Cranberry Walnut Oatmeal Cookies with Lemon Zest

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or a stand mixer. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients:
   Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest. The lemon zest is what really takes these cookies up a notch, so don’t skip it!
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
5. Add the Oats, Cranberries, and Walnuts:
   Stir in the rolled oats, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts. The dough will be thick, but that’s what gives these cookies their chewy texture!
6. Scoop and Shape the Dough:
   Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop rounded balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading. You can gently flatten the dough balls with your fingers if you prefer a slightly thinner cookie.
7. Bake:
   Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, and the centers are set but still slightly soft. The cookies will firm up as they cool, so be careful not to overbake them.
8. Cool:
   Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Baking Tips for the Perfect Cranberry Walnut Oatmeal Cookies

• Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape better during baking and can result in a thicker, chewier texture.
• Don’t Skip the Lemon Zest: The lemon zest is what gives these cookies their unique twist, so make sure to include it! It adds a fresh, citrusy brightness that really complements the sweet and tart cranberries.
• Oats Matter: For the best texture, make sure to use old-fashioned rolled oats rather than instant oats. Rolled oats provide the chewy texture that makes oatmeal cookies so comforting.
• Mix-Ins: Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins! While cranberries and walnuts work perfectly, you can swap the nuts for almonds or pecans, or use dried cherries or raisins in place of cranberries for a different flavor.

How to Store Cranberry Walnut Oatmeal Cookies

These cookies are great for storing and make for an excellent make-ahead treat. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

• Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. They’ll stay chewy and delicious.
• Freezing: You can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Simply place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. To enjoy, just let them thaw at room temperature, or heat them up in the microwave for a few seconds for that freshly baked taste.
• Dough: If you want to freeze the dough to bake cookies later, scoop out dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake directly from the freezer, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Why These Cookies Are a Hit

The combination of oats, walnuts, and cranberries makes these cookies a delightful mix of textures and flavors. The oatmeal provides a chewy, hearty base, while the cranberries offer a sweet-tart contrast, and the walnuts add a satisfying crunch. The lemon zest is the perfect finishing touch, giving these cookies an unexpected, refreshing twist that takes them from simple to sensational.

Whether you’re baking them for the holidays, packing them into lunchboxes, or enjoying them as a sweet treat with a cup of tea, these Cranberry Walnut Oatmeal Cookies with Lemon Zest are sure to be a hit. Their balanced flavor and chewy texture make them a standout dessert that’s as comforting as it is special.

So, the next time you’re craving a homemade cookie that combines the best of sweet, tart, and nutty, give these a try. You’ll be hooked, and so will everyone else who takes a bite!