Cranberries bring a sharp, tart sweetness that works surprisingly well in all kinds of baked treats. They cut through the richness of white chocolate, add contrast to buttery doughs, and hold their own in cheesecakes, bars, and crumbles. This list is packed with desserts that put cranberries to use in different textures, chewy cookies, flaky galettes, creamy cheesecakes, and even festive bark. You’ll find ideas that work for holidays, bake sales, or just a reason to use up that bag in the freezer. Whether they’re paired with citrus, nuts, or chocolate, cranberries make these desserts feel just a little more special.
White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
Soft and chewy with pops of tart cranberry and smooth white chocolate chips. These cookies are rich without being too sweet. Great for holidays or anytime you want a bright twist on a chocolate chip cookie. Chill the dough for a thicker bake.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
Dark Chocolate Cranberry Walnut Bread
Soft and chewy with pops of tart cranberry and smooth white chocolate chips. These cookies are rich without being too sweet. Great for holidays or anytime you want a bright twist on a chocolate chip cookie. Chill the dough for a thicker bake.
Get the Recipe: Dark Chocolate Cranberry Walnut Bread
Cranberry Poke Cake
A vanilla cake is soaked with cranberry sauce or gelatin and topped with whipped cream. The cranberries add color and brightness to the soft base. It’s easy to make ahead and great cold. Serve straight from the pan with extra cranberry on top.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Poke Cake
Baked cranberry cheesecake
This creamy cheesecake has a swirl of cranberry sauce baked right into the filling. The tart fruit balances the richness of the cream cheese. A buttery crust holds it all together. Chill overnight before slicing for clean edges.
Get the Recipe: Baked cranberry cheesecake
Cranberry Tartlets
Mini tart shells filled with sweetened cranberries or cranberry curd. The fruit bakes down into a soft, jammy filling. Each bite is buttery, tangy, and just the right size. Great for dessert tables or gifting.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Tartlets
Cranberry Orange Thumbprint Cookies
These cookies combine a citrus-scented dough with a cranberry center. The thumbprint holds the jam in place as it bakes. The orange brightens up the tartness of the fruit. Dust with powdered sugar once cooled for a bakery look.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Thumbprint Cookies
Cranberry Pistachio Wreath Cookies
These slice-and-bake cookies are studded with red cranberries and green pistachios for a festive look. Formed into a wreath shape before baking, they make a great holiday cookie tray addition. The flavors are lightly sweet and nutty. A little icing on top ties it together.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pistachio Wreath Cookies
Lemon Cranberry Cheesecake Bars
Creamy cheesecake gets layered over a crust and topped with tart lemon and cranberry swirls. Each bar is smooth, sweet, and just a little tangy. Chill before slicing so the layers stay firm. A bright dessert for spring or the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cranberry Cheesecake Bars
Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
These buttery cookies mix dried cranberries and orange zest right into the dough. They bake up crisp on the edges and tender in the middle. Slice-and-bake makes them easy to prep ahead. A drizzle of glaze adds a sweet finish.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
Apple Cranberry Pecan Crumble
Chopped apples and cranberries are baked under a brown sugar oat topping. The fruit softens and bubbles while the topping turns golden and crisp. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream. Perfect for fall or winter nights.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cranberry Pecan Crumble
Cranberry & Pistachio White Chocolate Bark
Melted white chocolate is spread into a thin sheet, then topped with chopped pistachios and dried cranberries. Once it sets, break it into pieces for snacking or gifting. The sweet, salty, and tart combo works well in every bite. Store in the fridge for a clean snap.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry & Pistachio White Chocolate Bark
Cranberry White Chip Cookies
Similar to a traditional chocolate chip cookie but with white chocolate and cranberries instead. The cranberries add chewiness and a little tang. They bake up soft in the center with golden edges. A good swap when you want something a little different.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry White Chip Cookies
Apple Cranberry Galette
This rustic dessert wraps sliced apples and cranberries in a flaky, folded crust. The fruit softens and caramelizes as it bakes. It’s less fussy than pie but just as good. Best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cranberry Galette
Cranberry Bliss Bars (Starbucks Copy Cat Recipe)
These sweet bars have a blondie base with cranberries baked in, topped with a cream cheese frosting and more cranberries. They’re rich, chewy, and full of flavor. Slice into triangles for the full effect. Chill before cutting for cleaner lines.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Bliss Bars (Starbucks Copy Cat Recipe)
Cranberry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies mix tart cranberries, chopped almonds, and chocolate chips into a soft, buttery dough. Each bite has something different. The almonds add crunch and the chocolate rounds it all out. Great for cookie swaps or just a different take on the classic.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies
Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Dried cranberries mix in with standard chocolate chips to brighten up the cookie. The result is chewy with little pockets of sweetness and tartness. They bake like a traditional cookie but taste a little more layered. A good all-around dessert with just a small twist.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies
