Oatmeal Cranberry Cookie Recipe

Thick, flavorful, and perfectly soft, these Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies are laced with white chocolate chips and dried cranberries for a cookie that’s sweet and just a bit tart. This easy cookie recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to holiday celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe takes only 20 minutes from start to finish, allowing you to whip up a delicious treat in no time.
• Flavorful Combination: The blend of oats, cranberries, and white chocolate creates a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness.
• Versatile Treat: These cookies are great for any occasion—serve them at parties, bake them as gifts, or enjoy them as a snack.
• Batch-Friendly: The recipe yields 24 cookies, making it perfect for sharing with friends or saving some for later.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can master this cookie recipe.

Tools and Preparation

To create the best Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Ideal for efficiently creaming butter and sugar together until fluffy.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining dry ingredients separately before adding to the wet mixture.
• Baking sheet: Provides a reliable surface for baking cookies evenly.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: Prevents cookies from sticking to the sheet and helps with easy cleanup.

Ingredients

Thick, flavorful, and perfectly soft these Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies are laced with white chocolate chips and dried cranberries for a cookie that’s sweet and just a bit tart. This easy cookie recipe comes together in just 20 minutes.

For the Dough

• 1 cup (229 g) unsalted butter, cold
• 1 ½ cups (330 g) light brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup (95 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) pure vanilla extract

For the Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (120 g) rolled oats
• 1 tablespoon (7 g) cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt
• ½ teaspoon baking soda

For Mix-Ins

• 1 ½ cups (One 5 oz/142g bag) Dried cranberries, sweetened or unsweetened
• 1 cup (180g) white chocolate chips

How to Make Oatmeal Cranberry Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat the oven to 350° F.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

• Soften the cold butter in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
• Combine the softened butter with the brown and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl.
• Beat on medium speed until well combined, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

• Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture.
• Continue beating until everything is well incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda.
• Stir to combine, then slowly add the dry ingredients into the dough while mixing on low speed.

Step 5: Mix in Cranberries and Chocolate Chips

• Before the dough thickens, add the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
• Beat just until flour incorporates; do not overmix.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake Cookies

• Scoop the dough using a large cookie scoop and place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
• Bake for 11-13 minutes. The centers should be slightly under-baked but not gooey.
• Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Oatmeal Cranberry Cookie Recipe

These Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies are delightful on their own, but they can be served in various ways to enhance your enjoyment. Here are some serving suggestions that pair well with these delicious cookies.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing! The creaminess of milk complements the sweetness and texture of the cookies perfectly.

As Dessert Sandwiches

• Create cookie sandwiches by adding a layer of cream cheese or frosting between two cookies for an extra treat.

Crumbled Over Yogurt

• Sprinkle crumbled cookies over a bowl of yogurt. It adds a crunchy texture and a sweet-tart flavor that elevates your breakfast or snack.

Paired with Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside slices of fresh fruit like apples or pears. The tartness of the fruit balances the sweetness of the cookies.

Warmed with Ice Cream

• For a decadent dessert, warm up the cookies slightly and serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

At Your Next Gathering

• Arrange on a beautiful platter for parties or gatherings. Their inviting look and delightful taste will make them a hit!

How to Perfect Oatmeal Cranberry Cookie Recipe

Making the perfect Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies is all about attention to detail. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your cookies turn out great every time.

• Use cold butter – Start with cold butter for a thicker cookie that holds its shape during baking.
• Don’t overmix – Mix just until combined to keep your cookies soft and chewy.
• Chill the dough – If you have time, chill your dough for 30 minutes before baking to enhance flavors and improve texture.
• Measure accurately – Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups carefully to ensure you have the right amounts for each ingredient.
• Check oven temperature – Make sure your oven is accurately calibrated, as an incorrect temperature can affect baking time and texture.
• Experiment with spices – Feel free to add other spices like nutmeg or ginger for an extra flavor kick!

Best Side Dishes for Oatmeal Cranberry Cookie Recipe

These Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies pair wonderfully with several side dishes, enhancing their flavor and making for a balanced meal or snack. Here are some delicious options:

1. Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and complements the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Cheese Platter – Include hard cheeses like cheddar or gouda along with crackers; their savory notes contrast nicely with the sweet cookies.
3. Granola Parfait – Layer yogurt, granola, and fresh berries in a glass for a delightful breakfast option that pairs beautifully.
4. Nut Butter Spread – Serve almond or peanut butter alongside; it’s great for dipping pieces of cookie or spreading on toast.
5. Homemade Hot Chocolate – A warm mug of rich hot chocolate brings comfort and pairs excellently with the chewy texture of the cookies.
6. Coconut Chia Pudding – This creamy pudding offers health benefits while complementing the flavors in the cookies perfectly.
7. Savory Scones – Add some contrast with herb-flavored scones; their savory profile will balance out dessert flavors nicely.
8. Roasted Nuts – A bowl of lightly salted roasted nuts provides crunch and saltiness that pairs well with sweet treats like these cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, and avoiding common mistakes will help you achieve the perfect Oatmeal Cranberry Cookie Recipe.

• Skipping ingredient measurements: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success. Always use measuring cups and spoons.
• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter can hinder proper mixing. Soften it before combining with sugars for a smooth dough.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix just until combined to keep them soft and chewy.
• Not preheating the oven: Baking in a preheated oven is essential for even cooking. Always preheat your oven before baking.
• Ignoring cooling time: Allowing cookies to cool on the baking sheet helps them set properly. Don’t rush this step!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Oatmeal Cranberry Cookie Recipe

• Place cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Oatmeal Cranberry Cookie Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, bake for 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat for 10-15 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, warming each side for about 1 minute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Oatmeal Cranberry Cookie Recipe.

How do I make my Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies chewier?

To enhance chewiness, add an extra egg yolk or substitute part of the granulated sugar with brown sugar.

Can I substitute other ingredients in my Oatmeal Cranberry Cookie Recipe?

Yes! You can replace white chocolate chips with dark chocolate or nuts based on your preference.

What’s the best way to store my Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried in my Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies?

Fresh cranberries are more tart. If using them, consider adding extra sugar to balance the flavor.

How long will my Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies stay fresh?

When stored properly, they can remain fresh for about one week in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

These Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. Feel free to customize with your favorite mix-ins like nuts or different types of chocolate. Their sweet and tart flavor makes them a delightful treat that everyone will enjoy!