If you’re craving a cookie that perfectly blends chewy oats, tangy cranberries, and crunchy pecans, you’ve got to try this Cranberry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies Recipe. These cookies are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, boasting just the right balance of sweetness and texture with every bite. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon treat or prepping for the holiday season, this recipe shines with its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making homemade cookies feel like a warm hug from the oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward baking your best batch of Cranberry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies Recipe. Each component plays an essential role, contributing to the cookies’ rich flavor, chewy texture, and inviting appearance.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides richness and a tender crumb while helping to bind the ingredients.
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed): Adds natural sweetness and moisture, creating a chewy texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with cookie spreading.
- 2 large eggs: Act as a binding agent and add moisture to the dough.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warm, aromatic flavor to elevate every bite.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the structure and body of the cookie.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Leavens the dough, ensuring a light texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings a hint of warmth and spice for depth.
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats: Key for that chewy, hearty texture and wholesome bite.
- 1 cup dried cranberries: Offers a burst of tart sweetness that cuts through the richness.
- 1 cup chopped pecans: Adds buttery crunch and a nutty flavor that beautifully complements the oats and cranberries.
How to Make Cranberry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures your cookies bake evenly without sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter with brown and granulated sugars. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this aeration step is crucial for soft, tender cookies.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract, which imparts a wonderful aroma and depth of flavor.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Mixing these dry ingredients separately ensures they are evenly distributed, so your cookies rise perfectly and have a consistent flavor.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients with Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing here can make the cookies tough, so gentle folding is key to keep them tender and chewy.
Step 6: Fold in Oats, Cranberries, and Pecans
Carefully fold in the rolled oats, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans. These add all the wonderful texture and bursts of flavor that make this Cranberry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies Recipe truly special.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Scoop dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set. For extra chewy cookies, take them out just as the centers finish setting.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to firm up without losing that perfect chewiness.
How to Serve Cranberry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to make your Cranberry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies Recipe look even more inviting, try sprinkling a few extra chopped pecans or a dusting of cinnamon on top right after baking. A drizzle of melted white chocolate can also add a lovely finishing touch and a pop of sweetness.
Side Dishes
These cookies make the best companion to a warm cup of coffee, spiced chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk. Their hearty texture and balanced sweetness complement both creamy and strong beverages perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, serve your cookies on a rustic wooden board alongside small bowls of dried cranberries and pecans, inviting guests to customize their bites. Alternatively, sandwich two cookies with a spread of cream cheese frosting or mascarpone for a delightful twist on traditional oatmeal cookies.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep your baked Cranberry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and chewy for up to five days, perfect for enjoying throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to bake ahead, the cookie dough freezes beautifully. Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a sealed bag. When ready to bake, toss frozen dough balls directly onto the baking sheet and add a couple of extra minutes to your baking time.
Reheating
To bring the cookies back to their fresh-baked glory, warm them briefly in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This revives their chewiness and releases those incredible aromas once again.
FAQs
Can I substitute walnuts for pecans in this Cranberry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Walnuts offer a slightly different flavor profile but still bring that satisfying crunch and nuttiness that complements the cranberries and oats perfectly.
How can I make these cookies chewier?
To achieve extra chewiness, slightly underbake the cookies and let them finish setting on the baking sheet. This helps retain moisture inside.
Can I add white chocolate chips to the cookie dough?
Yes, adding white chocolate chips is a delicious variation that adds sweetness and creaminess which pairs wonderfully with the tart cranberries.
Are these cookies suitable for vegetarians?
They sure are! This Cranberry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies Recipe uses no animal by-products other than eggs and dairy, fitting well within a vegetarian-friendly diet.
How long will these cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh and delicious for up to five days—perfect for snacking through the week.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about the classic combination of tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, and hearty oats. This Cranberry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies Recipe brings all those wonderful flavors and textures together in an easy-to-make treat that feels like a warm snippet of happiness. I can’t recommend it enough—bake a batch, share with friends, and watch those smiles light up the room!
Print
Cranberry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Cranberry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies, a perfect blend of chewy oats, tart dried cranberries, and crunchy pecans. These cookies are easy to make, ideal for holiday gatherings or a sweet everyday treat, featuring a comforting hint of cinnamon and a rich, buttery texture.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Mix-ins
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter together with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cookies.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract for flavor enhancement.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cookies.
- Fold in Oats, Cranberries, and Pecans: Carefully fold in the rolled oats, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans to ensure even distribution of all mix-ins throughout the dough.
- Scoop Dough onto Sheets: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, place mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the cookie edges turn golden and the centers are set but still soft.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set properly and maintain their chewy texture.
Notes
- For chewier cookies, slightly underbake them and allow to finish setting on the baking sheet.
- Substitute walnuts for pecans for a different nutty flavor.
- Add white chocolate chips for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
