Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's both delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! These oatmeal and cranberry cookies are the perfect blend of chewy texture, sweet and tart flavors, and wholesome ingredients. They're ideal for a cozy afternoon snack, a festive holiday gathering, or even a quick and satisfying dessert after dinner. This recipe offers a delightful balance of healthy and indulgent, making it a perfect addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. Get ready to enjoy the wonderful aroma of these homemade cookies baking in your kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking)
- 1 cup dried cranberries (or chopped craisins)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cream Together the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender cookie. Use an electric mixer for best results, but a good old-fashioned whisk will work too!
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Step 4: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 5: Stir in Oats and Cranberries
Stir in the rolled oats and dried cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Leave some space between each cookie as they will spread slightly during baking.
Step 7: Baking Time
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
Step 8: Cooling and Enjoying
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your warm, delicious oatmeal and cranberry cookies!
Tips for the Best Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Ensure your butter is truly softened for optimal creaming. Don't melt it!
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough will result in tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This also helps prevent spreading.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the amount of sugar by ¼ cup.
Variations:
- Nuts: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices like ginger, cardamom, or allspice.
- Chocolate Chips: A handful of chocolate chips adds a delightful contrast to the tart cranberries.
- Citrus Zest: A teaspoon of orange or lemon zest brightens up the flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 150-180 Fat: 8-10g Sugar: 10-12g
These oatmeal and cranberry cookies are a perfect example of delicious and easy recipes, ideal for quick dinner ideas or a simple homemade treat. They are sure to become a favorite in your home, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the process of baking and the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch!