There’s something undeniably special about the chewy, golden edges and tangy bursts in Oatmeal Craisin Cookies. This classic treat brings together hearty oats, sweet-tart Craisins, and warm cinnamon in every bite, creating a cookie that’s comforting yet full of delightful surprises. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, sharing with friends, or just curling up with a batch fresh from the oven, Oatmeal Craisin Cookies are always a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive in and make your new favorite recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s no need to hunt for complicated or obscure ingredients here! Each one plays its own role, building layers of flavor, the perfect texture, and a pop of color that makes Oatmeal Craisin Cookies so tempting.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The creamy foundation for rich flavor and a tender, chewy crumb.
- Packed brown sugar (1 cup): Gives each cookie a lovely caramel depth and elevates that chewy texture we adore.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens while helping create those irresistibly crisp edges.
- Large eggs (2): Essential for binding the dough and keeping every bite soft and luscious.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm aroma and rounds out the sweetness.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The backbone of the cookies, giving them the perfect structure.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Provides just the right amount of lift so your cookies aren’t too flat.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Brings cozy, spiced notes that pair beautifully with cranberries.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances all that sweetness and brings out the best in every ingredient.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (3 cups): The heart and soul of the recipe, delivering that classic, chewy texture.
- Dried cranberries/Craisins (1 1/2 cups): Add a lovely tartness and a gorgeous burst of red in every cookie.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (1/2 cup, optional): For an extra crunch and a nutty, earthy flavor that’s totally irresistible.
How to Make Oatmeal Craisin Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup a breeze. The prep sets you up for beautiful, even baking every time.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes and is key to that classic chewy cookie texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, allowing each to fully incorporate. Once your eggs are in, add the vanilla extract. This builds extra richness, moisture, and the first hints of warm, inviting aroma.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a separate bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures no clumps of leavening or spice and helps all those dry ingredients distribute evenly in your dough.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. Avoid over-mixing here; stop right when the last streak of flour disappears for perfect Oatmeal Craisin Cookies every time.
Step 6: Add Oats, Craisins, and Nuts
Stir in the rolled oats, followed by the dried cranberries and nuts if you’re using them. For the plumpest Craisins, soak them in warm water for about 5-10 minutes and drain well before adding. This step is where the cookie magic really happens!
Step 7: Scoop and Shape
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This lets each cookie spread out into the perfect circle with those chewy, golden edges we love.
Step 8: Bake
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, watching for the edges to turn golden brown while the centers remain soft. Each batch may look slightly underbaked right out of the oven, but that’s what keeps them chewy.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to set up, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling completely. This ensures Oatmeal Craisin Cookies have that just-right chew and don’t fall apart when you pick them up.
How to Serve Oatmeal Craisin Cookies
Garnishes
For a pretty finishing touch, press a few extra Craisins or chopped nuts on top of the cookies as soon as they come out of the oven. A dusting of powdered sugar also adds festive flair—perfect for holidays or gifting.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, but don’t overlook their charm alongside hot tea or coffee! If you’re serving them as dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two Oatmeal Craisin Cookies makes a dreamy treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by stacking the cookies in a tall glass jar tied with ribbon for a homemade gift. Arrange them on a platter with fresh berries for color or make mini cookie sandwiches with a swipe of cream cheese frosting for that wow factor at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Oatmeal Craisin Cookies soft and fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to 5 days, ready for lunchboxes, coffee breaks, or midnight snacks.
Freezing
Want to keep cookies on hand even longer? Freeze baked cookies in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag, or portion out raw dough balls and freeze them to bake fresh whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked feel, pop cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 2-3 minutes, or microwave for a few seconds. This little trick revives their irresistible texture and aroma.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?
Quick oats will work in a pinch, but old-fashioned rolled oats create the classic chew and heartiness that really make these Oatmeal Craisin Cookies stand out.
Are there alternatives to Craisins?
Absolutely! Try dried cherries, chopped dried apricots, or even golden raisins for a fun twist, but Craisins deliver that signature sweet-tart bite.
How do I get that extra chewy texture?
Don’t overbake! Pull cookies when the edges are just golden, and consider underbaking by a minute for ultimate chewiness. Storing them with a slice of bread in the container also helps prevent them from drying out.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes. Substitute your go-to 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free for delicious results.
Is it okay to skip the nuts?
Of course! The cookies are delightful with or without nuts. If you have allergies or prefer a simpler taste, simply leave them out—Oatmeal Craisin Cookies are still fantastic.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cookie that brings comfort, nostalgia, and a pop of fruity charm, give these Oatmeal Craisin Cookies a try. They’re foolproof, fabulously chewy, and bound to win over anyone lucky enough to get a bite. Happy baking!
Print
Oatmeal Craisin Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Oatmeal Craisin Cookies are a chewy and delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Packed with oats, cranberries, and a hint of cinnamon, these cookies are a favorite for both kids and adults.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries (Craisins)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Stir in oats and mix-ins: Stir in the rolled oats, dried cranberries, and nuts if using.
- Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Soak the Craisins in warm water for 5-10 minutes and drain well before adding for extra plumpness.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
