Cranberry oatmeal cookies are a delightful treat that balances the hearty, chewy texture of oats with the sweet-tart flavor of dried cranberries. They are perfect for snack time, a sweet indulgence after dinner, or a lunchbox surprise. Plus, they’re simple enough for novice bakers yet delicious and impressive enough for anyone. Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe that is sure to please your family and friends!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 130
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 85mg
Why Make This Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies
Cranberry oatmeal cookies not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also offer the goodness of oats. These cookies have a lovely chewy texture, complemented by the tartness of cranberries, making each bite a delightful experience. They are perfect for any occasion, whether as a comforting homemade gift during the holidays or a wholesome snack for school lunches. With their simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can whip up a batch anytime to enjoy with a glass of milk or a cup of tea.
How to Make Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly, giving them that beautiful golden brown color.
Step 2: Mixing
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy. You can use a hand mixer or mix by hand with a wooden spoon until it’s well combined.
Step 3: Cooking
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt; gradually stir this dry mixture into the creamed mixture until just combined. Next, fold in the rolled oats and dried cranberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 4: Finishing
Drop rounded tablespoons of the cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown around the edges. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
How to Serve Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies
Serve these cookies warm from the oven with a splash of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. They also make great additions to holiday cookie trays and are perfect for sharing at potlucks or gatherings. Enjoy them with your favorite hot beverage for a cozy treat any time of day!
How to Store Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies
Store your cranberry oatmeal cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to stay fresh longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent them from sticking.
Expert Tips for Perfect Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies
- For a more complex flavor, you can add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dry ingredients.
- If you prefer a softer cookie, take them out of the oven just as they start to brown—around 10 minutes.
- Resist the urge to press the cookies down before baking. They will spread nicely as they bake.
- Swap out the dried cranberries for raisins or chocolate chips for a different taste!
- Use quick oats instead of rolled oats if you prefer a more uniform texture.
Delicious Variations
- Nutty Addition: Chop up some walnuts or pecans and add them to the dough for a nutty crunch.
- Festive Flavor: Incorporate a touch of orange zest for a refreshing citrus twist.
- Chocolate Lovers: Mix in dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips for a decadent combination.
- Breakfast Cookies: Reduce the sugar and add a splash of milk or yogurt to make these cookies suitable for breakfast.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition. - What can I use instead of butter?
Coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute can work well if you are looking for a dairy-free option. - How do I know when they’re done?
Look for a golden brown edge; the center may appear a bit soft, but it will set as it cools. - Can I add fresh cranberries?
Fresh cranberries are more tart, so if you use them, consider reducing the added sugar in the recipe. - What should I do if my dough is too dry?
If the dough seems crumbly, try adding a tablespoon of milk or water to help bind it together.
Conclusion
Cranberry oatmeal cookies are not only a delicious treat but also a simple one to make. With their chewy oats and sweet-tart cranberries, they are sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or stored for later, these cookies offer a warm, comforting indulgence that everyone can enjoy. Give this easy recipe a try, and you might just find a new go-to snack!
Print
Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies
- Total Time: 27
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful cookies that combine the hearty texture of oats with the sweet-tart flavor of dried cranberries, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; gradually stir this into the creamed mixture until just combined.
- Fold in the rolled oats and dried cranberries.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze for up to three months with parchment paper between layers.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 12
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
