Cranberry Walnut Oatmeal Cookies with Lemon Zest

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them to prevent the cookies from sticking. This ensures even baking and easy cleanup.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. These dry ingredients form the base of your dough and help provide structure to the cookies. Set the bowl aside for later.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. The creaming process is key to making your cookies soft and chewy.

4. Add Wet Ingredients

Once the butter and sugar mixture is fluffy, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (and lemon juice, if using). The lemon zest adds a refreshing citrus flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness of the cranberries and the richness of the butter.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. You don’t want to overwork the dough, so stir gently. The dough will be slightly thick but easy to handle.

6. Add Oats, Cranberries, and Walnuts

Fold in the rolled oats, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts using a spatula. These ingredients give the cookies texture and flavor. The oats create chewiness, the cranberries add a tart contrast, and the walnuts bring a satisfying crunch.

7. Scoop and Shape the Dough

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If you prefer larger cookies, you can use a bigger scoop, just remember to adjust the baking time accordingly.

8. Bake

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool, so be careful not to overbake them. The sweet aroma of lemon and oats will fill your kitchen as they bake.

9. Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help them firm up without falling apart. Once cooled, they’re ready to be enjoyed with a cup of tea or as a snack for guests.

Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Walnut Oatmeal Cookies

• A Balanced Flavor Profile: The tartness of the cranberries, the rich taste of walnuts, and the brightness of lemon zest create a harmonious flavor that is both sweet and refreshing.
• Wholesome Ingredients: With oats, walnuts, and cranberries, these cookies are packed with nutrients and fiber, making them a satisfying treat.
• Perfect for Every Occasion: Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering or simply need a treat for the family, these cookies are versatile and universally loved.
• Soft and Chewy: The combination of oats and butter makes these cookies irresistibly soft and chewy, a texture that everyone craves in a cookie.

Pro Tips:

• Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the flavors meld and results in a thicker, chewier cookie.
• Toast the Walnuts: For extra flavor, toast the walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes before adding them to the dough. This enhances their nutty flavor and adds depth to the cookies.
• Substitute Fresh Cranberries: If fresh cranberries are in season, you can use them instead of dried cranberries. Just be sure to chop them up to avoid too much moisture in the dough.

Variations to Try:

• Add White Chocolate Chips: For a sweet twist, add a handful of white chocolate chips to the dough. The sweetness complements the tart cranberries beautifully.
• Use Pecans Instead of Walnuts: If you’re not a fan of walnuts, pecans work just as well and provide a slightly different flavor.
• Make Them Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.

Conclusion:

Cranberry walnut oatmeal cookies with lemon zest are the perfect blend of comfort and brightness. With the crunchy nuts, chewy oats, tart cranberries, and zesty lemon, these cookies will become a favorite in your baking rotation. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, they’re sure to bring smiles to everyone who tries them. Enjoy with a cup of hot tea or give them as a thoughtful gift to friends and family. Happy baking!