Delicious Oatmeal Craisin Cookies: 7 Tips to Bake Like a Pro

The Perfect Holiday Cookie

If you are searching for traditional holiday cookies, look no further! This oatmeal craisin cookie recipe provides a delightful twist on the classic oatmeal raisin cookie, packed with flavor and made to elevate your holiday season. Adapted from renowned chefs Yotam Ottolenghi and Helen Goh, it promises to bring some magic to your kitchen.

Moreover, these delicious cookies offer a healthier take on sweet treats. Made with whole wheat flour, old-fashioned oats, and almonds, they not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also provide beneficial nutrients.

Why You’ll Love Oatmeal Craisin Cookies

• Chewy texture with delightful flavors: a beautiful adaptation of the classic oatmeal raisin cookies.
• A healthier cookie option that avoids trans fats from margarine or vegetable shortening.
• Perfect balance of sweetness: despite using refined sugars, they’re not overly sweet, featuring a chewy inside and crispy edges.
• Quick and easy preparation: a one-bowl cookie recipe, no chilling time required; you can whip up about 30 cookies in just an hour!
• Ideal for gifting: these cookies are a great addition to any cookie box or holiday tray, making them perfect edible gifts.

Why You’ll Love These Oatmeal Craisin Cookies

They’re the Perfect Sweet-Tart Combination

Let’s be honest—sometimes, regular oatmeal cookies can be a bit plain. Sure, oatmeal raisin cookies are a classic, but swapping out raisins for Craisins? That’s a game-changer. The oats provide a chewy foundation, the brown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness, and the Craisins bring just the right amount of tangy goodness. It’s the kind of flavor combination that keeps you reaching for “just one more.” Each bite is a delightful mix of hearty and sweet, with a tart pop that surprises your taste buds in the best way possible. If you’ve ever found traditional oatmeal cookies a little too predictable, this version adds the perfect twist without complicating the baking process.

And the texture? Pure cookie heaven. The oats give the cookie structure and chewiness, while the brown sugar ensures that each bite is moist and flavorful. The Craisins not only enhance the flavor but also add a slight chew that complements the soft, tender cookie base. It’s the kind of cookie that makes you close your eyes and smile with each bite. You’ll find that they’re versatile, too—they work just as well with your morning coffee as they do as an afternoon pick-me-up.

A Healthier Sweet Treat

Here’s a pleasant surprise: these cookies are healthier than your average sweet treat. Oats are packed with fiber, which helps keep you full and supports healthy digestion. Plus, Craisins are loaded with antioxidants that offer a variety of health benefits, including improved heart health and reduced inflammation. When you’re indulging in a cookie that tastes this good, it’s nice to know there are some nutritional perks, too! For those looking to make their desserts a bit more wholesome, you can easily swap in whole wheat flour, reduce the sugar, or even use coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative. Want more healthy dessert options? Check out delicious Oatmeal Banana Bread Recipe for another guilt-free, fiber-rich treat that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea.

Perfect for Any Occasion

One of the best things about Oatmeal Craisin Cookies is how versatile they are. Need a quick treat for a bake sale? Whip up a batch and watch them disappear. Looking for a thoughtful homemade gift? These cookies look beautiful stacked in a mason jar tied with a festive ribbon. They’re also perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, afternoon tea, or as a sweet lunchbox surprise. Honestly, there’s no bad time for cookies, especially ones as delicious as these.

If you’re thinking of putting together a gift basket, why not include other baked goodies? Simple Pineapple Cake Recipes make a fantastic addition and complement the tangy notes of the cookies with a tropical flair.

Oatmeal Craisin Cookies: Bake Like a Pro

Print Recipe

Print Recipe

These Oatmeal Craisin Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with sweet-tart cranberries and hearty oats, making them the perfect balance of flavor and texture. The buttery dough creates a rich base, while the Craisins add a burst of fruity sweetness in every bite. A hint of cinnamon provides warmth, making these cookies both comforting and irresistible. Perfect for snacking, sharing, or enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea, these cookies are quick to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

• Author: Sofya Petrova
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 8-10 slices 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 1/4 cups Craisins (dried cranberries)
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or pecans)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

• • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Line baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.

