That is my favourite cranberry oatmeal cookies recipe! A enjoyable twist on basic oatmeal raisin, these wholesome cookies are supremely chewy and filled with taste. Vivid cranberries, cozy spices, and gentle oats blended collectively in a comfortingly candy dough… And baked to perfection. They’re a scrumptious solution to fulfill any cookie cravings — and fantastic for the vacation season too!
I went via a giant cranberry part in highschool. Most mornings, I poured myself a bowl of granola — a mix of bran flakes, oat clusters, and cranberries from Dealer Joe’s — earlier than speeding off to campus for my 7 am class on weekdays or fishing the sports activities part out of our native newspaper on weekends to atone for the newest baseball information.
After dropping my backpack subsequent to the kitchen desk within the afternoons, I usually reached for a carton of refreshingly chilly cranberry juice in our fridge or dug via the pantry for a handful of dried cranberries. Some evenings, we sprinkled those self same cranberries on high of spinach salads as a fast and straightforward dinner facet.
One specific weekend through the holidays, I even ordered a slice of cranberry crumb espresso cake from one in every of my household’s favourite eating places. The complete desk fell silent as our waiter walked away.
5 pairs of eyes stared at me. I squirmed a bit of in my seat and appeared down on the serviette in my lap. In that second, I assumed they may threaten to make me stroll residence… Or a minimum of kick me out of our sales space. I forgot it was an unwritten rule — if not full taboo! — to order something moreover the basic blueberry crumb espresso cake…
However with its irresistible flavors, my slice with its vivid pink berries was price each chunk!
So my highschool self would’ve cherished these wholesome cranberry oatmeal cookies! They’re a enjoyable break from the normal raisin selection, they usually’re particularly satisfying through the holidays and cranberry season.
However in all honesty… I’d fortunately eat them any time of yr!
QUICK OVERVIEW – HEALTHY CRANBERRY OATMEAL COOKIES
Issue: Pretty simple, together with for a lot of newbie bakers.
Style: Vivid tangy berries shine in opposition to a backdrop of heat spices, cozy oats, and candy cookie dough.
Texture: Very chewy and moist, with loads of gentle oats in each chunk.
KEY INGREDIENTS TO MAKE HEALTHY CRANBERRY OATMEAL COOKIES
Let’s discuss concerning the substances you’ll have to make these wholesome cranberry oatmeal cookies! I’m hoping that you have already got pantry staples like baking powder, vanilla extract, and salt… So we’ll give attention to the extra fascinating and vital issues.
Oats. A key ingredient in oatmeal cookies — as I’m positive you’ve already guessed! To make these cookies, you’ll want instantaneous oats. They’re additionally known as “fast cooking” and “one minute” oats, they usually’re not those that are available particular person packets with flavors like maple brown sugar and apple cinnamon.
Identical to old style rolled oats, instantaneous oats solely include one ingredient (oats!), however they differ in a single key manner… They’re noticeably smaller and thinner. That dimension distinction means instantaneous oats soften quicker, and that provides your wholesome cranberry oatmeal cookies the finest chewy texture possible!
Trace: You possibly can normally discover instantaneous oats proper subsequent to the old style rolled oats on the grocery retailer!
Tip: In the event you’d prefer to make your wholesome cranberry oatmeal cookies gluten-free, then substitute licensed gluten-free instantaneous oats. They work completely!
Flour. To make these oatmeal cookies more healthy, I opted for entire wheat flour. It provides additional fiber and micronutrients, and since the comfy spices (extra on these momentarily!) masks any “wheat-like” taste, these healthful cookies style simply as scrumptious as conventional ones!
Tip: In the event you’d prefer to make these wholesome cranberry oatmeal cookies gluten-free, then see the Notes part of the recipe. I’ve shared my high suggestions there!
Spices. Yup, plural! Many conventional cranberry oatmeal cookie recipes solely name for cinnamon, however I discovered that including a contact of nutmeg gave these a superbly wealthy, comforting, and irresistible taste. In a side-by-side style take a look at, the plain cinnamon model tasted extra flat and one-dimensional, whereas the batch with a touch of nutmeg principally felt like an IMAX film in 3D, the place the flavors danced round and nearly jumped proper off the display screen (or your tongue, on this specific case!).
I do know… It might appear a little unusual to insist on including additional spices to cranberry treats, after they’re identified extra for his or her basic fruity orange pairing, however I promise that pinch of nutmeg is price it!
Tip: Earlier than letting the nutmeg hog the whole spice highlight… If you could find Saigon cinnamon, I extremely advocate it! It has a barely stronger, richer, and sweetener taste. I’m obsessed, and it’s virtually the one form I now use in my baking! Many shops have began stocking it, however I usually purchase mine on-line right here. (It’s actually reasonably priced!)
