Cranberry Walnut Oatmeal Cookies with Lemon Zest

How to Make Cranberry Walnut Oatmeal Cookies with Lemon Zest

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes. This step is key to ensuring your cookies turn out tender.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients

4. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 3: Add the Good Stuff

5. Fold in Cranberries and Walnuts: Gently fold in the dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, and lemon zest. The cranberries add a sweet-tart burst of flavor, while the walnuts bring crunch and a nutty depth to the cookies. The lemon zest gives the dough a refreshing citrusy kick, brightening the entire flavor profile.

Step 4: Scoop and Bake

6. Scoop the Dough: Use a tablespoon or a cookie scoop to form even-sized dough balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. These cookies will spread slightly as they bake, so leave enough space between them.
7. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are just set. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheets, so don’t overbake them.
8. Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Cranberry Walnut Oatmeal Cookies

• Use Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: For the best texture and chewiness, make sure to use old-fashioned rolled oats rather than quick oats. The rolled oats will give the cookies that satisfying bite.
• Chill the Dough: If you prefer a thicker cookie with a bit more chew, refrigerating the dough for about 30 minutes before baking will help prevent spreading.
• Add More Zest: If you’re a fan of lemon, feel free to increase the amount of lemon zest for a stronger citrus flavor.
• Add White Chocolate: For an extra layer of sweetness, try folding in some white chocolate chips or chunks along with the cranberries and walnuts.
• Substitute Walnuts: If walnuts aren’t your favorite, you can substitute them with pecans or almonds for a different nutty twist.

Why These Cookies are So Special

These Cranberry Walnut Oatmeal Cookies with Lemon Zest are a delicious and refreshing take on a beloved classic. The combination of chewy oats, crunchy walnuts, tart cranberries, and a zing of lemon creates a harmonious balance of flavors that are both comforting and exciting.

Whether you’re craving something to satisfy your sweet tooth, looking for a treat to share with friends, or needing a festive cookie to serve during the holidays, these cookies will fit the bill. They also make for great gifts—beautifully packaged in a jar or tin, they’re a thoughtful and homemade present for any occasion.

Conclusion

These Cranberry Walnut Oatmeal Cookies with Lemon Zest are the perfect mix of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors, with just a hint of citrus to keep things bright. They’re chewy, satisfying, and the ideal treat for any time of year. Whether you enjoy them with a warm cup of tea or as an afternoon snack, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

So grab your mixing bowl, preheat the oven, and start baking these delicious cookies. You’re about to experience a flavor-packed treat that’s as comforting as it is zesty. Happy baking!