These Cranberry Maple Oatmeal Cookies are everything you crave in a cozy, homemade treat. With the perfect blend of chewy oats, tart cranberries, and a hint of maple sweetness, they're ideal for autumn days or holiday gatherings. Plus, they’re a breeze to whip up!
Butter serves as the foundation, providing richness and a tender texture. Brown sugar adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness, while pure maple syrup offers a unique, natural flavor that sets these cookies apart. Eggs bind the ingredients together, and vanilla extract enhances the overall aroma. In the dry mix, flour forms the structure, with baking powder and baking soda ensuring just the right amount of lift. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness. Rolled oats provide that classic chewiness, and finally, dried cranberries and chopped walnuts add a burst of tartness and crunch.
These cookies pair beautifully with a tall glass of cold milk or a warm cup of chai tea. For a festive touch during the holidays, serve them alongside a spread of mixed nuts and fresh fruits.
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies won't stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup. You're aiming for a light, fluffy texture which helps the cookies bake evenly and rise nicely.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps the eggs incorporate smoothly. Stir in the vanilla extract, which adds a beautiful depth of flavor.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your creamed mixture. Mix until just combined — overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Now, gently fold in the oats, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts until they're evenly distributed throughout the dough. This ensures each cookie gets a nice mix of flavors.
Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers have set. Let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.