Vegan White Chocolate Cranberry Nut Cookies

It's Day 8 of "12 Days of Vegan Christmas Cookies" and it's finally time for me to share these Vegan White Chocolate Cranberry Nut Cookies! Try saying that 5 times fast! These soft, chewy cookies hit all the best notes. They are sweet from the white chocolate, tangy from the cranberries and buttery from the macadamia nuts. Let's learn how to make them!

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Ingredients in Vegan White Chocolate Cranberry Nut Cookies

Wet Ingredients

• Vegan Butter (1 cup): The vegan butter serves as the fat component in the cookies, providing richness and moisture. It is essential for creating a tender and flavorful cookie while maintaining the recipe's vegan status.
• Sugar (¾ cup + ¾ cup): The combination of white sugar and light brown sugar adds sweetness and contributes to the cookies' texture. The brown sugar, with its molasses content, adds a subtle caramel flavor and helps to keep the cookies moist.
• Vanilla Extract (2 tsp): Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies. It adds a sweet and aromatic note, complementing the other ingredients.
• Nondairy Milk (2 tbsp): Nondairy milk serves as a liquid component, helping to bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cookies' moistness. It also aids in achieving the desired cookie dough consistency.

Dry Ingredients

• Cornstarch (1 tbsp): Cornstarch is a common vegan egg substitute that helps improve the cookies' texture by acting as a binder. It contributes to a softer and more tender cookie.
• Baking Soda (1 tsp): Baking soda acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies rise and become light and fluffy. It reacts with the acid from other ingredients, such as the brown sugar and nondairy milk.
• Salt (½ tsp): Salt enhances the overall flavor of the cookies by balancing the sweetness and adding a subtle savory element. It also helps to intensify the other flavors in the recipe.
• All-Purpose Flour (2 ¼ cups): Flour is the primary dry ingredient that provides structure to the cookies. It gives them the right consistency and helps hold all the other ingredients together.
• Vegan White Chocolate Chips (⅔ cup): Vegan white chocolate chips add a sweet and creamy element to the cookies, mimicking the traditional white chocolate flavor. They also contribute to the cookies' texture by providing melty, gooey pockets of sweetness.
• Dried Cranberries (⅔ cup): Dried cranberries add a burst of tartness and chewiness to the cookies, balancing the sweetness of the other ingredients. They also bring a festive touch and complement the white chocolate.
• Chopped Macadamia Nuts (⅔ cup): Chopped macadamia nuts contribute a rich and buttery flavor, as well as a delightful crunch to the cookies. They complement the other ingredients and add a layer of complexity to the texture.

Steps for Making Vegan White Chocolate Cranberry Nut Cookies (with pictures!)

1. Make the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl cream together the vegan butter, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla and nondairy milk with an electric hand mixer until mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about a minute. Add cornstarch, baking soda and salt to the bowl. Beat again until ingredients are evenly distributed. Add in the all purpose flour and beat until just combined. Do not over-mix. Fold in the chocolate chips, cranberries and nuts.
2. Chill: Drop 2 tablespoon scoops of cookie dough onto a baking sheet as close together as possible. Continue until you have used up all of the dough. Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and set in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour. Cookie dough can keep like this for up to 48 hours.
3. Bake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove cookie dough from the fridge and place balls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet 2 inches apart. Place the rest of the dough back in the fridge. Place baking sheet on center rack of preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until cookies are lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat for additional batches.

Tips for Making Vegan White Chocolate Cranberry Nut Cookies

1. Use High-Quality Vegan Ingredients: Opt for high-quality vegan butter, nondairy milk, and white chocolate chips to ensure a delicious flavor and texture in your cookies.
2. Properly Measure the Flour: Measure the flour accurately using the spoon and level method. Too much flour can result in dry and crumbly cookies.
3. Chill the Cookie Dough: Chill the cookie dough as directed in the recipe before baking. Chilled dough helps prevent cookies from spreading too much in the oven, resulting in a thicker and chewier texture.
4. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven before placing the cookies inside. This ensures even baking and helps the cookies maintain their shape.
5. Use Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ease cleanup.
6. Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Since ovens vary, start checking the cookies at the minimum recommended baking time. Bake until the edges are lightly golden, and the centers are set.
7. Cooling Time: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and ensures they don't break apart when moved.
8. Variations: Feel free to customize the recipe to your liking. You can experiment with different types of nuts, dried fruits, or even add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, but it will alter the texture. Whole wheat flour tends to make cookies denser, so consider using a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose for a balance.

