Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a standard baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure the bites do not stick to the surface. Set aside your finely chopped cranberries and orange zest so they are ready to be folded into the dough later.
In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about two to three minutes with a hand mixer. Stir in the alcohol-free vanilla extract and the fresh orange zest until well combined and fragrant.
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until a soft dough begins to form. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can make the bites tough rather than crumbly and tender. The dough should be slightly tacky but hold its shape when pressed.
Using a spatula, gently fold in the chopped dried cranberries and the white chocolate chips. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough so every bite has a perfect balance of fruit and chocolate. The dough might feel thick, but the moisture from the berries will help it come together.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and window roll them into small balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the pan for five minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
