Cranberry White Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies are soft, chewy cookies loaded with tangy dried cranberries, creamy white chocolate chips, hearty old-fashioned oats, and a hint of cinnamon.
They come together in one bowl, making them an easy treat whether you're filling the cookie jar, baking for the holidays, or simply craving a homemade cookie.
Why you'll love these cookies
- One bowl, easy cleanup. No complicated steps or special equipment.
- Soft and chewy every time. Brown sugar and rolled oats create an irresistible texture.
- Sweet meets tangy. White chocolate and dried cranberries are made for each other.
- Great for freezing. Bake now or freeze the dough for fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes.
- Perfect all year long. They're just as welcome on a summer dessert table as they are on a holiday cookie tray.
Cranberry and White Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
Equipment
- 2 baking sheets
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- ½ cup brown sugar packed, you can use dark or light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg room temperature, beaten
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a large bowl beat the butter, sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy with a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.
- In another bowl mix the flour with the baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients and beaten egg to the butter mixture and mix to combine, then stir in the oats, cranberries and chocolate chips. The mixture will seem stiff, but it will come together!
- Chill the dough in the fridge for 45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 360 degrees. Line two baking trays with parchment paper.
- Scoop small cookie scoops or teaspoons of the cookie dough on to the trays, leaving space in between them as they spread slightly in the oven.
- Place in the oven and bake for 12-14 minutes, until golden brown at the edges.
- These cookies are super soft when you pull them out of the oven. Be sure to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then move to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.
Notes
Nutrition
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Ingredients
This recipe uses simple pantry ingredients you may already have on hand. Check the printable recipe card below for the full ingredient list and exact measurements.
Easy variations
- Nuts - Chopped pecans or walnuts would be fantastic in these cookies. Stir in ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Add citrus - add 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest for a bright pop of flavor.
- Chocolate chips - swap the white chocolate chips for dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips, delish!
Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
Absolutely! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours before baking. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking. It also gives the oats time to absorb moisture, creating a thicker, chewier cookie.
Not for this recipe! Fresh cranberries contain much more moisture and are quite tart. Dried cranberries give these cookies the sweet-tart flavor and chewy texture they're known for.
Yes! Once completely cooled, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Deb's test kitchen notes
I tested these cookies both with and without chilling the dough, and chilling definitely won me over. The cookies baked thicker, with a chewier texture and the flavors seemed richer after that little rest in the refrigerator.
The dough also looks a bit dry before baking, but don't be tempted to add extra liquid. Once they bake, they turn into wonderfully soft, chewy cookies every time.
More great cookies
Looking for another cookie to add to the baking list? Try my colorful Gumdrop Cookies, rich Chocolate Cake Mix Cool Whip Cookies, or classic 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies. They're all easy favorites that disappear just as quickly as these cranberry oatmeal cookies.
Bake a batch today!
Whether you're baking these Cranberry White Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies for Christmas, a cookie exchange, or simply because the cookie jar is empty, this recipe is one you'll come back to again and again. They're soft, chewy, packed with sweet white chocolate and tart cranberries, and made with everyday ingredients you probably already have in the pantry.
When you bake these cookies, I'd love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below and let me know if you tried one of the variations. And don't forget to save this recipe to Pinterest so it's ready the next time a homemade cookie craving strikes.
Shelia Hall says
I love anything chocolate but add cranberries and it is a win win for me
Linda Y says
These look good enough for breakfast with a cup of coffee!! Sounds like something I need right now!
Debra Clark says
Oh yes, you definitely NEED those in your life Linda! 😂 I hope you give them a try, enjoy!
Karen Engebretson says
These look scrumptious! I will be trying them for an upcoming camping trip. Reminds me of a good granola bar but as a cookie instead.
Debra Clark says
I love all the flavors for sure. I think they will be great for your trip. Enjoy Karen!!
lois says
They sure look great. Will be making them for a special occasion I have coming up this week. Yum!!!!
Debra Clark says
Wonderful! That sounds great Lois!!
Tracy Jedlicka says
Sounds great I will also share with my cousin who owns a cranberry marsh.you she loves cranberry recipes that I send to her. also when e make new recipes my husband loves to try them.
Debra Clark says
Thank you so much! 🧡 I love hearing that you're sharing my recipes with your cousin. Since she owns a cranberry marsh, I'd say she's the perfect person to appreciate all things cranberry! Enjoy Tracy!
Kathy Sicht says
These are a treat year round! The crans complement the sweet! They’re good with a splash of oatmeal. Thank you so much! Will be making these many times!!❤️👏😊
Michelle Gosser says
I never thought to add cranberries and white chocolate chips to my oatmeal cookies! I will absolutely try this recipe, but with dark chocolate chips, yum! The frequently asked question section really helped as I wondered why you had to refrigerate the dough. Thank you!
Debra Clark says
Oooh Michelle, that sounds like a fabulous substitution! Save a cookie for me! 😋 Thanks for your support!!!
Sherri Rochester says
I am a sucker for both cranberries and oatmeal! This recipe sounds like just the one that I have been searching for! I am so thankful that you posted this one. I have printed it and saved! Now to buy all of the ingredients.
Debra Clark says
Awesome!! You enjoy those cookies Sherri, they are delicious!
Laurie says
I totally hate raisins in oatmeal cookies, but never ever thought about using Craisins - that's the dried cranberries I like. I think that's an awsome idea and I'm definitely going to try it! Fun to read your bio- I lived in Portland for 17 years and I know where Scappoose is. And if you're a friend of Marye, you must have great recipes. I signed up for your newsletter. Thanks!
Debra Clark says
Hey Laurie - nice to emeet you!! Yes, Marye and I are bff's and I appreciate you stopping by and joining the blog. Thanks for taking the time to poke around and it's always nice to meet a fellow Oregonian!! Enjoy these yummy cookies!!
MaryB says
We love cranberry oatmeal cookies but I’ve never thought of adding white chocolate chips. I have a friend who would love these! I won’t wait til Christmas to make these.
Debra Clark says
Awesome! I hope your friend really enjoys the cookies Mary, not much better than the gift of homemade cookies!!
Sue says
I've eaten oatmeal cookies but have always found them to be somewhat bland even with raisins (which are the only way I have ever had them). Never even thought of adding different ingredients to make them more flavorful. Will have to give this a try.
Debra Clark says
Great, I can't wait to hear what you think! These are just so fun and festive, but they are definitely delicious all year round!
Carol G says
I have made cookies with cranberries before but never thought about putting them in an Oatmeal Cookie, this sounds delicious. These cookies would look very festive on a Christmas Cookie Tray, great idea thanks.
Debra Clark says
It's the best combination Carol - I think you'll really enjoy the cookies!! Perfect for Christmas cookie trays!
Lisa bishop says
You have the most wonderful recipes. I have tried numerous amounts of them, especially for church outing and received many compliments. Thank you for this new recipe. I am sure it will go over well!!!
Debra Clark says
Thank you so much Lisa! I'm so glad you've found so many recipes to enjoy. Thanks for supporting the blog!!
Jean M says
Here I thought oatmeal cookies had to have raisins, now I'm thinking cranberries and orange rind. My husband would eat these (he dislikes raisins)
Debra Clark says
He'll love these Jean! It's a whole different flavor. I can't wait for you to give these a a try!