Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies

 Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies

Oats have been a staple food for centuries, with historical records indicating their cultivation dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and Greeks. However, it wasn't until the late 19th and early 20th centuries that oatmeal cookies began to appear in cookbooks and gained popularity in Western cuisine. Cranberries, native to North America, have a long history of culinary use among Indigenous peoples and early European settlers. The pairing of oats with cranberries in cookies likely arose as a creative adaptation, marrying the wholesome texture of oats with the tangy sweetness of dried cranberries. This combination not only adds a delicious twist to classic oatmeal cookies but also introduces additional nutrients and antioxidants from the cranberries. Today, they remain a beloved treat enjoyed by people worldwide, representing the fusion of historical culinary influences and the enduring appeal of homemade comfort foods.

Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon table salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
3 tablespoons milk
2 large eggs
½ pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup packed light-brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
3 cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup dried cranberries

Directions

Step 1

1. Prepare Dry Ingredients:

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the following dry ingredients:

• Flour

• Salt

• Cinnamon

• Baking powder

• Baking soda

Once thoroughly combined, set this bowl aside.

2. Prepare Wet Ingredients:

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the following wet ingredients:

• Vanilla extract

• Milk

• Eggs

Set this bowl aside as well.

3. Cream Butter and Sugars:

Using the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the following ingredients:

• Butter

• Granulated sugar

• Brown sugar

Beat this mixture on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy.

4. Incorporate Wet Ingredients:

Reduce the speed of the mixer to low. Gradually add the previously prepared milk mixture into the bowl containing the creamed butter and sugars. Beat this mixture well until fully combined.

5. Add Dry Ingredients:

With the mixer still on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture into the bowl. Continue beating until the dry ingredients are just combined with the wet mixture. Avoid overmixing.

6. Incorporate Oats and Cranberries:

Once the flour mixture is fully incorporated, remove the bowl from the electric mixer. Stir in the following ingredients until evenly distributed:

Oats, Cranberries

7. Chill Dough:

Transfer the dough to a container suitable for chilling. Cover the container and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the dough to firm up for a minimum of 2 hours, preferably overnight.

Following these steps will ensure the dough is properly prepared for shaping and baking the oatmeal cranberry cookies.

Step 2

1. Preheat Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Allow the oven to fully preheat before baking the cookies.

2. Prepare Baking Sheets:

Line several baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier. Set the prepared baking sheets aside.

3. Shape Dough:

Take approximately 2 tablespoons of the chilled dough and roll it into a ball using your hands.

Place the dough ball onto one of the prepared baking sheets.

Repeat this process with the remaining dough, ensuring you space each dough ball about 3 inches apart on the baking sheets.

4. Flatten Dough:

Using the bottom of a glass or a flat utensil, gently press down on each dough ball to flatten it into a round shape.

Aim for a diameter of approximately 2 inches for each flattened round of dough.

Make sure the cookies are evenly spaced on the baking sheets to allow for spreading during baking.

5.     Bake Cookies:

Once all the dough balls have been flattened on the baking sheets, place the sheets in the preheated oven.

Bake the cookies for the recommended time, or until they are golden brown around the edges.

The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven and the size of the cookies, but it typically ranges from 10 to 12 minutes.

6.     Cool Cookies:

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes.

After they have slightly cooled, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3 

1.     Bake Until Golden:

Place the prepared baking sheets with the shaped dough in the preheated oven.

Bake the cookies until golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center.

This typically takes about 16 to 18 minutes but keep an eye on them as baking times vary.

Halfway through the baking time, rotate the baking sheets to ensure even baking.

2.     Transfer and Cool:

Once the cookies are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven.

Use a spatula to transfer the cookies, along with the parchment paper, to a wire rack.

Allowing the cookies to cool on the wire rack will help them firm up slightly while remaining soft in the center.

3.     Storage:

Once completely cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.

Properly stored, these cookies will stay fresh for up to 1 week.

Make sure the container is tightly sealed to maintain the cookies' freshness and texture.

Enjoy: These delicious oatmeal cranberry cookies are now ready to be enjoyed!

Serve them as a delightful treat with a glass of milk, share them with friends and family, or enjoy them as a sweet snack any time of day.