Thick and chewy cranberry chocolate chip cookies are delicious and gluten free. These are just right for a holiday cookie party!
I’m sitting here in the dark, with the Christmas tree lights on, and it’s just so cozy and nice. I think that’s my favorite part about Christmas time – you can put Christmas lights anywhere, on anything, and it instantly makes it seem warm and cozy and festive.
I’m trying hard to be quieter this Christmas, and enjoy the season rather than feel rushed through it. I have some gigs to play, but I haven’t overbooked myself, I have a good start on my shopping, and I am trying to make sure that we have quality time together as a family rather than running here and there. It’s so frustrating to have way too many things to do and then to wake up on Christmas morning and be an exhausted mess.
One thing that we have already made time for is baking. My older son loves to help out in the kitchen, so we’ve been baking up a storm lately! I’m working on a gingerbread recipe that’s coming soon, and we’ve had a lot of fun making gingerbread men and eating them.
Now, on to the cookie of the day – these cranberry chocolate chip cookies with walnuts.
To be honest, I’ve not done a lot of baking with fresh cranberries. I’ve put them in a crisp, and that was delicious, but I haven’t added them to much else. I decided to throw some into these cranberry chocolate chip cookies, and I was surprised at how much I liked them! They have a bit of tartness to them, but I’ve added a lot of chocolate chips to balance that out. I think my favorite part is the pop of bright pink peeking out here and there. It makes these cookies extra festive.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
Recipe
Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Walnuts.
Ingredients
- â…” cup vegan buttery spread softened
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups gluten free flour blend
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 ½ cup dairy free chocolate chips
- 1 â…“ cups fresh cranberries
- ½ cup chopped walnuts optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix the vegan buttery spread, applesauce, vanilla, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
- Add the gluten free flour blend, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix until combined.
- Stir in the cranberries, chocolate chips, and walnuts.
- Spoon tablespoons of dough onto cookie sheet.
- Bake at 350 degrees for about 12-14 minutes.
- Cool on cookie sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
Nutrition
These cranberry chocolate chip cookies are:
- thick and chewy
- gluten free, dairy free, and vegan
- customizable – feel free to leave out the nuts and use seeds instead, or use dairy free chocolate chunks instead of chips
Do you do much baking with fresh cranberries? What’s your favorite cranberry recipe?
If you’re in need of more baking inspiration, try these gluten free chocolate crinkle cookies.
Follow along:
Maria
Just made these and they were amazing. I used ordinary flour though, because I’m not GF, but I’m vegan. I think I’m going to keep making these.
Chelsea
I made these for a gluten free and vegan friend! They were a huge hit with everyone that tried them. I could tell they were GF but you wouldn’t know they’re vegan. Seriously really awesome recipe. I’m making more tonight :)
Kelly Roenicke
Yay, so glad you love them!
Apple Pie at Sisterswives.com
These look great and I love that they are gluten free. Thanks!
Kelly
Thank you!
threekidsandafishc
Love cranberries and chocolate together, such a great cookie combination! :-) All month long I am featuring different holiday cookie creations for my cookie countdown to Christmas! I would love it if you stopped by to check it out! :-)
Cathy
Lisa
Love the pop of color from the cranberries! I’ve tried baking cranberry cookies before, but the cranberries came out a bit burnt! I’ll have to try using them for baking again soon!
Kelly
Thanks, Lisa! You should try them again!
Kristine @ Kristine's Kitchen
Sitting by the Christmas tree at night or in the early morning is one of my favorite parts of Christmas! I love how you are trying to slow down a bit this holiday season and just enjoy. We can get so wrapped up in the to do lists, that we forget what’s really important.
These cookies are just lovely with those bright red cranberries peeking out! Pinned!
Arman @ thebigmansworld
I made cranberry cookies today- Although I didn’t use chocolate chips because….it may be Summer here and I laid them out for props and they melted. It’s now an ugly chocolate block.
Your photos seriously make me want to faceplant my screen!
Kelly
Thank you so much, Arman! :)
genevieve y
Such a festive cookie! Love that you combined chocolate chips with cranberries and walnuts. What great texture for a cookie to have! Can’t wait to try these. Yum!
Kelly
Thanks, Genevieve!
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely
I love that you used fresh cranberries! This combination sounds delicious!
Sarah@WholeandHeavenlyOven
Cranberries and chocolate is one of my favorite combos this time of year! These cookies are definitely calling my name—love how festive they look! :)
Kelly
Thanks, Sarah!