Butter. Only a small quantity! Whereas many conventional recipes name for a full stick or two (aka between ½ to 1 full cup!), you solely want 2 tablespoons to make these. That helps preserve your wholesome cranberry oatmeal cookies low calorie and low fats!
Tip: To make these cranberry oatmeal cookies dairy-free, substitute coconut oil or stick-style vegan butter. (I like this one and this one.) These all work superbly and produce the identical gentle and chewy texture!
Egg. It binds collectively the cookie dough, and it additionally provides to the gentle and chewy texture. Simply ensure that your egg is at room temperature earlier than you start! (Grasp tight… We’ll cowl why that is vital quickly!)
Sweetener. As an alternative of refined sugar, you’ll sweeten these wholesome cranberry oatmeal cookies with pure maple syrup. It’s the sort that comes straight from maple bushes and solely accommodates one ingredient: maple syrup! It’s usually offered in skinny glass bottles or squat plastic jugs (like this).
I don’t advocate substituting pancake syrup or sugar-free maple syrup. These include different substances, in order that they usually behave in a different way in baking recipes. That is very true for sugar-free maple syrup! It’s usually water-based, and that makes your cookies end up drier and bready.
Cranberries. One other crucial ingredient! I like baking with contemporary ones, in order that’s what I used to make these wholesome cranberry oatmeal cookies. Their iconic vivid, tart taste shines superbly in opposition to the backdrop of cozy spices and candy dough!
HOW TO MAKE THE BEST CRANBERRY OATMEAL COOKIES
Now that you simply’ve assembled your substances, let’s go over how one can make the most effective wholesome cranberry oatmeal cookies! This recipe is straightforward and simple to whip up, however I nonetheless have some ideas and methods for you.
Measure accurately. Yup… I say this with nearly each recipe that I share — however that’s as a result of it’s extremely vital! So though I’m going to threat sounding like a damaged file (but once more!)…
Please — fairly, fairly please — take the time to correctly measure your substances. Particularly the flour and oats! Use this methodology (and my particular fork trick!) or a kitchen scale. (← That’s the one I personal!) An excessive amount of of both one will dry out the dough and make your cookies cakey, bready, or crumbly. That is significantly true of the oats; they act like little sponges and absorb plenty of moisture from the dough.
Tip: Use liquid or common measuring cups for liquid substances, just like the maple syrup! Kitchen scales measure weights, not volumes. Many liquid substances have completely different densities, which suggests they weigh completely different quantities, so until you’re ready to do the maths to find out each’s particular person weight per quantity… Measuring cups are simpler and extra correct!
Soften the butter. I’ve discovered that melted butter yields a greater chewy texture than softened butter — and I almost danced round my whole kitchen in pleasure because of this! I not often keep in mind to set out butter far sufficient prematurely for it to melt naturally… However I don’t have that drawback with melted butter!
That is additionally why it’s vital to make use of a room temperature egg. A chilly egg taken straight from the fridge will instantly resolidify your freshly melted butter. The combination will nearly look curdled (though it’s not!) as a result of the butter types tiny stable spheres.
Tip: In case you neglect to set out the egg, I’ve a trick for you! Microwave 1 cup of water for 30 seconds. Gently place your egg into that heat water, and let it sit whilst you measure and blend collectively the dry substances. If it’s in that little “sizzling tub” for a minimum of 10 minutes, the egg ought to heat as much as room temperature by the point you’re prepared so as to add it to your mixing bowl.
Chill the dough. This cookie dough is fairly moist if you first combine it collectively — and that’s intentional! It yields a extremely moist and chewy texture in your cranberry oatmeal cookies. Chilling helps stiffen the cookie dough and makes it simpler to work with. A quick half-hour within the fridge is all it wants!
Scoop + form. After chilling, the dough will nonetheless be considerably sticky, so do not attempt to use your palms. As an alternative, I take advantage of a spoon and this mini spatula (← isn’t it cute??) to drop the cookie dough onto the baking sheet.
These oatmeal cookies don’t unfold very a lot, so that you’ll additionally flatten it previous to baking. I take advantage of the identical mini spatula to do that, in addition to to easy out the perimeters.
And since somebody at all times asks… No, I don’t use a cookie scoop or any particular instruments to make my cookies look so spherical. Simply these mini spatulas — and a few endurance too!
Do not overbake. That is one in every of my favourite methods for completely gentle and chewy oatmeal cookies! Pull them from the oven when their facilities nonetheless really feel a bit of moist and underdone. The residual warmth from the nice and cozy baking sheet will proceed to cook dinner these facilities throughout whilst you let the cookies relaxation earlier than transferring them to a wire rack.
