Oatmeal Cranberry Pecan Cookies
If you’re looking for a cookie that’s both chewy and crunchy, you’ve come to the right place! These Oatmeal Cranberry Pecan Cookies are a family favorite in my home. The combination of oats, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans creates a delightful treat that never fails to bring smiles. Plus, the warm aroma of cinnamon and ginger wafting through the kitchen makes baking these cookies feel like a cozy hug.
These cookies are perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick dessert or for family gatherings where everyone wants a little something sweet. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why this recipe has become so special to me!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, anyone can whip these up.
- Family-approved flavor: Kids and adults alike will love the chewy texture and sweet flavor.
- Make-ahead convenience: Bake them now and enjoy them fresh later—just store them in an airtight container!
- Customizable mix-ins: Feel free to swap in your favorite nuts or dried fruits for a personal touch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients! You probably have most of these items in your pantry already. Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful Oatmeal Cranberry Pecan Cookies:
Wet Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick)
- 6 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup hot water
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup oats
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 6 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon each: cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and nutmeg
Mix-ins
- 1 cup total mix-ins: dried cranberries, chopped pecans, or chocolate chips
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Whether you want to experiment with different flavors or use what you have on hand, here are some fun ideas:
- Swap the nuts: Try walnuts or almonds instead of pecans for a different crunch.
- Add some zest: Incorporate orange or lemon zest for a refreshing citrus twist.
- Go chocolatey: Toss in some dark chocolate chips along with the cranberries for extra indulgence.
- Make it gluten-free: Substitute regular flour with your favorite gluten-free blend.
How to Make Oatmeal Cranberry Pecan Cookies
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Before anything else, make sure to preheat your oven to 350°F. This step is crucial as it ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden color.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine 1 egg, 1/4 cup of butter softened at room temperature, 6 tablespoons of oil, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup of hot water. Mixing these together properly helps create a smooth cookie dough base that binds all the delicious flavors.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Next, stir in 1 cup of oats, 1 cup of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 6 tablespoons of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of white sugar. Don’t forget the spices! Add in your mixture of cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and nutmeg. Mixing dry ingredients thoroughly ensures that every bite is packed with flavor!
Step 4: Add Your Mix-ins
Now it’s time to get creative! Fold in your choice of mix-ins—dried cranberries and chopped pecans work beautifully here. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough for maximum deliciousness.
Step 5: Drop Cookie Dough on Baking Sheet
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop portions of cookie dough onto a prepared baking sheet. Leave enough space between each cookie so they can spread while baking.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden Brown
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for about 12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them; you want them perfectly baked but not overdone!
Step 7: Cool & Enjoy!
Once out of the oven, let your cookies cool on a rack before diving in. This waiting time builds anticipation—and trust me; it’s worth every second! Enjoy your homemade Oatmeal Cranberry Pecan Cookies with friends or save some for later (if they last that long)!
Pro Tips for Making Oatmeal Cranberry Pecan Cookies
Baking cookies can be a fun and rewarding experience, and these tips will ensure your Oatmeal Cranberry Pecan Cookies turn out perfectly every time!
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Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter and egg to room temperature helps create a smoother batter, leading to cookies that are tender and evenly baked.
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Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined prevents gluten development, which can result in tough cookies. You want them to remain soft and chewy!
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Chill the dough before baking: Allowing the cookie dough to chill for at least 30 minutes can enhance the flavors and help maintain their shape while baking, resulting in thicker cookies.
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Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to substitute or add other dried fruits, nuts, or even seeds! This customization not only enhances flavor but also adds nutritional variety.
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Check for doneness carefully: Since ovens vary, keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be golden at the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out—this ensures a chewy texture.
How to Serve Oatmeal Cranberry Pecan Cookies
Presenting your freshly baked cookies can make them even more inviting! Here are some delightful ways to serve them.
Garnishes
- Sprinkle with sea salt: A light sprinkle of coarse sea salt on top before serving enhances the sweetness and brings out all the flavors beautifully.
- Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup: A touch of honey or maple syrup adds a lovely shine and extra sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the oats and cranberries.
Side Dishes
- Vanilla almond milk: This creamy beverage complements the flavors of your cookies perfectly and provides a delightful pairing for dipping.
- Fresh fruit salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal berries adds freshness and balances the richness of the cookies.
- Yogurt parfait: Layering yogurt with granola and fresh fruits creates a wholesome dessert that pairs nicely with the chewy texture of these cookies.
- Herbal tea: A warm cup of herbal tea not only soothes but also contrasts beautifully with the sweet flavors of oatmeal cranberry pecan cookies, making for a cozy treat experience.
With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy your Oatmeal Cranberry Pecan Cookies in style! Happy baking!
Make Ahead and Storage
These Oatmeal Cranberry Pecan Cookies are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch in advance, ensuring you have a tasty treat ready whenever the craving strikes. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your cookies.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
- Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For longer freshness, consider refrigerating them; they can last up to 10 days in the fridge.
Freezing
- To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Freeze them for 1-2 hours until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
- Label the bag with the date and consume within 3 months for best quality.
Reheating
- For the best taste and texture, reheat cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.
- Alternatively, microwave for 10-15 seconds if you’re short on time.
- Enjoy warm for that fresh-baked cookie experience!
FAQs
Here are some common questions you might have about making Oatmeal Cranberry Pecan Cookies.
Can I substitute ingredients in Oatmeal Cranberry Pecan Cookies?
Absolutely! You can swap out the butter for coconut oil or use a flaxseed egg instead of a regular egg. Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins like dried fruits or nuts based on what you have at hand!
How do I ensure my Oatmeal Cranberry Pecan Cookies stay chewy?
To keep your cookies chewy, avoid overbaking them. Look for slightly underbaked edges with soft centers; they will firm up as they cool. Additionally, using brown sugar instead of all white sugar helps retain moisture.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats in this recipe! However, remember that they may result in a slightly different texture—your cookies might be a bit softer. Rolled oats provide more chewiness.
What other mix-ins work well with Oatmeal Cranberry Pecan Cookies?
You can get creative with your mix-ins! Consider adding chopped walnuts, dark chocolate chips, or even seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for added crunch and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re feeling inspired to whip up these delightful Oatmeal Cranberry Pecan Cookies! They’re not just treats; they’re little bundles of joy that can brighten any day. Whether enjoyed alone or shared with loved ones, every bite is sure to bring warmth and happiness. Enjoy baking and savoring this special recipe—it’s truly one you’ll want to make again and again!
Oatmeal Cranberry Pecan Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the delightful world of Oatmeal Cranberry Pecan Cookies—an irresistible treat that balances chewy oats, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, these cookies fill your kitchen with the warm aroma of cinnamon and ginger, creating a cozy atmosphere that brings everyone together. With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, you’ll find this recipe not only easy to make but also customizable to suit your family’s tastes. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save some for later, every bite is sure to bring smiles.
Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup butter (softened)
- 6 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 1 cup oats
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 6 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup mix-ins (dried cranberries, chopped pecans)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, mix the egg, softened butter, oil, vanilla extract, and hot water until smooth.
- Stir in oats, flour, baking soda, sugars, salt, and spices until well combined.
- Fold in your choice of mix-ins evenly throughout the dough.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a prepared baking sheet with space between each cookie.
- Bake for approximately 12 minutes until edges are golden brown.
- Allow cookies to cool on a rack before enjoying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
