Simple Cranberry Holiday Cookies

Created on January 5th, 2026 at 03:12 pm

A Straightforward Cookie Recipe Designed for Seasonal Baking

Simple Cranberry Holiday Cookies are designed for bakers who want a dependable cookie that feels seasonal without being complicated or overly decorative. This recipe focuses on familiar ingredients, a balanced flavor profile, and an easy method that produces consistent results. The cookies are soft yet structured, lightly sweet, and filled with tart dried cranberries that bring contrast and color to each bite.
Holiday baking often comes with time pressure, long ingredient lists, and complex techniques. These cookies were developed as an alternative to that approach. The goal is to offer a cookie that fits naturally into holiday trays, gift boxes, and casual gatherings while remaining simple enough to bake without stress. The dough comes together quickly, handles well, and bakes evenly, making it suitable for both planned baking sessions and last-minute needs.
Because the flavor is clean and familiar, these cookies appeal to a wide range of tastes. They are sweet without being heavy and festive without relying on strong spices or icing. This balance makes them versatile and easy to pair with other holiday desserts.

Why Cranberries Work Well in Holiday Cookies

Cranberries are a common ingredient in holiday baking because they provide tartness that balances sweetness. In cookies, this contrast is especially important. Without it, cookie dough can taste flat or overly rich. Dried cranberries solve that problem naturally by cutting through butter and sugar while adding texture.
In this recipe, cranberries are lightly chopped before being added to the dough. This step helps distribute them evenly so that every cookie contains cranberry pieces rather than large clusters. Even distribution also improves the appearance of the cookies and helps them bake more evenly.
Cranberries also add visual interest. Their deep red color stands out against the pale cookie dough, making the cookies look festive without additional decoration. This is especially useful for simple holiday cookies that rely on their ingredients rather than frosting or toppings.

The Texture and Flavor You Can Expect

These simple cranberry holiday cookies are designed to be soft with lightly set edges. They are not crisp or crumbly, but they hold their shape well after baking. The interior stays tender, making them pleasant to eat even a day or two after baking.
The flavor profile is intentionally restrained. Butter provides richness, sugar adds sweetness, and cranberries bring tart contrast. Vanilla rounds out the dough without dominating it. This combination allows the cookies to pair easily with coffee, tea, and other desserts.
Because there are no strong spices or heavy add-ins, the cookies do not overwhelm the palate. This makes them suitable for serving alongside a variety of holiday treats, from chocolate-based desserts to fruit-forward options.

Time Breakdown

Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 12 to 14 minutes
Cooling time: 15 minutes
Total time: About 45 minutes

This short timeline makes the recipe practical for busy holiday schedules.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Light brown sugar
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Dried cranberries, lightly chopped

Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowl
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and light.
• Add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
• Fold in the chopped dried cranberries using a spatula, making sure they are evenly distributed.
• Scoop the dough into evenly sized portions and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
• Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until the edges are lightly set and the centers look just baked.
• Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Tips for Consistent Holiday Cookies

Use room-temperature butter so the dough mixes smoothly. Avoid overmixing after adding the flour, as this can make the cookies dense. For evenly baked cookies, keep portion sizes consistent. If your kitchen is warm, chilling the dough briefly can help the cookies hold their shape.
Bake the cookies just until the edges are set. Overbaking will dry them out and reduce their softness. The cookies will continue to firm up slightly as they cool.

Serving Ideas for the Holidays

These cookies work well on holiday dessert trays, cookie exchanges, and casual gatherings. They can be served on their own or paired with other simple cookies for variety. Because they are not heavily decorated, they also travel well and can be packaged easily for gifting.
They pair nicely with hot beverages such as coffee, tea, or cocoa. Their balanced flavor allows them to complement richer desserts without competing.

Storage and Make-Ahead Notes

Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen after baking and thawed at room temperature before serving. The dough can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking.
If freezing dough portions, shape them first so they can be baked directly from frozen with a slight increase in baking time.

Nutrition Table (Approximate Per Cookie)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	160
Carbohydrates	22 g
Protein	2 g
Fat	7 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	12 g
Sodium	85 mg

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, both the dough and baked cookies can be prepared ahead, making them convenient for holiday planning.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

Cookies may spread if the butter is too warm. Chilling the dough briefly can help control spreading.

Can I use sweetened dried cranberries?

Yes, but the cookies will be slightly sweeter. Standard dried cranberries provide better balance.

Do these cookies stay soft?

Yes, when baked correctly, they remain soft for several days when stored properly.

Are these cookies only for the holidays?

They are designed for holiday baking but are simple enough to enjoy year-round.