Decadent Dark Chocolate Cranberry Almond Cookies

Dark Chocolate Cranberry Almond Cookies My GoTo Recipe

By Chef BakerAugust 13, 2025Updated: August 12, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Dark Chocolate Cranberry Almond Cookies

Fancy a cuppa with a truly cracking biscuit? Ever wondered how to bake the most scrumptious cookie? Honestly, these Dark chocolate cranberry almond cookies are my go-to for a bit of comfort.

They’re packed with flavour and texture.

Let’s dive in. The chocolate cranberry almond cookies recipe has origins in classic American baking. This easy dark chocolate cranberry cookies recipe takes under 3 hours, including chilling! It makes about 24 cookies, perfect for sharing… or not!

Why You'll Love These Cookies

These aren’t just any cookies. The bittersweet chocolate cranberry almond cookies offers a rich, complex flavour. The slight bitterness of the chocolate balances the tangy cranberries perfectly.

The almonds offer a wonderful crunch. Plus, they're a lovely treat for the holiday season. Think of this as Christmas cookies dark chocolate cranberry edition.

The Goodness Inside

These homemade cranberry almond cookies aren't just tasty, they've got some hidden benefits too! Dark chocolate cookies with cranberries are full of antioxidants.

Nuts provide healthy fats. These are truly gourmet dark chocolate cookies recipe material.

Ingredients: Your Baking Arsenal

Right then, let's gather our bits and bobs. You’ll need flour, baking soda, cornstarch, cinnamon, salt. And butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, an egg, and vanilla extract.

Oh, and don’t forget the star players: chopped bittersweet chocolate, dried cranberries, and almonds! These almond cranberry chocolate chip cookies are so worth the effort.

A Word on Chilling Time

Don’t skimp on chilling the dough! That’s where the magic happens to ensure that your chewy dark chocolate cranberry almond cookies turn out perfectly. Honestly, the chilling part is very important.

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Dark Chocolate Cranberry Almond Cookies

Right, let's talk kit. You're gonna need some basics for these dark chocolate cranberry almond cookies . Don't worry, it's mostly stuff you'll already have.

Honestly, baking shouldn't need a degree in engineering, should it?

Main Ingredients: Let's Break It Down

We're aiming for something close to gourmet dark chocolate cookies recipe level here, so quality matters! Here's the lowdown to make the best almond cranberry chocolate chip cookies.

Flour: 2 cups + 2 tablespoons (that's 265g ) of plain flour. Just regular stuff, nothing fancy. We don't want a soggy bottom.
Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon . For that lovely lift.
Cornstarch: 1 teaspoon . Sounds odd, but gives the chewy dark chocolate cranberry almond cookies a real nice texture.
Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon . Adds warmth, perfect for Christmas cookies dark chocolate cranberry .
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon . Balances the sweetness.
Butter: 3/4 cup ( 12 tablespoons or 170g ) unsalted, softened. Key point: softened , not melted!
Brown Sugar: 3/4 cup ( 150g ) packed light brown sugar. Gives it that lovely caramel flavour.
Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup ( 50g ). Adds the necessary sweetness to balance.
Egg: 1 large , room temperature. Honestly, it just mixes better.
Vanilla Extract: 1 1/2 teaspoons .
Dark Chocolate: 6 ounces ( 170g ) bittersweet chocolate , roughly chopped. Quality is key here! Dark chocolate cookies with cranberries need proper chocolate.
Dried Cranberries: 3/4 cup ( 105g ). Adds that little tang.
Almonds: 1/2 cup ( 55g ) sliced, slivered, or chopped. Gives a lovely crunch.

Quality indicator: Go for proper dark chocolate! It makes all the difference. The chocolate should have a cocoa percentage of 70% or more for that deep rich flavour.

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up

Cinnamon is our main man here. It works wonders with the chocolate and cranberries. You could add a pinch of nutmeg too.

Fancy a bit of warmth? A tiny pinch of chilli powder can be a great addition to a chocolate cranberry almond cookies recipe .

Vanilla extract is really important here, try and get a good quality one for best results.

If you don't have cranberries, dried cherries work pretty well.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

Listen, you don't need loads of fancy gear. Here's what easy dark chocolate cranberry cookies really need:

Mixing bowls.
Whisk.
Electric mixer.
Baking sheets.
Parchment paper.
Cookie scoop (optional, homemade cranberry almond cookies look neater if they are all the same size).

Don't have an electric mixer? Elbow grease works just fine. No parchment paper? Grease the baking sheets well. You know how it is, just gotta make do.

Holiday baking cookies should be fun, not stressful.

Cooking Method: Baking Those Dark Chocolate Cranberry Almond Cookies

Right then, let's talk baking. Specifically, how to conquer the challenge of making utterly divine dark chocolate cranberry almond cookies .

I'm sure you've tried many chocolate cranberry almond cookies recipes before. This one is a bit different, I promise. It's about nailing the technique to create something truly special think chewy centres, crisp edges, and bursts of flavour.

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

First things first, mise en place . This is chef talk for "get your stuff ready". Chop your chocolate, measure your flour.