Do I need to chill the cookie dough?

Yes, chilling the dough for at least an hour helps prevent excessive spreading during baking, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies.

Can I make the dough ahead of time and freeze it?

Yes, you can freeze cookie dough for later use. Shape it into balls and freeze on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag. Adjust baking time when ready to bake.

Where can I find vegan white chocolate chips?

Vegan white chocolate chips are available in many health food stores, online retailers, or specialty grocery stores. Ensure they are labeled as dairy-free. I typically use these ones.

FAQ's Continued

Can I omit the nuts or use a different type?

Absolutely! You can omit the nuts if you have allergies or swap them with your preferred variety, such as pecans or almonds.

My cookies turned out too flat. What went wrong?

Overly soft or melted vegan butter, warm dough, or not chilling the dough adequately can lead to cookies spreading too much. To this end, ensure proper ingredient temperatures and chilling time.

Can I make vegan white chocolate cranberry nut cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Keep in mind that this may alter the texture of your cookies. Additionally, check that the other ingredients, like white chocolate chips, are gluten-free.

How to Serve Vegan White Chocolate Cranberry Nut Cookies

Serving vegan white chocolate cranberry nut cookies is super fun and there are several ways to present and enjoy them. Here are some serving suggestions:

1. On a Festive Dessert Platter: Arrange the cookies on a festive dessert platter or a decorative plate. This presentation is perfect for serving at holiday gatherings, parties, or as a sweet treat during special occasions.
2. With Vegan Ice Cream: Create a delicious dessert by pairing the cookies with a scoop of your favorite vegan ice cream. The combination of warm cookies and cold ice cream can be a delightful contrast.
3. As a Cookie Sandwich: Make cookie sandwiches by spreading vegan frosting or dairy-free cream between two cookies. This creates a decadent treat with an extra layer of sweetness.
4. With Vegan Hot Chocolate or Coffee: Serve the cookies alongside a cup of vegan hot chocolate or coffee. The warmth of the beverage complements the cookies, making it a cozy and comforting combination.
5. In a Gift Basket: Package the cookies in a decorative box or tin and create a vegan cookie gift basket. This makes for a thoughtful and delicious present for friends, family, or coworkers.
6. Dipped in Vegan White Chocolate: For an extra indulgent touch, dip half of each cookie into melted vegan white chocolate and let it set before serving. This adds a visually appealing element and enhances the white chocolate flavor.
7. At a Tea Party: Serve the cookies at a vegan tea party or afternoon tea. They pair well with various tea flavors and add a sweet note to the assortment of treats.
8. As a Snack with Fresh Fruit: Pair the cookies with fresh fruits like berries or slices of apple or pear. The combination of the sweet and also tart flavors creates a well-rounded and satisfying snack.

How to Store Vegan White Chocolate Cranberry Nut Cookies

Storing vegan white chocolate cranberry nut cookies properly is essential to maintain their freshness and texture. Here's how you can store them:

1. Airtight Container: Place the cooled cookies in an airtight container. This helps prevent exposure to air and keeps the cookies from becoming stale.
2. Layering with Parchment Paper: If you need to stack the cookies in the container, layer them with sheets of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
3. Add Moisture Absorbers: If you live in a humid environment, consider placing a piece of bread or a moisture-absorbing packet in the container. To explain, this helps absorb excess moisture and keeps the cookies from becoming overly soft.
4. Avoid Mixing with Strongly Flavored Items: Store the cookies away from strongly flavored foods or items with distinct odors. Cookies can absorb surrounding smells, affecting their taste.
5. Room Temperature Storage: Keep the container at room temperature for short-term storage, usually up to 3 days. Also ensure the storage area is cool and dry.
6. Freezing: For longer-term storage, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. Label with the date for reference.
7. Thawing Frozen Cookies: When ready to enjoy frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. You can also warm them up in the oven for a few minutes.
8. Avoid Warm or Direct Sunlight: Keep the storage container away from direct sunlight and heat sources, as excessive heat can cause the cookies to become overly soft or change in flavor.

If you make this recipe be sure to tag @censoredbaker on Instagram!

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