Snowy White Chocolate Cranberry Shortbread Bites

Snowy White Chocolate Cranberry Shortbread My Easy Recipe

By Sally ThompsonSeptember 29, 2025

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5.00 (1 Ratings)

Table of Contents

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook: Ready for Some Melt-In-Your Mouth Cookies ?

Ever wondered what pure Christmas magic tastes like? These white chocolate cranberry shortbread cookies are exactly that. Think buttery, crumbly goodness with bursts of sweet and tart flavor.

You know, that perfect balance!

A Little Cookie History

Shortbread, you know, it's got that old-school Scottish vibe. This cranberry shortbread recipe takes a classic and gives it a festive twist! It's super easy.

From start to finish, it takes about an hour and a half. Plus, you get about two dozen cookies to share, or, you know, not.

The Star of the Show

Honestly, the best part? These are seriously melt-in-your mouth cookies . The buttery shortbread cookies are so rich, and the white chocolate and cranberries just pop .

These are perfect for your holiday cookies spread, but also amazing with a cuppa anytime of year. A total winner among all Christmas cookie recipes .

These cookies really stand out. You might have already tried other easy shortbread cookies , but the combination of white chocolate and cranberry brings something special to the table.

The slight tartness of the cranberries stops the sweetness of the white chocolate from being sickly, and it all ends with that shortbread dissolving in your mouth.

The Ingredients You’ll Need

To get started, you'll need butter, sugar, flour, and a few extras. You can find these easily at any supermarket.

Snowy White Chocolate Cranberry Shortbread Bites presentation

Ready to make some seriously melt-in-your mouth cookies ? These white chocolate cranberry shortbread cookies are easier than you think. Let’s get into what you'll need.

Honestly, this cranberry shortbread recipe is so simple. It's a keeper. We will tackle holiday cookies with confidence!

Main Ingredients for Your White Chocolate Cranberry Shortbread Cookies Christmas !

Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (227g) . You want this softened, not melted. Good quality butter makes all the difference!
Granulated Sugar: ½ cup (100g) .
Powdered Sugar: ¼ cup (30g) . Sift it! Trust me, it makes a difference.
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon . Real vanilla is best.
All-Purpose Flour: 2 ¼ cups (281g) . Spoon it into the measuring cup, don't pack it.
Salt: ¼ teaspoon . Just a pinch balances the sweetness.
White Chocolate Chips: 1 cup (170g) . Use good quality white chocolate. Trust me.
Dried Cranberries: ½ cup (60g) . Chop them coarsely. Tart cranberries give this shortbread cookie recipe easy a nice contrast.

That shortbread cookie recipe easy is amazing.

Seasoning Notes That Will Elevate The Buttery Shortbread Cookies !

For spice, we’re keeping it simple! Vanilla extract is our hero here. You could add a tiny pinch of nutmeg for a warm Christmas cookie recipes vibe.

A little lemon or orange zest would be nice if you're feeling fancy. These festive cookie recipes are so easy to customize.

Don't have vanilla? Almond extract works in a pinch. A splash of rum essence (just a tiny bit!) gives that something something extra.

Essential Equipment

Mixer: Stand mixer or hand mixer. Either works.
Bowls: Mixing bowls, duh!
Measuring cups and spoons.
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: These are non-negotiable if you want to make great easy shortbread cookies without sticking
Baking sheet.
Plastic wrap.
Rolling pin (optional) or just your hands.
Cookie cutters (optional): For cute shapes, of course!

No mixer? Stiff, but you can mix by hand with a sturdy spoon. No rolling pin? Just pat the dough out.

No cookie cutters? Cut into squares. Honestly, these white chocolate chip cookies are super flexible. Now you are ready to make something so delicious! Let's go for a perfect white chocolate cranberry cookies Christmas !

Baking These Melt-in-Your Mouth White Chocolate Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

Honestly, who doesn't love holiday cookies ? Especially when they are so easy to make. Let's get into these delicious, buttery white chocolate cranberry shortbread cookies ! We are going to make a batch of festive cookie recipes for that Christmas cookie exchange.

These are so perfect!

Prep Steps for the Best Buttery Shortbread Cookies

First things first, let's get organized, yeah? This is called mise en place (fancy!). Soften 1 cup of butter. I just leave mine out for an hour.

Get your measuring cups and spoons ready. Chop 1/2 cup of dried cranberries. It will save you time later. Essential mise en place is key for easy shortbread cookies .

For safety, remember to always wash your hands before you start! And please, keep an eye on that oven; we don't want any burnt cookies!

