.
Variations & Add-Ins
Add chopped pecans or walnuts – For an extra crunch.
Use dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips – To cut the sweetness.
Swap the cranberries for dried cherries or raisins – Customize to your taste.
Make it gluten-free – Use a 1:1 GF baking flour and certified GF oats.
Storage & Freezing
Room temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freeze baked cookies – Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Freeze dough balls – Bake from frozen at 350°F, adding 1–2 extra minutes.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned?
You can, but the texture will be softer and less chewy.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Yes—this helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
Can I use fresh cranberries?
Dried cranberries are best here. Fresh ones will release too much moisture.
How do I make the cookies chewier?
Don’t overbake! Take them out when the centers still look soft.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—this dough scales easily.
Final Thoughts
These White Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies check every box: soft, chewy, slightly spiced, and bursting with flavor.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday tray, a cozy night in, or just because—these cookies deliver every time.
Grab a mixing bowl and bake up some joy.
