How To Make Christmas Cranberry Cookies

These Christmas cranberry cookies are soft, buttery and packed with festive flavour. With sweet dried cranberries and a hint of vanilla, they’re perfect for Christmas baking trays, edible gifts or cosy December afternoons with a hot drink.

For more festive bakes, explore Christmas Baking and Christmas Cookies.

⭐ Ingredients

150g unsalted butter, softened — shop butter
150g caster sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract — vanilla extract
200g plain flour — plain flour
½ tsp baking powder
120g dried cranberries — dried cranberries
Pinch of salt

🍪 Method

1. Cream the butter and sugar

Beat the softened butter and caster sugar together until pale and fluffy. A hand mixer works well — shop hand mixers.

2. Add the egg and vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.

3. Add the dry ingredients

Stir in the flour, baking powder and salt. Fold through the dried cranberries.

4. Shape the cookies

Roll the dough into small balls and place on a lined baking tray — non‑stick baking trays.

5. Bake

Bake at 180°C (160°C fan) for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden at the edges.

6. Cool and serve

Allow to cool on a wire rack. Perfect for gifting or adding to your Christmas Treats platter.

🎁 Serving & Gifting Ideas

Tie a few cookies in a clear bag with ribbon for homemade Christmas gifts
Add white chocolate chips for extra sweetness
Serve with hot chocolate or mulled wine for a festive treat

❄️ Storage Tips

Store in an airtight tin for up to 5 days
Freeze the dough for up to 3 months
Bake from frozen by adding 2–3 minutes to the cooking time

These soft cranberry cookies bring a bright, festive touch to any Christmas baking tray. Whether you’re gifting them or enjoying them fresh from the oven, they’re a simple way to add a little sweetness to the season.