If you're in search of a cookie that's chewy, nutty, and packed with flavor, these Oatmeal Cranberry Walnut Cookies are exactly what you need. They blend the wholesome goodness of oats with the sweet-tart bite of cranberries and the rich crunch of walnuts, making them perfect for cozy afternoons or holiday gatherings.
Butter: Provides richness and helps to create a soft, tender cookie. Make sure it's softened to blend easily with the sugars.
Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the oats and nuts.
Granulated Sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps achieve a slight crispness along the cookie edges.
Eggs: Act as a binding agent, bringing everything together and contributing to the cookie's chewy texture.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor, adding warmth and depth.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides the necessary structure to hold the cookies together.
Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread just enough to create that perfect cookie shape.
Ground Cinnamon: Infuses a warm, comforting spice that pairs beautifully with the oats and cranberries.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the other ingredients.
Old-Fashioned Oats: The heart of the cookie, they add chewy texture and a nutty flavor.
Dried Cranberries: Provide a tart, fruity contrast to the sweet cookie base.
Walnuts: Add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, enhancing the cookie's texture.
These cookies are delightful on their own, but they pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot tea. For a special treat, serve them alongside vanilla ice cream or crumble them over yogurt for a crunchy topping.
Start by preheating 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, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. You want the mixture to be light and fluffy, which usually takes around 3-4 minutes with a hand mixer.
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time. This ensures they are evenly incorporated into the mixture, creating a smooth consistency. Once the eggs are mixed in, stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely aromatic touch.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your creamed mixture. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make cookies tough.
Now, gently fold in the old-fashioned oats, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts. This is where the magic happens — you're turning a basic dough into something special. Ensure everything is evenly distributed so each bite is full of flavor.
Drop tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This gives them room to spread. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, watching for those golden-brown edges.
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them set up and makes transferring them to a wire rack easier, where they can cool completely.
Share