If you are craving a cookie that perfectly balances chewy oats, tangy cranberries, crunchy pecans, and sweet white chocolate, this Cranberry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies Recipe is absolutely going to become your new go-to treat. Each bite bursts with cozy cinnamon spice and the delightful texture of toasted oats, making these cookies a warm hug in dessert form. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a friendly gathering, or just an everyday sweet craving, this recipe hits that wonderful spot between comforting and sophisticated.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the key to making this Cranberry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies Recipe such a hit. Each component has a special role in crafting the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes these cookies unforgettable.
- Butter (1 cup, softened): Adds rich creaminess and helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, firmly packed): Brings moisture and a deeper caramel flavor.
- Sugar (½ cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tart cranberries.
- Eggs (2): Bind everything together and add a bit of richness.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors with its warm, aromatic notes.
- All-purpose flour (1½ cups): Provides structure and helps the cookies hold their shape.
- Baking soda (1 tsp): Leavens the cookies, helping them rise ever so slightly for a soft texture.
- Cinnamon (1 tsp): Adds a cozy, spicy warmth that complements the fruit and nuts beautifully.
- Salt (½ tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Uncooked oats (3 cups): Give the cookies that hearty, chewy texture oat lovers adore.
- Fresh cranberries (1 cup, chopped): Bring a burst of tartness and vibrant color.
- Pecans (1 cup, chopped): Add a buttery crunch and nuttiness.
- White chocolate chips (1 cup): Give a creamy sweetness that melts in your mouth for a perfect contrast.
How to Make Cranberry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Wet Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and regular sugar until the texture is smooth and creamy—this step builds the cookie’s rich base.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in the eggs one at a time, making sure they are fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with that classic, comforting aroma.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent and spices are evenly distributed, giving every bite consistent flavor and rise.
Step 4: Mix Dry and Wet Components
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and blend until everything is just combined—you don’t want to overmix and make the cookies tough.
Step 5: Stir in Oats, Cranberries, Pecans, and White Chocolate Chips
Fold in the oats first for that chewy texture, then gently add the chopped cranberries, pecans, and white chocolate chips. Each adds a unique splash of flavor and texture to make these cookies truly special.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Drop rounded teaspoons of dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet, spacing them well since they’ll spread slightly. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies turn golden brown around the edges.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time lets them set perfectly, giving you that satisfying chew and crunch in every bite.
How to Serve Cranberry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or a tiny drizzle of melted white chocolate over cooled cookies to add a beautiful, festive touch. A few whole pecans or fresh cranberries placed on top before serving can also elevate the look and appeal.
Side Dishes
These oatmeal cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or freshly brewed coffee. For a more indulgent treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm mug of spiced cider to complement the cozy spices.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming gift, stack these cookies in small mason jars or wrap them with rustic twine and a handwritten tag. Serving them on a wooden board surrounded by nuts and dried cranberries visually tells the delicious story of this cookie’s wholesome ingredients.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and chewy. They will stay fresh for about a week, making them a wonderful treat to enjoy throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies either before or after baking. Place cookie dough balls on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Or freeze fully baked cookies in a sealed container for the same amount of time.
Reheating
To freshen them up, warm leftover cookies in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or briefly in a low oven. This brings back the melty goodness of the white chocolate and makes the oats wonderfully soft again.
FAQs
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, dried cranberries work well if fresh ones aren’t available. Just make sure to pick ones that are slightly tart to keep the cookie’s balance of flavors, or soak them briefly to soften before adding.
Can I substitute the pecans with another nut?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even pistachios are delicious alternatives that bring their own unique crunch and flavor to the cookie mixture.
Is it okay to use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
You can use quick oats, but they will give the cookies a softer, less chewy texture. Old-fashioned oats are preferred for that classic hearty bite.
How do I make these cookies vegan?
To make a vegan version of this Cranberry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies Recipe, substitute butter with a plant-based spread, use flax or chia eggs instead of real eggs, and check that your white chocolate chips are dairy-free.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend and ensure the oats are certified gluten-free. This way you still get that wonderful oatmeal texture and flavor without gluten.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies Recipe is really one of those gems that feels like an instant classic the moment you bake it. It’s warm and inviting but with a vibrant kick from the cranberries and a satisfying crunch from the pecans that keeps you coming back for just one more. I can’t recommend giving this recipe a try enough—bake a batch and share the joy with friends or family. You’re going to love how easy it is to create such a delightful treat loaded with comforting flavors.
Print
Cranberry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 48 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Cranberry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies, a perfect blend of chewy oats, tart fresh cranberries, crunchy pecans, and creamy white chocolate chips. Baked to golden perfection, these cookies offer a comforting and flavorful treat that balances sweet and tangy notes in every bite.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks), softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 cups uncooked oats
Add-ins
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped into small pieces
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with brown sugar and sugar. Beat the mixture until it becomes creamy and smooth.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture. Beat well to ensure everything is well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until evenly distributed.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring to combine thoroughly.
- Incorporate Oats and Add-ins: Stir in the uncooked oats, then gently fold in chopped fresh cranberries, pecans, and white chocolate chips to evenly distribute them in the dough.
- Portion Dough: Drop rounded teaspoons of dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet, spacing them evenly to allow for spreading while baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies start to brown around the edges, signaling they are done.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing them to set and firm up.
Notes
- Using fresh cranberries gives a tart burst in every bite; if unavailable, dried cranberries can be substituted but will alter the texture and sweetness.
- Chopping pecans finely helps to distribute their crunch more evenly throughout the cookie.
- White chocolate chips can be omitted or replaced with dark chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
- Do not grease the cookie sheet; this helps achieve a crisp bottom texture on the cookies.
- For softer cookies, bake closer to 10 minutes; for crispier cookies, bake toward 12 minutes.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
