Follow these simple steps to bring these delightful cookies to life:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This is the perfect time to let the festive scents of cranberry and orange begin to fill your home.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step reminds me of the patience I learned from my grandmother, who taught me the importance of taking the time to do things right.
4. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest until well combined. The zest will add a fragrant citrus aroma that’s simply delightful.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough instead of chewy.
6. Fold in the dried cranberries (and white chocolate chips if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will still look soft, which is key to achieving that perfect chewy texture.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time helps them set and develop their chewy texture.