Cranberry Walnut Oatmeal Cookies

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 14 min
🍽 Serves: 24
★★★★★
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These Cranberry Walnut Oatmeal Cookies are the perfect blend of chewy and crunchy, making them a standout treat any time of year. With tart cranberries and nutty walnuts, they bring a unique twist to a classic cookie, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons at home.

Ingredients for Cranberry Walnut Oatmeal Cookies

Butter is the base of these cookies, providing richness and flavor. Make sure it's softened so it creams well with the sugars. Brown sugar adds a deep molasses flavor, while granulated sugar balances sweetness. Eggs bind everything together, while vanilla extract enhances all the flavors. Flour gives structure, and baking soda ensures they rise nicely. A pinch of salt heightens all the tastes, and oats add a chewy texture. Finally, dried cranberries and walnuts bring the tartness and crunch that make these cookies special.

Tips & Tricks

  • For even baking, rotate your baking sheets halfway through the cooking time.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes if you prefer thicker cookies with less spread.
  • Use fresh, high-quality vanilla extract for the best flavor.
  • If your walnuts are raw, toast them briefly for enhanced flavor before adding them to the dough.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delightful on their own, but if you're looking to elevate your snacking experience, try pairing them with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a cozy afternoon treat, enjoy them with a mug of spiced chai or hot cocoa. They also make a charming addition to a holiday cookie platter alongside gingerbread or sugar cookies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Quick oats can be used, but the texture will be less chewy. Old-fashioned oats are recommended for the best result.
Can I substitute other nuts for walnuts?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds work well as a substitute if walnuts aren't your thing.
How should I store these cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well for up to three months.

Cranberry Walnut Oatmeal Cookies Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is creamy and smooth. This will take a couple of minutes — you can use a stand mixer or a hand mixer, whichever you prefer.

Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in the vanilla extract and give it another good mix. It should smell heavenly at this point! In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your cookies might turn out tough.

Now, it's time to fold in the oats, cranberries, and walnuts. Make sure they're evenly distributed throughout the dough. Using a tablespoon, drop rounded mounds of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Space them about two inches apart to allow room for spreading.

Pop them into the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This helps them set properly without breaking apart.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of tart and sweet, thanks to dried cranberries.
  • Rich, nutty flavor from walnuts adds a delightful crunch.
  • Old-fashioned oats provide a chewy texture that feels hearty and satisfying.
  • Quick and easy to prepare, making them ideal for last-minute baking.
  • Great for making ahead and freezing, so you always have a treat on hand.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3 cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup chopped walnuts

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy.
3. Add eggs and vanilla extract, beating well.
4. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
5. Stir in oats, cranberries, and walnuts until evenly combined.
6. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

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