Honestly, it makes life so much easier. Soften your butter too. It's 3/4 cup or 12 Tablespoons of butter! Having everything prepped and ready? It saves you so much time in the long run.

Make sure to preheat your oven to 350° F .

step-by-step to Chewy Dark Chocolate Cranberry Almond Cookies

Whisk together dry ingredients: Flour, baking soda, cornstarch, cinnamon, and salt.
Cream the butter and sugars until smooth. It is 3/4 cup of light brown sugar!
Beat in egg and vanilla.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
Fold in chocolate, cranberries, and almonds.
Chill the dough for at least 2 hours . This is super important to prevent them from spreading too much!
Preheat oven to 350° F ( 177° C) .
Bake for 11- 13 minutes .

Pro Tips: Turning Pro With Your Holiday Baking Cookies

Want that gourmet dark chocolate cookies recipe result? Underbake them slightly. Take them out when the centers still look a little soft.

They'll continue to bake as they cool, resulting in a perfectly chewy texture.

Don't overmix the dough. Seriously, it's the enemy of tender cookies. Mix until just combined. Also, use good quality chocolate.

It makes a huge difference. And you can always make the dough ahead of time. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days, covered tightly.

You got this! Now go bake some great Christmas cookies dark chocolate cranberry

Recipe Notes for the Perfect Dark Chocolate Cranberry Almond Cookies

These Dark chocolate cranberry almond cookies are truly something special. I remember the first time I baked a batch. Oh my gosh, the aroma filled the house! It was pure heaven, you know? But before you dive in, let's cover a few key points to ensure your baking success.

Show 'Em Off: Serving Suggestions for Your Masterpiece

Okay, so you’ve baked these amazing Dark chocolate cranberry almond cookies recipe . Now, how do you present them? First, let's think about aesthetics.

A simple dusting of icing sugar elevates the look. For sides, a tall glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea is just awesome.

If you want to get fancy, pair them with vanilla ice cream. It’s all about that contrast of warm, chewy dark chocolate cranberry almond cookies with cool creaminess.

Keep 'Em Fresh: Storage Tips for Later

So, you’ve resisted the urge to eat all the homemade cranberry almond cookies in one sitting? Good on ya! To keep them fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

They'll stay delicious for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them! Lay them flat on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.

Reheat in a low oven (around 300° F/ 150° C ) for a few minutes, and they will taste like you just baked them.

Remix Time: Variations on the Dark Chocolate Cranberry Almond Cookies Theme

Wanna switch things up a bit? Easy peasy. For a gluten-free version of these bittersweet chocolate cranberry almond cookies , use a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Just be sure to add a little extra liquid. For a seasonal twist, swap the cranberries for chopped dried apricots in summer or candied ginger during winter.

Think Christmas Christmas cookies dark chocolate cranberry flavor all year round!

Goodness Inside: Nutrition Basics

These Gourmet dark chocolate cookies recipe aren't just tasty, they also pack a little goodness. The almonds provide healthy fats and vitamin E.

Dark chocolate? Some antioxidants, you know. Cranberries? They are full of vitamins. These are not diet food, but everything in moderation, right? Plus, they are soul food!

Honestly, baking these Easy dark chocolate cranberry cookies is a joy. They’re perfect for holiday baking cookies or any time you fancy a treat.

So, give it a go! You might just surprise yourself (and your family) with these amazing almond cranberry chocolate chip cookies .

Happy baking, friend!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is chilling the dough so important for these Dark chocolate cranberry almond cookies?

Chilling the dough for these Dark chocolate cranberry almond cookies is absolutely crucial! It allows the butter to solidify, which prevents the cookies from spreading too thin while baking. This leads to a thicker, chewier texture that's just divine.

Think of it as beauty sleep for your dough it's worth the wait!

Can I substitute any ingredients in the Dark chocolate cranberry almond cookies?

Absolutely! You can easily adapt these Dark chocolate cranberry almond cookies to your liking. Try swapping the almonds for walnuts or pecans. For a different flavor profile, dried cherries or raisins make a fantastic substitute for the cranberries. You could also use milk chocolate instead of dark!

How should I store these Dark chocolate cranberry almond cookies to keep them fresh?

To keep your Dark chocolate cranberry almond cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll generally stay good for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months just make sure they're well wrapped to prevent freezer burn!

My Dark chocolate cranberry almond cookies spread out too much while baking. What did I do wrong?

If your Dark chocolate cranberry almond cookies spread too thin, it's likely due to the butter being too warm or not chilling the dough long enough. Ensure your butter is softened but not melted, and that you chill the dough for at least the recommended time. Also, check your oven temperature with a thermometer.

You may want to reduce the amount of butter slightly if you’re in a warmer climate.

Are there any tips to make my Dark chocolate cranberry almond cookies look more appealing?

Presentation is key, isn't it? Before baking, reserve a few chopped chocolate pieces, cranberries, and almond slivers. After the cookies come out of the oven and are still slightly warm, gently press these reserved goodies into the tops of the cookies. It’ll give them that professional, bakery worthy look.

Plus, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top never hurt anyone!