Get ready for your new favorite holiday cookie recipe! Healthy White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies combine the comfort of chocolate with the zing of cranberries. This recipe requires less than 20 minutes!
Delicious and healthy white chocolate cranberry cookies
One of my favorite parts of the holidays involves baking! I love to create a huge selection of cookies and treats to spoil my friends and family with over the holiday season. I make everything: cookies, brownies, cakes, pies, cupcakes, fudge... if you can name it, I've probably made it!
I'm excited to be introducing a new treat into the lineup this winter: healthy white chocolate cranberry cookies! These cookies are absolutely phenomenal. The chocolate melts in your mouth, and the cranberries supply a nice zing of flavor.
I love that this recipe uses simple ingredients and is very easy to make. The holidays tend to be really busy, but making these cookies requires less than 20 minutes. They're the perfect time-crunch treat!
These are made with oatmeal, but it is important to note that they are not gluten free. If you're in need of some GF treat ideas, check out my recipes for Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies, Peppermint Brownies, and No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars!
Ingredients needed to make cranberry chocolate cookies
This ingredient list may seem extensive for simple cookies, but trust that this recipe is easy and very low maintenance. Here's a list of everything you'll need to bring these holiday cookies to life:
- Quick oats
- White whole wheat flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Melted butter
- egg
- Coconut sugar
- Vanilla
- Mini white chocolate chips
- Dried cranberries
Kitchen tools needed for cranberry cookies
These cookies are quite low maintenance and only require the use of five kitchen tools. You'll need two mixing bowls, a spatula or mixing spoon, a baking sheet, and parchment paper. That's it!
How to prepare these holiday treats
These treats cookies are made using what will probably be the simplest recipe that you see all season!
To start, mix all of the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, mix all of the wet ingredients until well combined.
Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry, stirring as you pour.
Next, add the white chocolate chips and the cranberries, and fold until everything is well combined.
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper, and place ¾" - 1" balls of dough onto the sheet. Slightly flatten before baking.
Bake at 350F for 12-14 minutes.
How to make vegan chocolate cranberry treats
If you'd like to "veganize" this recipe, it will only require swapping one single ingredient: butter. Instead of using traditional butter, simply substitute with the vegan butter of your choice.
P.S. Be sure you're using vegan white chocolate chips, too!
A healthier cookie recipe
To keep these cookies on the healthier side, there are a few ingredients I was sure to use, and a few I was sure to leave out.
- Quick oats: Oats will help us form the bulk of these cookies. I love using oats because they provide a great source of protein and fiber!
- White whole wheat flour: Rather than using all-purpose flour, I use white whole wheat in this recipe. It's more nutrient-dense, and it tastes great!
How to store these healthy cookies
White chocolate cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. To enjoy the freshest cookies possible, be sure to consume within 3 days. If you keep them refrigerated, enjoy within 4 days.
More delicious holiday recipes
If you're looking for some more dessert ideas perfect for the holidays, you'll have to try these!
- Double Chocolate Mint Paleo Cookies
- Gluten Free Peppermint Brownies
- Flourless Double Chocolate Cookies
- Vegan Pumpkin Pie
Healthy White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a smaller bowl, cream butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, and orange zest.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
- Add in cranberries and chocolate chips.
- Roll into balls and flatten slightly, shaping into cookies.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes.
- Let cool before eating.
Jaime says
Made these for #ELWcookieweek 2025, and they are my new favorite cookie. So soft and chewy! Will definitely be making again soon.
Erin says
Hi Jaime, so happy you loved them and thanks for being part of my cookie week!!
mel says
I was amazed at how well these cookies baked without needing to chill the dough first! Other oatmeal cookies I've tried all came out flat. I did end up using old-fashioned oats and threw in an extra 1/2 cup of walnuts for some more heft. Pulled them out at exactly 12 minutes, and they were perfect!
Erin says
Hi Mel, so happy you enjoyed them! 🙂
Yes pls says
This was a good attempt on my side but there came out textured all wrong and fully stuck to the wax paper. Not sure what went wrong
Natalie says
THESE ARE MY FAVORITE COOKIES!!! summer? A good cookie. Fall? A GREAT cookie. Winter? An awesome cookie. You cannot go wrong with these! Do not skip on the orange zest and try to undercook them just a bit for a nice soft inside and crisp outside.
Trust me in trying these because you will not be mad with the results.
Erin says
Hi Natalie, so happy you love them so much! 🙂
Jocelyn says
I really want to make these this weekend! Will old fashioned oats make a big difference? Have you tried this with fresh cranberries?
Erin says
Hi Jocelyn, old fashioned will work great. Regular cranberries are awfully tart, but you could try. Let me know how your cookies came out!
Donna says
What is coconut sugar? Why use it?
Erin says
Hi Donna, it is similar to brown sugar but has a lower glycemic index. Feel free to use brown sugar if you want to. Let me know how your cookies come out!
Kaitlin says
I made these and oh my goodness they are delicious! I used normal rolled oats instead of quick oats and also let the dough sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking. Absolutely perfect!
Erin says
Hi Kaitlin, I am so happy you enjoyed them!!
Alaina says
Awesome recipe! Made these yesterday and they are quickly disappearing! Loved the hint of orange in it. Will definitely be making them again before Christmas 🙂
Erin says
Hi Alaina, I am so glad they were well enjoyed!!
Natalie T says
These are some of my favorite cookies to make in the fall and winter! They are so easy, yet so flavorful. I love making them for friends and family:)
Erin says
Hi Natalie, thanks for your kind words! I am so happy they all enjoy them!
Madeleine Hope says
Very yummy, but the cookies tend to crumble and break apart. I've made them twice now and every time they break apart :/
Erin says
Add more liquid next time! And be sure you're using white whole wheat flour and not just whole wheat.
Erin says
Hi Madeleine, I would try adding more oil or another egg next time. Let me know how it goes next time!
Erica says
This recipe is SO GOOD!!! The orange zest really elevated the cookies. Loved the combo of white chocolate and cranberries and also added walnuts! 🙂
Erin says
Hi Erica! I am happy you love them so much!!
Emily says
Just made these with bob’s red milk GF flour and they came out perfectly!!
Erin says
That's great to hear!! So glad they turned out.
Madelyn says
Can I use maple syrup instead of coconut sugar? And if so, how much would I use?
Erin says
Most likely yes. I would try the same amount.
Arisha says
Hey! I saw these are described as vegan but that the recipe calls for an egg! Did you try it with a flax egg?
Erin says
They are not vegan! There is an egg in the recipe. You can try a flax egg.
Olivia says
can I substitute whole wheat flour with spelt flour?
Erin says
I have not tested it but you can. Let us know.