Cranberry Walnut Oatmeal Cookies are THE PERFECT COOKIE! When it comes to homemade cookies, few recipes can match the delightful combination of tart cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and hearty oatmeal. If you’re a cookie enthusiast, you’re in for a treat!
What Makes the Perfect Cookie?
I think these Cranberry Walnut Oatmeal Cookies are the PERFECT cookie!
Creating the perfect cookie is an art that combines precision with a dash of creativity. It all starts with quality ingredients; fresh butter, high-grade flour, and premium chocolate or nuts can make all the difference.
The key lies in achieving the right balance between wet and dry ingredients. This ensures the dough is neither too sticky nor too crumbly. Pay attention when creaming the butter and sugar to achieve the perfect consistency. This will contribute to the cookie’s texture and overall mouthfeel.
Precision in measuring ingredients and following the recommended baking time are crucial steps for a cookie that is golden on the edges and soft in the center.
Lastly, allowing the cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them ensures they are set properly. The magic happens in these details, turning a simple mix of ingredients into a delectable treat that satisfies the sweet cravings and leaves a lasting impression.
Add-Ins for Oatmeal Cookies
The versatility of oatmeal cookies lies in the plethora of add-ins that can elevate them. The choices are as diverse as your imagination allows, with popular add-ins including:
- Raisins
- Chocolate chips
- Chopped nuts (toasted are best!)
- Dried cranberries
- Dried apricots
- Dried, chopped Figs
- Candied Peel
Toasting the Nuts
Toasting nuts is a simple step that can elevate your recipes in a big way.
When you toast nuts, you’re essentially unlocking their full flavor potential. The heat brings out the natural oils, making the nuts more aromatic and giving them a deeper, richer, and slightly sweeter taste. The texture changes too, transforming them from soft or chewy to delightfully crunchy.
Whether you’re adding them to salads, baked goods, or savory meals, toasted nuts make everything taste more complex and interesting.
Toasting nuts is super easy, and makes a world of difference in your recipes!
Just spread your nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans—whatever you’ve got) in a single layer on a baking sheet. Pop them into a preheated oven at around 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 10 minutes, but keep a close eye on them. Nuts can go from perfectly toasted to burnt before you know it!
You’ll know they’re ready when they smell amazing and have turned a shade or two darker.
You can also toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until they are fragrant and golden. Once they’re done, let them cool before using—just try not to eat them all straight off the pan!
The Perfect Oatmeal Cookie
These ingredients infuse the cookies with rich flavors and introduce various textures, creating a delightful contrast that keeps every bite interesting.
For those seeking a health-conscious twist, incorporating ingredients such as chia seeds, flaxseeds, or shredded coconut adds nutritional value without compromising on taste.
Whether you opt for the timeless combination of chocolate and nuts or experiment with unique pairings, the add-ins play a pivotal role in customizing oatmeal cookies to suit your cravings and preferences. The beauty of oatmeal cookies lies in their adaptability, making them the perfect canvas for a delicious culinary adventure.
These Cranberry Walnut Oatmeal Cookies are honestly my favorite cookie! Chewy and sweet with tart cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and smooth bits of white chocolate chips make these the perfect treat!
More cookie recipes to try:
Peanut Butter Chip Peanut Butter Cookies
Cranberry Walnut Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients
- 226 grams unsalted butter softened
- 220 grams firmly packed dark brown sugar
- 100 grams granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 250 grams all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 240 grams old-fashioned oats
- 75 grams chopped walnuts toasted
- 65 grams dried cranberries
- 75 grams white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment at medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the vanilla and then add the eggs, one at a time. Beat well after each addition. Scrape the bottom and the sides of the bowl as needed with a rubber spatula.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cornstarch, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the oats. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture, beating until a dough is formed. Using a spoon or spatula, stir in the walnuts, cranberries, and white chocolate chips. Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes until it firms up.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Using 2-tablespoon spring-loaded cookie scoop, scoop the cookie dough, and place 2 inches apart on the prepared pans. If the dough is very cold and firm, flatten cookie balls slightly with your hand or the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool on pans for 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from pans, and let cool completely on wire racks.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. (Place a small sheet of parchment or wax paper between each cookie to prevent sticking.) Or freeze cookies individually wrapped in plastic wrap in an airtight freezer-safe container for 2 to 3 months.
Delicious cookies and perfect for the holidays!