Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies

Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies are a delicious treat that combines chewy oats, tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, and sweet white chocolate. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you are enjoying them yourself or sharing them with friends and family. Their delightful taste and texture bring a warm, homemade feeling that is hard to resist.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies is a great way to use simple ingredients to create something special. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for bakers of all skill levels. The combination of flavors provides a delicious balance between sweet and tart, making them a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re a wonderful option for a snack or dessert that feels a bit more wholesome, thanks to the oats and cranberries.

How to Make Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies

Making Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies is simple and fun. Just follow these steps to create these tasty treats.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
3 cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup fresh cranberries, quartered
1 cup pecans, chopped
1 cup white chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully combined. Stir in the oats, cranberries, pecans, and white chocolate chips.
Drop about a tablespoon of dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet, spacing each mound of dough 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies start to brown around the edges.
Allow the cookies to cool on a cooling rack before serving. Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or refrigerate for up to two weeks.

How to Serve Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies

These cookies are best enjoyed fresh and warm from the oven, but they also taste great at room temperature. Serve them on their own, or pair them with a glass of milk or a cup of tea for a comforting snack. You can also pack them in lunch boxes or bring them to a gathering for a tasty treat.

How to Store Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies

To keep your Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for up to one week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. If you want to keep them for an even longer time, consider freezing the cookies. Just make sure they are in a sealed bag or container to prevent freezer burn.

Tips to Make Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies

Make sure to use room temperature butter for easier mixing.
You can adjust the amount of cranberries and white chocolate chips according to your taste preference.
To make the cookies softer, remove them from the oven when they are slightly underbaked.
If you prefer chewy cookies, try using quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats.

Variation

You can easily modify this recipe by adding different mix-ins. Instead of pecans, try walnuts or almonds. You can also swap out cranberries for raisins or dried cherries. For a spicier flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the mix.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the dough.

2. Can I make these cookies vegan?
You can substitute unsweetened applesauce for the eggs and use plant-based butter to make a vegan version of these cookies.

3. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Cookies are done when the edges are lightly browned, and the centers look set but still soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.