Indulge your senses this Valentine's Day with a delightful twist on a classic treat—Double Chocolate Cranberry Cookies! These rich, chocolatey cookies, studded with tart cranberries, are the perfect way to show your loved ones just how much you care. Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, gooey cookie that perfectly balances sweetness and tartness, making every bite a little piece of heaven. Whether you're baking for a romantic dinner or a festive gathering, these cookies are sure to impress. Ready to create a batch that will have everyone asking for seconds? Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 27 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Beat on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Pour in the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps remove any lumps and ensures even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and dried cranberries using a spatula, distributing them evenly throughout the cookie dough.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The cookies should look slightly underbaked in the center, as they will continue to set while cooling.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For a festive Valentine's Day touch, consider decorating the cooled cookies with a drizzle of white chocolate or heart-shaped sprinkles.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps create a smoother batter and results in softer cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances the flavors.
- Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality chocolate chips for a richer flavor. You can also mix in dark chocolate chips for an extra depth of taste.
- Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake. They should look slightly underbaked in the center for that perfect chewy texture.
- Decorate for the Occasion: For a festive touch, drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies or sprinkle with heart-shaped decorations to make them extra special for Valentine's Day.
- Storage Tips: Store your cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They can last up to 5 days at room temperature, or you can freeze them for up to 3 months for future enjoyment.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
