Introduction
Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookies are a chewy, sweet-tart holiday treat that blends the comforting heartiness of oats with the zingy brightness of orange zest and the festive tang of dried cranberries. These cookies offer a healthy twist on the classic oatmeal cookie, making them perfect for holiday snacking or gifting.
Origin and Cultural Significance
Oatmeal cookies have a long history in American baking, prized for their chewy texture and wholesome ingredients. The addition of cranberries and orange zest brings a festive, seasonal flair to this beloved classic. Cranberries, native to North America, have long been associated with holiday meals, while orange zest adds a citrusy sparkle that brightens up winter flavors.
Unique Ingredients and Flavors
Dried cranberries lend a chewy, tart burst that pairs beautifully with the bright, fragrant orange zest. Rolled oats provide structure and chew, while a touch of cinnamon warms everything up with cozy spice. Coconut sugar or maple syrup offers a healthier sweetness, and whole wheat flour or oat flour can boost the nutritional profile.
Cooking Techniques
Creaming the wet ingredients before adding the dry ensures a fluffy texture. Chilling the dough allows the oats to soak up moisture, preventing flat cookies and helping the flavors meld. Baking at a moderate temperature gives a golden finish with a soft center.
Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookies – Holiday Treat
Description
These Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookies are a healthy take on a holiday classic, offering bright citrus notes, tart cranberries, and hearty oats in each festive bite.
Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookies
Instructions
Preparing the Cookie Dough
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Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together oats, flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined.
This ensures leavening and spices are distributed evenly. -
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together coconut sugar, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, egg, vanilla, and orange zest.
Whisk until smooth for the best cookie texture. -
Combine and Chill
Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir just until combined. Fold in chopped cranberries. Cover and refrigerate dough for 30 minutes.
Chilling helps prevent spreading during baking.
Baking the Cookies
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Scoop and Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment. Scoop 1-tablespoon balls of dough and place 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly. Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are golden and centers are soft.
Cookies will firm up as they cool; do not overbake. -
Cool and Serve
Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
Cooling on rack ensures crisp edges and soft centers.
Note
- For a vegan version, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water).
- To enhance the orange flavor, add 1 tsp orange juice to the wet mix.
- Chilling the dough longer (up to 24 hours) deepens the flavor.
- Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch and richness.
- Replace cranberries with dried cherries for a variation.
- Sprinkle a little coarse sugar on top before baking for sparkle.
- Cookies store well in airtight container for up to 5 days.