Cream Butter and Sugars:

• • In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla:

• • Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

• • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon (if using), and salt.
  • Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Stir in Oats and Craisins:

• • Fold in the rolled oats, Craisins, and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed.

Scoop and Bake:

• • Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden and centers are slightly soft.

Cool and Serve:

• • Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  • Enjoy with a glass of milk or your favorite warm drink!

Notes

• Butter: Use softened butter for easier mixing. If you prefer a chewier texture, you can substitute half the butter with coconut oil.
• Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the best texture. Quick oats can be used but may result in softer cookies.
• Craisins Substitute: Swap Craisins with raisins, dried cherries, or chopped dried apricots for variety.
• Add-ins: Add white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks for extra sweetness.
• Chilling Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and certified gluten-free oats to make these cookies gluten-free.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24 cookies
• Calories: 180 kcal per cookie

Keywords: Oatmeal Craisin Cookies

How to Make Oatmeal Craisin Cookies

Follow these steps to create the perfect oatmeal craisin cookies:

1. Roast the almonds: Preheat your oven to 355°F (180°C). Spread whole almonds on a baking sheet and roast for 10 minutes until fragrant. Allow to cool, then coarsely chop.
2. Prepare the baking sheets: Increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
3. Make the cookie batter: Soak Craisins in orange juice for 10-15 minutes. In a separate bowl, combine oats, chopped almonds, all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, and salt.
4. Cream the butter and sugar: In a stand mixer bowl, combine softened butter, sugar, and orange zest, and cream on medium speed for 2 minutes.
5. Add the dry ingredients: Incorporate the flour mixture into the butter mixture on low speed until just combined. Add the drained Craisins and mix briefly to combine.
6. Form the cookies: Transfer the dough to a floured surface, shape into a ball, and divide in half. Roll out to about 0.5 cm thickness and cut into 2.5-inch circles.
7. Bake the cookies: Arrange on your prepared baking sheets and bake for 18 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Cool and decorate: Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack. For decoration, melt white chocolate and spread over cooled cookies. Let chocolate set at room temperature for about an hour.

Expert Tips for Success

• Use room temperature ingredients: They blend better, resulting in a smoother dough and evenly baked cookies.
• Chill the dough: Want thicker cookies? Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to reduce spreading.
• Measure flour correctly: Too much flour can make your cookies dry. Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
• Don’t skip the parchment paper: It prevents sticking and helps cookies bake evenly.
• Experiment with mix-ins: Don’t be afraid to get creative—coconut, dark chocolate, or even orange zest can add exciting flavors.

Looking for more creative baking ideas? Add Christmas Gingerbread Madeleines to your baking list for the holidays!

Recipe Variations

• For a citrus twist, replace orange with lemon zest and juice; adding vanilla extract enhances the flavor.
• Mix different dried fruits such as cherries or blueberries, or substitute half the cranberries with chocolate chips for a sweeter version.
• Experiment with nut varieties by using hazelnuts, pistachios, or pecans instead of almonds.
• To decrease sugar, use unsweetened dried cranberries and omit the white chocolate decoration.
• Play with cookie shapes using different cutters for creative designs.

Pro Tip: If you’re new to baking and need some guidance on equipment, this guide to the top baking tools for beginners can help you stock your kitchen with essentials.

Storing and Freezing Tips

Store your oatmeal craisin cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer preservation:

• Freeze the cookies without the chocolate topping. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months.
• Freezing is an excellent option if you double the batch for festive gatherings!

Recipe FAQ

What is whole wheat flour?

Whole wheat flour is made from the entire grain of hard white spring wheat and retains the bran and germ, making it a nutritious option rich in dietary fiber.

Can you use different flours?

The mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour is ideal, but you can experiment with a higher ratio of whole wheat if desired.

Can you make the cookies gluten-free?

Yes, for gluten-free cookies, use certified gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats and a suitable gluten-free flour blend.

Can you use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

It is not recommended to substitute quick oats for old-fashioned oats as this will affect the texture and nutrient content of the cookies.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the cookies?

If you’re looking to reduce the sweetness, try using unsweetened dried cranberries and cut back on added sugars, but remember that some sweetness enhances the overall flavor and texture.