In the event you waited till the facilities felt agency, that residual warmth would find yourself overbaking your cookies… They usually’d end up extra cakey, bready, or dry. It would really feel bizarre to take away your cookies from the oven a tad bit early, nevertheless it helps preserve them gentle and chewy for days — if not near a whole week!
Reshape. That is totally non-compulsory — nevertheless it’s one other one in every of my methods for completely spherical cookies! The second you take away the pan from the oven, use a butter knife to softly easy out any lopsided edges and make these cookies completely spherical once more. The cookies set relatively shortly, so you could transfer quick earlier than the perimeters change into too agency to reshape. But if you happen to’re speedy, this little trick works like a appeal!
Tip: You possibly can see how I do that within the video positioned straight above my maple pecan oatmeal cookies recipe!
FAQS ABOUT HEALTHY CRANBERRY OATMEAL COOKIES
Are these wholesome cranberry oatmeal cookies gluten-free, dairy-free, clear consuming, low calorie, or low fats?
Sure — to the entire above! These cranberry oatmeal cookies are naturally clear consuming, low fats, and low calorie (in comparison with extra conventional recipes!). I additionally included modifications to make them gluten-free and dairy-free within the Notes part of the recipe.
Can I take advantage of old style rolled oats?
Form of! Measure out the identical quantity of old style rolled oats, however pulse them in a blender or meals processor till they’re ⅛ to ¼ of their authentic dimension. This makes them nearer in dimension to instantaneous oats, so your cookies ought to have about the identical gentle and chewy texture.
What a couple of completely different flour?
You positive can! White entire wheat flour, entire wheat pastry flour, and all-purpose flour all work very well. You may as well substitute oat flour (gluten-free, if obligatory!), however be actually cautious when measuring it as a result of it tends to be extra absorbent than wheat-based flours.
Can I substitute one other sweetener as a substitute?
Sure once more! Honey and agave are nice alternate options.
What about sugar-free syrup?
I don’t advocate it. Sugar-free syrups are usually water-based, and that adjustments the feel of your cookies. (See the “Sweetener” header within the “Key Components to Make Wholesome Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies” part above for extra data!)
Can I take advantage of dried cranberries?
Yup! I do know cranberry season is brief, so it’s not at all times attainable to search out contemporary ones on the grocery retailer. Nonetheless, earlier than you employ these dried ones, I’ve one other trick for you…
Hydrate them! Add your dried cranberries to a microwave-safe bowl, cowl them with water, and place a lid or plastic wrap on high. Microwave them on HIGH for 1 minute, after which allow them to sit whilst you measure and blend collectively the opposite substances (or for a minimum of 10 minutes!). Completely drain any leftover liquid earlier than folding them in. This makes them actually gentle and juicy! (It’s the identical trick I take advantage of at any time when I’m baking with raisins too!)
My cookies turned out cakey, bready, or dry. Why’s that?
There are a couple of attainable culprits! First, be sure you’re measuring the substances accurately, particularly the oats, flour, and pure maple syrup. (See the “Measure accurately” header within the “How one can Make the Greatest Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies” part above for extra data!)
Second, don’t substitute sugar-free syrup! It adjustments the cookies’ texture… And not in a great way. (See the “Sweetener” header within the “Key Components to Make Wholesome Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies” part above for extra data.)
Third, don’t overbake your cookies! They’re prepared to come back out of the oven when the facilities nonetheless feel and look barely underdone. (See the “Do not overbake” header within the “How one can Make the Greatest Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies” part above for extra data!)
How ought to I retailer these wholesome cranberry oatmeal cookies? And the way lengthy do they final?
Retailer your cookies in an hermetic container. If left at room temperature, they need to preserve for a few days (if not longer!). If refrigerated, they need to preserve for nearer to every week or extra. These oatmeal cookies additionally freeze very well!
My highschool self determined I ought to make up for misplaced time… I baked 4 batches of those in a single week! 😉
And if you make your individual, keep in mind to snap an image and share it on Instagram utilizing #amyshealthybaking and tagging @amyshealthybaking IN the photograph itself! (That ensures I’ll see your image! 🙂 ) I’d like to see your wholesome cranberry oatmeal cookies!
Wholesome Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies
That is my favourite cranberry oatmeal cookies recipe! A enjoyable twist on basic oatmeal raisin, these wholesome cookies are supremely chewy and filled with taste. Vivid cranberries, cozy spices, and gentle oats blended collectively in a candy dough… And baked to perfection. They’re a scrumptious solution to fulfill any cookie cravings — and fantastic for the vacation season too! Leftovers will preserve if saved in an hermetic container at room temperature for a couple of days (if not longer!).
