Hearty Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies: A Sweet Treat
45
min
48
Calories
2g
Fats
7g
Carbs
1g
Protein
Dive into the perfect blend of flavors with these Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies. A delightful snack that's not only delicious but also kind on the waistline, with only 48 calories per cookie. Ideal for those cozy evenings or as a sweet gift from the kitchen.
Ingredients:
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Start your baking adventure by creaming together the shortening and sugars in a large mixing bowl. This is where the magic begins! Ensuring your shortening is at room temperature will help you achieve the perfect creaminess. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on a medium setting for the best results. This step creates the base of our cookies, introducing air into the mixture, which will help our cookies have a delightful texture.
Pro Tip: Room temperature shortening creams easier and integrates better with the sugars.
Step 2: Combine Vanilla and Eggs
Once your base is fluffy and light, add the vanilla extract – its' lush fragrance enhancing the cookie dough's scent. Next, introduce eggs one at a time, fully integrating each before adding the next. This ensures a smooth, evenly mixed dough that will bake beautifully in the oven. The addition of eggs at this stage contributes to the cookies' structure, giving them that classic chewiness we all love.
Pro Tip: Ensure eggs are at room temperature for uniform integration into the dough.
Step 3: Sift Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together your dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and allspice. Sifting not only combines these ingredients thoroughly but also aerates the flour, making for a lighter cookie. This spice blend adds a warmth and depth of flavor, making each bite a delightful taste exploration. Combining these well constitutes the backbone of our cookie's flavor profile and structure.
Pro Tip: Sifting dry ingredients helps avoid lumps for a smoother dough.
Step 4: Add Oats and Cranberries
The real stars of the show, oats, and cranberries, are next. Fold them into your mix to distribute evenly. The oats give our cookies a heart-healthy boost and a fabulous chewy texture, while the cranberries offer a tart contrast to the sweetness, making every bite a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Pro Tip: Chop the cranberries if you prefer a more distributed fruit texture.
Step 5: Ready, Set, Bake!
With your cookie dough ready, it's time to bake! Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet, giving them room to spread. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown. This bake time ensures a soft center with a slightly crisp edge — the perfect cookie texture. Let them cool on a wire rack before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Pro Tip: Use a cookie scoop for even-sized cookies that bake uniformly.
