Gluten-Free White Chocolate Cranberry & Pistachio Cookies

If you’re a fan of cookies that are slightly on the sophisticated side (and bursting with a delicious balance of fruit, nuttiness, and creamy white chocolate), then these Gluten-Free White Chocolate Cranberry & Pistachio Cookies are calling your name! This recipe is a fruit-forward twist on my chocoholic favorite, swapping in dried cranberries and pistachios for a burst of color and festive flavor – perfect for the holiday season.

Variety is Key

So, here’s the thing: while I’ll never stop being a chocolate fanatic, sometimes I want a cookie that has a bit of fruity flair. That’s where this recipe comes in! Imagine the creamy sweetness of white chocolate paired with the tartness of cranberries and the subtle crunch of pistachios. These cookies are like the elegant, fruit-forward cousin of my Double Chocolate Cherry Chip Cookies and have quickly become a holiday staple in our house. Plus, they’re gluten-free, so everyone at the cookie swap can join in!

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups gluten-free flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ cup butter, browned (details below!)
• 1 tablespoon almond milk
• 1 cup date paste (blend 2 cups pitted dates with 1 cup hot water)
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup shelled pistachio pieces

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare the Baking Sheet

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper – trust me, it makes cleanup so much easier!

Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour and baking soda. Set this aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

Brown the Butter

In a light-colored saucepan (so you can see the color change), melt the butter over medium heat. Keep stirring as it foams, then turns a lovely golden-brown, with nutty flecks appearing at the bottom (around 4-6 minutes). Pour the browned butter into a heatproof bowl and let it cool for about 10 minutes.

Prepare the Date Paste

In a blender, combine 2 cups of pitted dates with 1 cup of hot water. Blend until smooth. This paste adds a natural sweetness and keeps the cookies nice and chewy. Here’s my how to make date paste guide for more details.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, stir together the cooled browned butter, date paste, almond milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Combine the Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Try not to over-mix to keep the cookies tender and chewy.

Fold in the Goodies

Gently fold in the white chocolate chips, cranberries, and pistachios. This is where the dough really starts to look festive – green, red, and white all mixed together!

Chill the Dough

Refrigerate the dough for about 20 minutes. This helps the cookies bake up thick and chewy.

Scoop & Bake

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look soft. Let cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

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Baking Tips

Why Browned Butter?

Browning the butter gives these cookies a deeper flavor that balances out the tart cranberries and rich white chocolate. It’s a little extra effort with a big flavor payoff.

Chilling is Key

Don’t skip the chill time! It helps the flavors meld and ensures your cookies don’t spread too much.

Date Paste Sweetness

Date paste is a great natural sweetener, but if you’re new to it, you’ll love how it keeps the cookies chewy without adding refined sugar.

Make It a Cookie Party!

These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or even as part of a holiday gift box. If you’re in a festive baking mood, pair these with some of my other cookie recipes to create a colorful, tasty assortment:

• 2024 Holiday Cookie Box – A beautiful mix of holiday favorites, perfect for gifting.
• Cranberry Pistachio Energy Bites – For a better for you treat!
• Oatmeal Chai Cookies – Classic holiday spices in a chewy gluten-free cookie.
• Veggie Parmesan Pasta– For a savory break from all the sweets.
• Roasted Blender Tomato Soup – Cozy up with a warm bowl after all that baking.
• Ginger Apple Cider Fizz Mocktail – A refreshing drink to enjoy with your cookies.

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