The Easy step-by-step Process

Ready to bake some white chocolate chip cookies ? Here's the super easy lowdown:

Cream 1 cup softened butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup powdered sugar until fluffy. Use a mixer for this.
Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Simple!
In a separate bowl, mix 2 1/4 cups flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix!
Fold in 1 cup white chocolate chips and 1/2 cup cranberries.
Chill the dough for 1 hour . This is super important!
Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 12- 15 minutes . Watch those edges!

Pro Tips for Amazing Cookies

Want to know my secrets for the best cranberry shortbread recipe ever? Always use good quality butter; it makes a huge difference.

Don't overmix that dough. And here's a thing that happened to me once: make sure your oven is actually at 350F !

A common mistake is not chilling the dough long enough. Trust me, it spreads everywhere . If you are making these for christmas you can make the dough ahead of time.

You can store the dough in the fridge for up to 2 days. This simple shortbread cookie recipe easy is one of the best Christmas cookie recipes .

Alright, so you're ready to bake some seriously amazing white chocolate cranberry shortbread cookies ? Fab! Before you dive in, let's chat about a few little things.

Think of these as your secret weapons to cookie success. Trust me, a little prep goes a long way.

Serving Suggestions: Posh Presentation

Honestly, even the most delicious cookie can be elevated with a bit of presentation. For these festive cookie recipes , I love to dust them with a little extra powdered sugar.

You know, make them look like they've just been kissed by a flurry of snow.

These buttery shortbread cookies are fantastic with a simple cup of tea. Earl Grey is my go-to! Or, for a bit of a fancy vibe, try pairing them with a dessert wine.

They also would be fantastic with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Storage Tips: Keep 'Em Fresh

These easy shortbread cookies are so good, they probably won't last long! But if you do have leftovers, here's what to do.

For short term storage, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll stay nice and crisp for about 3-4 days.

If you want to keep them longer, freezing is your friend. Just pop them in a freezer safe bag or container, and they'll be good for up to 2 months.

When you're ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature. To refresh them for an extra oomph , put them in the oven at 300 degrees for 5- 10 minutes !

Variations: Adapt and Conquer

Want to put your own spin on this cranberry shortbread recipe ? Go for it! For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. It works like a charm.

If you're feeling adventurous, add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy kick. Seriously, a tiny zest can make a huge difference, and you'll end up with incredible melt-in-your mouth cookies .

It's like a little ray of sunshine in every bite.

Nutrition Basics: Treat Yourself Smart

Ok, let's be real. These white chocolate chip cookies are a treat. But it's good to know what you're indulging in.

Each cookie is roughly 150 calories , with about 9g of fat and 16g of carbs . It is an estimate, of course!

Remember, it's all about balance. Enjoy these delicious easy shortbread cookies in moderation, and savor every single bite. I am sure this will be the best Christmas cookie recipes for you.

Delicious Holiday Cookie White Chocolate Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my white chocolate cranberry shortbread cookies spreading too much in the oven?

Ah, the dreaded spreading! This usually happens because the butter was too soft, or the dough wasn't chilled long enough. Make sure your butter is softened but still cool to the touch, and that you chill the dough for at least an hour.

If you're still having trouble, try chilling the cut-out cookies on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before baking. Think of it as a spa day for your cookies before their big bake!

Can I freeze the dough for these white chocolate cranberry shortbread cookies?

Absolutely! Freezing the dough is a great way to get ahead. You can freeze the dough as a disc, or even as individual cut-out cookies on a baking sheet (then transfer them to a freezer bag once frozen solid).

Thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before baking, or bake the frozen cookie cutouts for a few extra minutes. It's like having a stash of ready-to-bake happiness whenever you need it!

How do I store these white chocolate cranberry shortbread cookies to keep them fresh?

These cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to 5 days. If you live in a humid environment, adding a piece of parchment paper between layers can help prevent them from getting sticky.

It's all about keeping those delicate flavors and textures just right, isn't it?

I don't have cranberries. What else can I use in my white chocolate cranberry shortbread cookies?

No cranberries, no worries! You can easily substitute other dried fruits like dried cherries, golden raisins, or even chopped apricots. For a slightly different flavour profile, try adding some chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts.

It's all about making the recipe your own, a bit like adding your personal flair to a classic little black dress.

Can I make these white chocolate cranberry shortbread cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to look for a blend that contains xanthan gum, as this helps to bind the ingredients together and give the cookies a good texture.

Keep an eye on the bake time as gluten-free flours can sometimes bake differently.

How can I prevent my white chocolate from burning when making these cookies?

White chocolate can be a bit temperamental. Make sure your oven temperature is accurate. Consider slightly underbaking the cookies the residual heat will continue to melt the white chocolate without burning it.

Also, using high-quality white chocolate chips or chopping a block of good white chocolate instead of using cheaper brands can help, as they tend to melt more evenly and are less prone to burning.