These cranberry orange oatmeal cookies are a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for any occasion. The combination of dried cranberries and orange zest adds a refreshing twist to the classic oatmeal cookie, making them a favorite for both kids and adults alike. With a chewy texture and a hint of cinnamon, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.
While most of the ingredients for these cookies are common pantry staples, you might need to pick up a few items at the supermarket. Dried cranberries and orange zest are not always found in every kitchen, so make sure to grab these when you're out shopping. The orange zest can be made by grating the outer peel of an orange, but if you prefer convenience, you can also find it pre-packaged in some stores.
Ingredients For Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookies
Butter: Provides richness and moisture to the cookies.
Brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness and chewiness.
Granulated sugar: Contributes to the sweetness and helps with the cookie's texture.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
Orange zest: Adds a fresh, citrusy flavor that complements the cranberries.
All-purpose flour: Provides the base structure for the cookies.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
Old-fashioned oats: Give the cookies a hearty, chewy texture.
Dried cranberries: Provide a sweet and tangy burst of flavor in every bite.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To enhance the flavor of your cranberry orange oatmeal cookies, consider toasting the old-fashioned oats in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they become fragrant and slightly golden. This step will add a deeper, nutty flavor to the cookies and elevate their overall taste. Be sure to let the oats cool completely before incorporating them into the cookie dough.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and moisture, making it a good alternative for a dairy-free option.
brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar caramel-like flavor and can be used in equal amounts.
granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds natural sweetness and moisture, though you may need to reduce other liquids slightly.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoon water per egg. This is a great vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor profile.
orange zest - Substitute with lemon zest: Lemon zest offers a similar citrusy brightness, though with a slightly different flavor.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, though it may make the cookies denser.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Use 3 teaspoon of baking powder for every 1 teaspoon of baking soda, but this may slightly alter the texture.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice includes cinnamon along with other spices, adding a more complex flavor.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in equal amounts and may add a slightly different mineral flavor.
old-fashioned oats - Substitute with quick oats: Quick oats can be used, though they may result in a slightly different texture.
dried cranberries - Substitute with raisins: Raisins provide a similar chewy texture and sweetness, making them a good alternative.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This
How to Store or Freeze These Cookies
- To keep your cranberry orange oatmeal cookies fresh and delightful, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and chewy for up to a week.
- For longer storage, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about an hour. This prevents them from sticking together.
- Once the cookies are frozen, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
- When you're ready to enjoy a frozen cookie, simply let it thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes to bring back their freshly baked texture.
- If you prefer to freeze the cookie dough instead of the baked cookies, scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized portions and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag.
- When baking frozen dough, there's no need to thaw. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time, and you'll have freshly baked cookies whenever you desire.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are warmed through. This method helps to restore the cookies' crisp edges while keeping the center chewy.
Microwave Method: Place a cookie on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out. Microwave on medium power for 10-15 seconds. This method is quick and convenient, but be careful not to overheat, as it can make the cookies too soft.
Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the cookies directly on the toaster oven rack or on a small baking sheet. Heat for 5-7 minutes. This method is great for reheating a small batch and gives a similar result to the conventional oven.
Stovetop Skillet Method: Preheat a non-stick skillet over low heat. Place the cookies in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for 2-3 minutes on each side. This method is unconventional but can give the cookies a slightly toasted flavor.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Place the cookies in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for 3-4 minutes. This method is efficient and helps maintain the cookies' texture.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the cookies at the specified temperature of 350°F (175°C).
Large mixing bowl: Essential for creaming together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar, and for mixing the wet and dry ingredients.
Electric mixer: Helps to cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy, and to beat in the eggs.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the butter, sugars, flour, and oats accurately.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring smaller quantities like vanilla extract, orange zest, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Whisk: Used to whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl.
Spatula: Useful for scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl and for folding in the oats and dried cranberries.
Baking sheets: Used to place the cookie dough on for baking.
Tablespoon: For dropping rounded tablespoonfuls of cookie dough onto the baking sheets.
Wire racks: Used for cooling the cookies completely after they have been baked.
Cooling rack: Allows the cookies to cool evenly and prevents them from becoming soggy.
How to Save Time on Making These Cookies
Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and set out all ingredients before starting. This will streamline your baking process.
Use a stand mixer: A stand mixer can quickly and efficiently cream butter and sugar, saving you time and effort.
Preheat oven early: Turn on the oven before you start mixing to ensure it's ready when you are.
Batch baking: Use multiple baking sheets to bake more cookies at once, reducing overall baking time.
Quick cooling: Transfer cookies to a wire rack immediately to cool faster, freeing up your baking sheets for the next batch.
Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the oats and dried cranberries.
- Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses for This Recipe
Check out these recipes too!
- Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bars Recipe1 Hours 5 Minutes
- Pumpkin Empanadas Recipe55 Minutes
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies Recipe1 Hours 5 Minutes
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Recipe1 Hours 5 Minutes
- Pumpkin Carrot Cake Recipe1 Hours
- Pumpkin Apple Cake Recipe1 Hours
- Pretzel Crust Cheesecake Bars Recipe50 Minutes
- Plum Clafoutis Recipe1 Hours
- Plum Almond Crostata Recipe1 Hours
- Pistachio Rose Macarons Recipe45 Minutes
- Pistachio Macarons Recipe45 Minutes
- Pistachio Baklava Recipe1 Hours 15 Minutes
Leave a Reply