Components
- 1 cup (100g) instantaneous oats (gluten-free if obligatory and measured like this)
- ¾ cup (90g) entire wheat flour or gluten free* flour (measured like this)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp floor cinnamon
- ¼ tsp floor nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter or coconut oil, melted and cooled barely
- 1 giant egg (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120mL) pure maple syrup (room temperature)
- ½ cup (50g) entire contemporary cranberries, diced
Directions
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In a medium bowl, whisk collectively the oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk collectively the butter or coconut oil, egg, and vanilla till totally mixed. Stir within the maple syrup. Add within the oat combination, and stir till simply integrated. Fold within the cranberries. Chill the cookie dough for half-hour.
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Preheat the oven to 325°F, and line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
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Utilizing a spoon and spatula, drop the cookie dough into 15 rounded scoops onto the ready sheet. Flatten to ⅜”-thick utilizing a spatula. Bake at 325°F for 9-12 minutes. Cool on the pan for 10 minutes earlier than turning out onto a wire rack.
Notes
IMPORTANT BAKING NOTES – READ BEFORE BEGINNING: These cookies unfold some — however not very a lot. Flattening the cookie dough earlier than baking helps give them a spreading “head begin.”
Do not over-bake these cookies! They’re prepared to come back out of the oven when the facilities nonetheless really feel barely gentle and underdone. The warmth from the nice and cozy baking sheet will proceed to cook dinner the facilities throughout whilst you let the cookies relaxation for 10 minutes after pulling the pan from the oven.
OATS NOTES + ALTERNATIVE: On the spot oats are often known as “fast cooking” or “one-minute” oats. They arrive in giant canisters, identical to old style oats. They’re not those within the small flavored packets of oatmeal.
In a pinch, to make your individual, add the identical quantity of old style rolled oats to a meals processor, and pulse 10-12 instances or till the oats are about ¼ to ⅛ of their authentic dimension.
FLOUR ALTERNATIVES: White entire wheat flour, entire wheat pastry flour, or all-purpose flour could also be substituted for the entire wheat flour. Oat flour (gluten-free if wanted) can also be substituted, however be very cautious when measuring it as a result of it tends to be extra absorbent than wheat-based flours!
SWEETENER ALTERNATIVES: Honey or agave could also be substituted for the pure maple syrup. No matter which you employ, ensure that it’s at room temperature. If chilled, it’ll re-solidify the melted butter or coconut oil.
I usually do not advocate substituting sugar-free maple syrup. It is usually water-based, which makes your oatmeal cookies end up extra cakey or bready.
CRANBERRIES NOTE + ALTERNATIVES: For a time-saving shortcut, pulse the contemporary cranberries in a meals processor or blender to shortly cube them.
In the event you want dried, substitute ¼ cup (40g) of dried cranberries — and I extremely advocate hydrating them first! To take action, add the dried cranberries to a microwave-safe bowl, cowl them with water, and place a lid or plastic wrap on high. Microwave them on HIGH for 1 minute, after which allow them to sit whilst you measure and blend collectively the opposite substances (or for a minimum of 10 minutes — longer is even higher!). Completely drain any leftover liquid earlier than folding them in. This makes them actually gentle and juicy!
I haven’t tried substituting frozen and thawed cranberries. In the event you do, would you allow me a remark beneath and let me understand how your cookies end up? I’d love to listen to!
GLUTEN-FREE VERSION: Use licensed gluten-free instantaneous oats (like these) and licensed gluten-free oat flour (like this). Alternatively, for a non-oat-flour model, use the next: ½ cup (60g) millet flour, 2 tablespoons (15g) tapioca flour, 2 tablespoons (15g) brown rice flour, and ½ teaspoon xanthan gum. Many store-bought gluten-free flour blends (I like this one from Bob’s Purple Mill) can even work, if measured like this.
DAIRY-FREE VERSION: Use the coconut oil possibility or stick-style vegan butter (I like this one and this one).
NUT-FREE VERSION: Use the unsalted butter possibility.
HOW TO STORE: Retailer leftover cookies in an hermetic container. If left at room temperature, they’ll preserve for a few days. If refrigerated, they’ll final nearer to every week (if not longer!). As soon as baked and totally cooled, these oatmeal cookies additionally freeze very well!
For solutions to all different questions concerning substitutions and ideas, see my Oatmeal Cookie FAQ Web page.
{gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, clear consuming, low fats}
View Diet Info + Weight Watchers Factors
You might also like Amy’s different recipes…
♡ Wholesome Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookies
♡ Wholesome Cranberry Banana Oatmeal Cookies
♡ Wholesome Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies
♡ Wholesome Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars
♡ Wholesome Cranberry Apple Crisp
♡ Wholesome Cranberry Crumb Cake
♡ …and the remainder of Amy’s wholesome cranberry-flavored recipes and wholesome oatmeal cookie recipes!
