If you’re in search of a delightful treat that combines the heartiness of oats and the tartness of cranberries, look no further than these Oatmeal Craisin Cookies. With their chewy texture and subtle cinnamon flavor, these cookies are more than just a snack; they’re a comforting hug in dessert form. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering, a school bake sale, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these cookies are guaranteed to impress both kids and adults alike.
Not only are these cookies incredibly tasty, but they are also easy to make and require no special baking skills. The ingredients are simple and readily available, making it easy to whip up a batch on a whim. Plus, they are versatile enough to allow for variations based on your preferences. Want to make them nut-free? Simply leave out the walnuts or pecans. Interested in adding a bit of a twist? You can even swap out the cranberries for raisins or chocolate chips! As you delve into this scrumptious recipe, you’ll be amazed at how these Oatmeal Craisin Cookies become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Oatmeal Craisin Cookies Recipe
It’s easy to fall in love with Oatmeal Craisin Cookies for several reasons:
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet, chewy oats and tart cranberries creates a unique flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
- Healthy Ingredients: Made with oats and dried fruit, these cookies provide a healthier alternative to traditional cookies, making them perfect for guilt-free snacking.
- Quick and Easy: In just under 30 minutes, you can have a batch of delicious cookies ready to enjoy!
- Versatility: Customize these cookies to fit your taste; add nuts, swap in different dried fruits, or even include chocolate chips.
Ingredients
Let’s gather the necessary ingredients to bring these Oatmeal Craisin Cookies to life:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed 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 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries (Craisins)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin your cookie adventure by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure that your cookies don’t stick and to facilitate easy cleanup.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream the mixture together until it becomes light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the batter, leading to a lovely texture in your cookies.
Step 3: Add in the Eggs and Vanilla
One at a time, add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat well after each addition to ensure a smooth consistency. Follow this by stirring in the vanilla extract, which adds depth and warmth to the cookie flavor.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Gradually mix this dry blend into your wet ingredients. Do this step in parts to create a consistent dough, and be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the final texture.
Step 5: Combine with Oats and Add-Ins
Stir in the old-fashioned rolled oats along with the dried cranberries. If you’re using nuts, like walnuts or pecans, now is the time to add them in. Gently fold these ingredients into the dough until just combined, ensuring an even distribution without overworking the mixture.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them adequately to allow for spreading. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown while the centers remain slightly soft.
Step 7: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. After they have cooled slightly, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps maintain their chewy texture.
Variations
Feel free to personalize your Oatmeal Craisin Cookies with these delicious variations:
- Protein: For an extra protein boost, consider adding chocolate chips or a sprinkling of protein powder to the dough.
- Vegetables: Sneak in some finely grated zucchini or carrots for added moisture and a healthy twist.
- Spices: Experiment with a dash of nutmeg or ginger to provide a spiced depth of flavor.
Cooking Notes
Here are some helpful cooking notes to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly:
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for optimal creaming.
- Let the cookies cool completely to allow them to set properly before storing.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some ideas for enjoying your Oatmeal Craisin Cookies:
- Pair them with a glass of cold milk for a classic treat.
- Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Tips
Maximize your Oatmeal Craisin Cookies experience with these handy tips:
- For softer cookies, slightly underbake them; they will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for longer.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 120 per cookie
- Protein: 2 grams per cookie
- Sodium: 150 milligrams per cookie
FAQs
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Definitely! You can freeze the uncooked dough in cookie scoop portions for up to three months. Just bake from frozen and add a minute or two to the baking time.
What are Craisins?
Craisins are dried cranberries often sweetened to enhance their flavor, making them a perfect addition to baked goods.
How do I store leftover cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer-lasting freshness, refrigerate.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
While you can use quick oats in a pinch, rolled oats provide a better texture and chewiness in the final product.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these Oatmeal Craisin Cookies are not just a delicious treat, but they also embody simplicity and versatility in baking. With their enticing flavor and chewy texture, they are bound to become a beloved recipe in your home. We encourage you to share your cookie-making adventures in the comments below, try out the suggested variations, and most importantly, enjoy every bite of these delightful cookies!
Print
Oatmeal Craisin Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
Delightful Oatmeal Craisin Cookies with a unique flavor profile.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed 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 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries (Craisins)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually mix this into the wet ingredients.
- Fold in the rolled oats and cranberries. If using, add the chopped nuts gently.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden at the edges.
- Cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
For softer cookies, slightly underbake them. Store them in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Protein: 2 g