Looking for easy Christmas cookies to bake with the kids this year? These cranberry and white chocolate chip cookies are a MyKidsTime family favourite, shared with us by parent Deirdre C. They’re quick to put together, use simple store-cupboard ingredients, and fill the kitchen with that lovely festive smell of Christmas baking.
They’re a great one to make with children of all ages — little hands can help measure, stir and drop the spoonfuls onto the tray, while grown-ups handle the oven.
Ingredients
- 125g butter or margarine
- 50g brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 160g self-raising flour
- 125g white chocolate buttons, roughly chopped
- 25g cranberries
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C / Gas 4.
2. Lightly grease a baking sheet.
3. Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Beat the egg, sift in the flour, then add the chocolate pieces and mix thoroughly.
5. Stir in the cranberries very gently, so they don’t break up.
6. Drop 20 teaspoons of the mixture slightly apart on the baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, until golden brown.
7. Leave the cookies on the tray for a minute before transferring to a wire rack to cool — if you can keep them away from hungry hands that long!
Tips for baking with kids
- Let children help measure and mix — self-raising flour and creamed butter are forgiving if little helpers are a bit heavy-handed.
- Chop the white chocolate buttons roughly rather than finely, so you get lovely melty pockets through the cookie.
- If your cranberries are quite tart, a light dusting of icing sugar once cooled adds a nice festive finish.
- These cookies make a sweet homemade gift too — pop a few into a cellophane bag with a ribbon for teachers, grandparents or neighbours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes — this recipe works well with dried cranberries, which are widely available around Christmas and hold their shape nicely in baking. If using fresh or frozen cranberries, chop them roughly first, as they’re tarter and juicier than the dried variety.
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
You can prepare the mixture and keep it covered in the fridge for a short while before baking, which is handy if you want to get ahead on a busy baking day. For best results, bake fresh rather than storing raw dough for an extended period.
How should I store the baked cookies?
Once completely cool, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed within a few days of baking, though they rarely last that long in most houses!
Can this recipe be doubled for a class or party?
Yes, the recipe scales up easily — simply double or triple the ingredients depending on how many cookies you need. Just bake in batches so the cookies have room to spread on the tray.
Are these cookies suitable for younger children to help make?
Absolutely — this is a great beginner baking recipe. Younger children can help measure ingredients, stir the mixture and place spoonfuls onto the tray, while an adult manages the oven and hot trays.
More Christmas Baking Ideas
If you enjoyed this recipe, you’ll find plenty more festive inspiration in our collection of easy Christmas recipes for kids, packed with simple bakes and treats to make together this December.
We’d love to see how your cookies turn out! Let us know in the comments if you try this recipe, or share your own favourite Christmas cookie variations.
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