Are you ready to bake up a storm with a delightful twist on classic cookies? These Ocean Spray Craisins cookies are the perfect blend of chewy, sweet, and tart – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion! Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this easy recipe will have you whipping up batches of these delicious treats in no time. Get ready for a burst of cranberry flavor in every bite!
Ingredients:
- 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 salt
- 1 cup Ocean Spray Craisins
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
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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. Make sure the butter is truly softened for optimal creaming.
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Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
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Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
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Stir in Craisins: Gently fold in the Ocean Spray Craisins. Avoid crushing them too much; you want to retain their delightful texture.
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Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Keep a close eye on them, as ovens can vary.
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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:
- Chill the Dough: For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
- Don't Overbake: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Start checking for doneness around the 10-minute mark.
- Customize Your Craisins: Experiment with different types of Ocean Spray Craisins, such as sweetened dried cranberries or a blend of cranberries and other dried fruits.
Variations:
- Chocolate Craisin Cookies: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful chocolate and cranberry combination.
- Nutty Craisin Cookies: Stir in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Spiced Craisin Cookies: Increase the cinnamon to 1 ½ teaspoons and add a ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg or allspice for a warm, spiced cookie.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-180
- Fat: Approximately 8-10g
- Sugar: Approximately 15-20g
These Ocean Spray Craisins cookies are a fantastic addition to your homemade cooking repertoire. They're perfect for sharing with friends and family, packing in lunchboxes, or simply enjoying a sweet treat on a cozy evening. Enjoy baking and savor every delicious bite!