Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Add Flavorings and Egg: Mix in the orange zest, vanilla extract, and egg until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly incorporate this blend into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Add Mix-ins: Fold in the white chocolate chips and chopped fresh or dried cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Form the Cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart.
Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are golden. The centers may look slightly underdone but will firm up as they cool.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.