If you love the famous Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars, get ready to fall completely in love with these White Chocolate Cranberry Bliss Cookies — the soft, chewy, buttery cookie version of that iconic holiday treat.
Each cookie is packed with sweet white chocolate chips, bright dried cranberries, warm vanilla, and a subtle hint of orange that makes every bite taste like Christmas. Soft in the center with lightly crisp edges, these cookies are festive, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible.
Perfect for holiday cookie boxes, winter gatherings, Christmas parties, gifting, or enjoying with a warm drink on a cozy December night, these cookies deliver ALL the holiday magic in one blissful bite.
Why You’ll Love White Chocolate Cranberry Bliss Cookies
- Soft, chewy, bakery-style cookie texture
- Loaded with white chocolate + tart cranberries
- Inspired by the famous Starbucks holiday bars
- Hint of orange for festive flavor
- Easy, no-chill dough
- Perfect for Christmas dessert platters
- Stay soft for days
- Freezer-friendly and great for gifting
Why You Should Try This Recipe
These cookies take everything people adore about Cranberry Bliss Bars — the sweetness, the tanginess, the creamy white chocolate — and transform them into portable, chewy, melt-in-your-mouth cookies. They’re visually stunning, holiday-flavored, and unbelievably easy to make. This recipe bakes perfectly every time, making it ideal for beginners and experienced bakers alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cookies
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp orange zest (optional but recommended)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- ¾ cup dried cranberries
Optional Mix-Ins
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ¼ tsp almond extract
- White chocolate chunks instead of chips
How to Make White Chocolate Cranberry Bliss Cookies (Detailed)
1. Cream Butter & Sugars
Beat softened butter with brown and granulated sugar until creamy, fluffy, and smooth.
2. Add Egg & Flavorings
Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest.
Beat until fully combined.
3. Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine:
- Flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
Add dry mixture to the wet mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
4. Fold in Goodies
Stir in white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
5. Scoop & Bake
Scoop dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets (2 tbsp each).
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and centers are soft.
6. Cool & Finish
Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring.
(Optional: drizzle melted white chocolate over cooled cookies.)
7. Serve
Enjoy warm with hot cocoa, tea, or a festive Christmas latte!
Nutritional Information (Estimated per cookie)
- Calories: 160
- Carbs: 22g
- Fat: 7g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 2g
Tips for the Best Cranberry Bliss Cookies
- Don’t overbake — slight softness = chewy centers.
- Add orange zest for authentic “bliss bar” flavor.
- Use quality white chocolate for best melt + flavor.
- Chop dried cranberries if they are large.
- Let cookies cool slightly before moving — they’re fragile when hot.
- For thicker cookies, chill dough 20 minutes (optional).
Variations & Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Use 1:1 gluten-free flour.
- Extra White Chocolate: Add chunks for bakery feel.
- Cherry Bliss Cookies: Replace cranberries with dried cherries.
- Nutty Bliss Cookies: Add pecans or pistachios.
- Frosted Bliss Cookies: Top with cream cheese frosting + cranberries for a bar-inspired twist.
What to Serve with These Cookies
- Christmas brunch
- Holiday dessert boards
- Hot chocolate
- Peppermint mocha
- Eggnog
- Winter tea sets
- Cookie exchange boxes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking: Leads to dry cookies — keep centers soft.
- Using old cranberries: They become tough; soak briefly in warm water if needed.
- Skipping zest: Orange really elevates the flavor.
- Using cold butter: Cookies won’t spread properly.
Storing Tips
- Store at room temp for 4–5 days.
- Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.
- Freeze cookie dough balls for 3 months — bake straight from freezer, add 1–2 minutes.
- Keep cookies in a sealed container with parchment layers to prevent sticking.
Conclusion
These White Chocolate Cranberry Bliss Cookies are soft, sweet, tangy, and full of warm holiday flavor. They’re easy to bake, stunning to look at, and guaranteed to be one of the most popular cookies on any Christmas platter. Whether you’re gifting them, sharing them at a party, or baking them for your family, each cookie brings festive joy in every blissful bite.
Recipe FAQ’s
Do I need orange zest?
No, but it adds amazing holiday flavor — highly recommended.
Can I use fresh cranberries?
No — they release too much moisture. Stick to dried cranberries.
Can I use cream cheese frosting like the bars?
Yes! Drizzle or spread over cooled cookies.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely — perfect for holiday baking batches.
Can I make them ahead?
Yes — dough and baked cookies freeze beautifully.