These Craisins Filled Cookies are tender, cakey cookies baked with a cozy applesauce cranberry filling sealed inside. They're the kind of old fashioned treat that brings back memories of home baking.
This recipe is a take on my grandmother's raisin filled cookies, only made with dried cranberries, white chocolate, and coconut in the filling for a brither and slighter sweeter twist.
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Why You'll Love These Cookies
Soft texture: these bake up with a tender, cake like crumb that stays soft for days.
Fruit filled center: the thick applesauce, craisin, and white chocolate filling adds just the right mix of sweet and tart flavor.
Traditional family recipe: a passed down cookie that feels nostalgic and comforting.
Key Ingredients for Craisins Filled Cookies
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and instructions.
- Butter: creates a soft dough with rich, homemade flavor.
- Applesauce: forms the base of the filling with warm, fruity sweetness.
- Craisins: adds bright tartness and chewy texture.
- Coconut: gives the filling a pleasant, subtle texture.
- White chocolate chips: melt slightly inside, adding creamy sweetness to the center.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Sub dried cherries for the craisins for deeper berry flavor.
- Replace white chocolate chips with mini chocolate chips for a different sweetness.
- Swap coconut with finely chopped pecans for a nutty filling.
Tips for Filled Cookies
- Chill the dough until firm enough to roll without sticking or tearing.
- Keep the filling thick so it doesn't spread or seep during baking.
- Seal the edges well with your fingers or a fork so the filling stays enclosed.
How to Store
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
More Cookie Recipes You'll Love
If you enjoyed these soft filled cookies, you may want to try my Lime Jewels, Black and White Cookies, Vanishing Oatmeal Cookies, and Glazed Lemon Cookies.
When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating
📖 Recipe
Craisins Filled Cookies
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Round cookie cutters
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Ingredients
For the Cookies
- ¾ cup softened butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1½ teaspoon vanilla
- 6½ cups flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup sour milk
For the Filling
- 1½ cup applesauce
- 1½ cup craisins
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup water
- ¾ cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 4 teaspoons butter
Instructions
For the Cookies
- In a large mixing bowl, using an electric hand mixer, combine the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Set aside.
- In another mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, and mix until well combined. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
To make the filling:
- In a large saucepan, over medium high heat, combine the applesauce, craisins, brown sugar, and water, cooking until thickened.
- Remove from heat and and add butter, coconut and almond extract. Set aside to cool. Once cold, stir in white chocolate chips.
To assemble the cookies
- Roll cookie dough out onto a lightly floured surface until about ⅛" thick, cut into circles.
- Place circles on cookie sheet. Place 1 tablespoon of filling on top of cookie. Cover with another cut cookie circle and press edges with fingers (or fork).
- Bake at 350 until slightly brown (8 - 10 minutes).
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! 😎