There's something incredibly heartwarming about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home. If you're in the mood for a delightful, yet wholesome treat, cranberry pecan oatmeal cookies are the perfect choice. Not only do they offer a delicious contrast of flavors and textures, but they are also packed with nutrients from oats and pecans, making them a slightly healthier alternative to your usual cookie options. In this blog post, we'll delve into an easy, delicious recipe that you can whip up in no time, ensuring your kitchen is the coziest spot on the block.
Ingredients
Before we start, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 cup of rolled oats
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1⁄2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1⁄2 cup of light brown sugar
- 1⁄4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1⁄2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1⁄2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1⁄4 teaspoon of salt
- 3⁄4 cup of dried cranberries
- 1⁄2 cup of coarsely chopped pecans
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
Preparatory Steps
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly.
2. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Mixing the Dough
1. Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat together the butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add these to the butter mixture, mixing until just incorporated.
4. Fold in mix-ins: Gently fold in the dried cranberries and pecans with a spatula.
Shaping and Baking
1. Scoop the dough: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
2. Bake: Place the cookies in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. They will still be soft to the touch when done, as they firm up while cooling.
3. Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Cookies
- Don’t overmix the dough as it can make your cookies tough.
- If your dough seems too sticky, chill it for about 30 minutes before baking.
- You can substitute raisins for cranberries or add chocolate chips for an extra twist.
Nutritional Information
| Calories | Total Fat | Sodium | Total Carbohydrates | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150 per cookie | 7g | 95mg | 22g | 2g |
💡 Note: Nutritional values are estimated per cookie when using the exact recipe measurements. Adjustments may alter these values.
In wrapping up our journey through the delights of making cranberry pecan oatmeal cookies, we've explored not just a recipe but a new way to appreciate the comforting nature of homemade treats. These cookies offer a perfect blend of sweet, nutty, and tangy flavors, providing a snack that's delightful in its simplicity. They remind us that sometimes, the most cherished moments are created with just a few ingredients, a bit of patience, and a lot of love. Whether you bake them for a gathering, a gift, or for your own enjoyment, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to anyone who tastes them.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats for this recipe?
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Yes, you can use quick oats, but the texture of the cookies will be slightly less chewy as quick oats cook faster and break down more easily.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
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Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies can stay fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, you might consider freezing them.
What can I do if I find the cookies too sweet?
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Reduce the amount of granulated sugar to 3 tablespoons instead of 1⁄4 cup, or increase the proportion of cranberries to balance the sweetness.
