Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's also incredibly satisfying? Look no further! These oatmeal cranberry walnut cookies are the perfect blend of chewy texture, sweet and tart flavors, and wholesome ingredients. They're incredibly easy to make, perfect for beginner bakers, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion – from cozy nights in to holiday gatherings. This recipe delivers a delicious and healthy homemade treat, making it a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals.
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Supplies
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it a perfect choice for easy recipes and spontaneous baking sessions.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light 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
- 1 cup walnut pieces
Instructions: Baking Bliss in Simple Steps
Let's get baking! These instructions are designed to be clear and simple, guiding you through each step to baking perfection.
-
Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
-
Cream the Butter & Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer or hand mixer works perfectly for this step.
-
Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
-
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
-
Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
-
Stir in Oats, Cranberries & Walnuts: Stir in the rolled oats, dried cranberries, and walnut pieces until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
-
Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
-
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
-
Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Cookie Success: Baking Like a Pro
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened – this ensures proper creaming and a smooth cookie dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix only until the ingredients are combined.
- Adjust Baking Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust the baking time as needed.
- Storage: Store your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Variations: Spice Up Your Cookies!
- Chocolate Chips: Add a cup of chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
- Different Nuts: Substitute pecans, almonds, or macadamia nuts for the walnuts.
- Citrus Zest: Add the zest of one orange or lemon for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Spiced Cranberries: Use spiced dried cranberries for an extra layer of warmth.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-180
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Protein: 2-3g
These values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used. This recipe offers a delicious and relatively healthy snack or dessert option – part of a balanced diet. Enjoy these fantastic oatmeal cranberry walnut cookies, a perfect addition to your best recipes collection!