Introduction

If Christmas had a flavor, it would taste exactly like these White Chocolate Cranberry Cream Cheese Snowdrift Cookies—soft, pillowy, lightly sweet, and bursting with creamy richness. These cookies melt in your mouth like a fresh winter snowfall, and the combination of tangy cream cheese, sweet white chocolate, and tart dried cranberries creates the perfect festive balance.

This recipe is inspired by old-fashioned snowball cookies, but with a modern, luxurious twist. The cream cheese gives each bite an irresistible softness, while white chocolate chips add pockets of creamy sweetness. Cranberries bring the holiday cheer with pops of color and a little tartness, making these cookies ideal for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, family gatherings, or gifting in holiday tins.

Whether you’re looking for a dessert to impress, a cozy afternoon bake, or a signature treat for your holiday table, these Snowdrift Cookies deliver every time. They’re easy, festive, and taste like they came straight out of a bakery—but require only simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

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Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup powdered sugar (for coating)

Preparation

Step 1: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese & Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and fluffy. Add granulated sugar and continue mixing until the mixture becomes light and creamy. This step ensures your cookies stay soft and cloud-like.

Step 2: Add Egg & Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated, ensuring the dough stays smooth and velvety.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, blending until a soft dough forms.

Step 4: Fold in White Chocolate & Cranberries

Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries. The dough will be thick—this is what gives the cookies their signature soft, thick texture.

Step 5: Chill, Scoop & Coat

Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling prevents spreading and keeps the cookies thick and fluffy.
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls, roll them lightly, and coat in powdered sugar for that “snowdrift” touch.

Step 6: Bake

Place cookie balls on a lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly set and the tops look matte and puffy.

Variation

1. Orange Cranberry Snowdrift Cookies:
Add 1 tablespoon orange zest for a citrus holiday twist.

2. White Chocolate Almond:
Mix in sliced almonds for crunch and flavor depth.

3. Peppermint Snowdrift:
Swap cranberries for crushed peppermint candies.

4. Ruby Red Version:
Use freeze-dried raspberries for a tangier, brighter cookie.

Cooking Note:

Do not overbake—these cookies are meant to stay soft and tender. They should look slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve warm with hot cocoa or peppermint mochas.
• Add them to Christmas cookie trays or dessert boards.
• Gift them in holiday tins lined with parchment paper.
• Pair with vanilla ice cream for a cozy winter dessert.

Tips:

• Use full-fat cream cheese for best texture.
• Chilling the dough is essential for thick, fluffy cookies.
• For the “snowdrift” effect, dust with extra powdered sugar right before serving.
• Make smaller balls for bite-sized snow cookies.
• Store in an airtight container to keep them soft for several days.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

10–12 minutes

Total Time:

1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling)

Nutritional Information (Estimated per cookie):

Calories: 150–170
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 80mg

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! Chill the dough for up to 48 hours or freeze for up to 2 months.

2. Can I use fresh cranberries?

No—fresh cranberries add too much moisture and may cause spreading. Stick to dried.

3. Can these be made gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

4. How do I keep them soft after baking?

Store with a slice of bread in the container to maintain moisture.

Conclusion

These White Chocolate Cranberry Cream Cheese Snowdrift Cookies bring all the magic of the holidays into one bite—soft, buttery, snowy, and packed with festive flavor. They’re easy enough for beginners yet special enough for Christmas morning dessert tables. Whether you enjoy them warm with cocoa, gift them to loved ones, or serve them at a holiday dinner, these cookies are guaranteed to become a seasonal favorite year after year.