Not too long ago I received an email from Sam of Oh! Nuts. He wanted to send me some of their product to try out. I promptly responded in just a few days later I had had this box with a generous sample of their products. I received a full pound each of Jumbo Raw Georgia Pecans, California Medjool Dates, and Dried Cranberries. I started thinking about what recipes I could use these in, or better yet, what could I create on my own with these ingredients. Today I am going to share with you what I did come up with for the Dried Cranberries. The dates and pecans can wait their turn. 😉
It's the time of year when I start to think about my Nanny Mae's filled cookies. It seems I remember Christmas as the time of year I always loved to eat them. She would fill her cookies with a date or raisin filling (both of which I totally love!).
I made them last year and used a mixture of raisins and dates. That is when I found out Grumpy didn't care for date or raisin filled cookies. However, I know that Grumpy loves white chocolate and dried cranberries (his ultimate trail mix from Wal-mart is one that includes both!). So, I thought why not make a filling that uses craisins, almond extract, coconut, and white chocolate? Surely he will be crazy about these, right?
- For the cookie:
- ¾ cup softened butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1-½ teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 6-½ cups flour
- ¾ cup sour milk (you can sour the milk by mixing a tablespoon of lemon juice with milk)
- For the Filling:
- 1-½ cup applesauce
- 1-½ cup craisins
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup water
- ¾ cup coconut
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 4 teaspoons butter
- Mix the first 5 ingredients together. Set aside. Stir dry ingredients together in separate bowl. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients alternately with mil. Chill dough. Meanwhile, make the filling:
- Mix applesauce, craisins, brown sugar, water in medium sized saucepan and cook until thickened. Remove from heat and add butter, coconut and almond extract. Cool.
- When cool, stir in white chocolate chips.
- Assemble cookies: Roll cookie dough, cut into circles. Place circles on cookie sheet. Place 1 tablespoon of filling on top of cookie. Cover with another cut cookie and press edges with fingers (or fork). Bake at 350 until slightly brown (8 - 10 minutes).
Pin it - White Chocolate Cranberry Filled Soft Cookies
Karen says
Just found your recipe for the white chocolate cranberry filled cookies, for the filling it calls for almond extract, how much do not see this in the recipient. Thanks
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Karen, thanks for bringing this to my attention. I would use 1/2 tsp almond extract. I will update my recipe. I hope you enjoy it!
Anonymous says
So excited to make these today! Is there a recipe for the frosting?
honeyb says
I usually just melt about a tablespoon of butter, mix into it about a cup of powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and some milk. Add another cup of sugar and milk as needed to get the frosting to the spreading consistency you want. I tinted mine a little pink. Hope the recipe turns out well for you!
Anonymous says
One little search attempt and BAM! Just what I wanted to find! Must print immediately!!! Thanks! (Chris in Indiana)
Lana @ Never Enough Thyme says
What gorgeous cookies, Shelby! I've never seen quite like these and I can't wait to give the recipe a try for myself.
Angela says
Holy cats, those look amazing. I must. make. these!
Curt says
Oh boy, I'm seeing lots of cranberry and chocolate combinations lately.
This one looks really good. I will be trying this one. I'll pin it to remember it!
I love cranberry and chocolate together!
Tangled Noodle says
These look marvelous! Now that the holiday season is gearing up, I've got cookies on the brain. These would make perfect homemade gifts! 😎