Ruby chocolate & cranberry cookies

Ingredients

Ruby Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

250 grams (8.8 ounces) butter
170 grams (6 ounces) sugar
35 grams (1.2 ounces) honey
1 egg
1 egg yolk
290 grams (10.2 ounces) flour
3 grams (0.1 ounces) baking soda
200 grams (7 ounces) dried cranberries
100 grams (3.5 ounces) ruby chocolate

Equipment

Mixing Bowl
A sturdy bowl is essential for mixing all your ingredients smoothly. Opt for a deep one to prevent any messy overflows.
Electric Mixer
This will help you achieve a creamy consistency for your butter, sugar, and honey mixture without much effort.
Cling Film
Ideal for wrapping the dough to let it rest in the fridge. This keeps it moist and easy to work with later.
Cookie Cutters
Though optional, these can add a fun twist to your cookies by giving them different shapes.
Baking Sheet
A high-quality non-stick baking sheet ensures your cookies bake evenly and are easy to remove.

Instructions

Step 1

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and honey until the mixture is light and fluffy. Tip: Using room temperature butter will make creaming easier and more effective.

Step 2

Step 2: Add the egg and egg yolk to the creamed mixture and beat until fully combined. Tip: For best results, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Step 3

Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Tip: Avoid over-mixing once the flour is added to prevent tough cookies.

Step 4

Step 4: Fold in the dried cranberries and ruby chocolate until evenly distributed. Tip: You can use a spatula or your hands to ensure even distribution.

Step 5

Step 5: Shape the dough into a log and cover it with cling film. Place it in the fridge for at least two hours to make the dough easier to work with. Tip: Chilling the dough helps to enhance flavor and control spreading during baking.

Step 6

Step 6: After chilling, remove the dough from the fridge and place it in the freezer for 30 minutes. Tip: This makes slicing the dough into cookie portions easier and cleaner.

Step 7

Step 7: Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C). Cut the dough log into portions and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 8

Step 8: Bake the cookies for about 25 minutes, or until they are golden around the edges. Tip: Baking time may vary depending on your oven, so check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested time.

Step 9

Step 9: Optional - Use cookie cutters to shape the finished cookies if desired. Tip: Do this while the cookies are still warm for easier cutting.

Servings

Once your beautiful Ruby Chocolate Cranberry Cookies are baked to perfection, it's time to think about serving them! 🎉

Next-Level Plate Presentation: Arrange your cookies on a vibrant serving platter with fresh cranberries and sprigs of mint for a pop of color. This not only makes them visually appealing but also enhances their flavor. 🍪✨

Perfect Pairing with Coffee: Serve these cookies with a steaming cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and watch your guests' eyes light up with delight. The rich flavors of the cookies are a perfect match for these warm beverages. ☕🍫

Gift-Worthy: Stack a few cookies and wrap them in cellophane with a festive ribbon to make a thoughtful, delicious gift. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just because! 🎁

Variations

Looking to make these cookies gluten-free or vegan? No problem! 🌿

Gluten-Free Version: Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a good quality gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your baking soda is also gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy these delectable treats. 🍪🆓

Vegan Version: Swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative like vegan margarine or coconut oil. Replace the egg and egg yolk with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons of water per egg). Use vegan ruby chocolate, and voila, you have vegan-friendly cookies! 🌱✨

Faq

Why does my dough feel too sticky?
Sticky dough can often be fixed by chilling it longer in the fridge. Also, make sure you're measuring your flour accurately.
How do I know if my cookies are done?
The edges will be golden brown and the centers will look set but still soft. They will firm up as they cool!
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! Freezing the dough makes it easy to bake fresh cookies whenever you want. Just roll it into a log and wrap tightly.
Can I substitute the cranberries?
Yes, dried cherries or even raisins can work as a substitute, though they will alter the flavor profile.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
This might happen if your butter was too warm when you started. Make sure the dough is properly chilled before baking.
How can I keep my cookies soft?
Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The bread will supply moisture, keeping your cookies soft and chewy!