Best Apple Cran Cherry Oatmeal Cookies Recipes

Apple Cran Cherry Oatmeal Cookies are a scrumptious treat that combines the delicious flavors of apples, cranberries, and cherries with the hearty textures of oats and nuts. This cookie recipe is a great way to use up any leftover dried fruits, but it's also perfect for those who want to enjoy a decadent cookie packed with nutrition.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Mix-Ins

• 1 cup dried apples, chopped
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup dried cherries
• 1 cup pecans, chopped

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
3. In another large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and beat until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just blended.
6. Stir in the dried apples, cranberries, cherries, and pecans until well combined.
7. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough onto prepared baking sheet, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Cool on baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy!

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are some variations you can try:

• Swap out the dried fruits for your favorites; raisins, figs, or even apricots would work well in this recipe.
• Use a different type of nut or skip them altogether for a nut-free version.
• Substitute maple syrup for some or all of the sugar to give the cookies a different flavor.
• Add chocolate chips, cinnamon chips, or toffee bits to the dough to create a sweeter, richer flavor.

Conclusion

Apple Cran Cherry Oatmeal Cookies are the perfect treat for anyone who loves hearty textures and flavorful combinations. These cookies are easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste buds. Give this recipe a try and savor the chewy goodness of oats, the sweetness of dried fruits, the nutty crunch of pecans, and the comfort of homemade cookies.

Apple cran cherry oatmeal cookies are a delightful combination of flavors and textures that make for a delicious treat. The combination of sweet apples, tart cranberries, and chewy oatmeal gives these cookies a unique taste and texture that is hard to resist. Whether you are looking to impress your family or friends with a tasty dessert or just want to indulge your sweet tooth, apple cran cherry oatmeal cookies are a great choice.

Tips for Making Apple Cran Cherry Oatmeal Cookies

1. Use Fresh Ingredients

One of the most important tips for making delicious apple cran cherry oatmeal cookies is to use fresh and high-quality ingredients. Fresh ingredients, especially the fruits, will add more flavor and depth to your cookies, making them more delicious. Using fresh and high-quality ingredients will ensure that your cookies taste fresh and flavorful.

2. Choose the Right Apples

When making apple cran cherry oatmeal cookies, it is essential to choose the right type of apple. Some apples are better suited for baking than others. For apple cran cherry oatmeal cookies, it is preferable to use firm, crisp apples such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Braeburn apples. These types of apples will retain their texture and won't turn mushy when baked.

3. Pre-soak the Dried Cherries

Dried cherries are an essential ingredient in apple cran cherry oatmeal cookies. To ensure that they are plump and juicy, you should pre-soak them in warm water or orange juice. This will make them softer and more flavorful, and they will be less likely to dry out during baking.

4. Use Rolled Oats

When making apple cran cherry oatmeal cookies, it is crucial to use rolled oats instead of quick oats. Rolled oats are thicker and more substantial, providing a chewy texture that contrasts perfectly with the soft fruits. Quick oats will result in a softer and mushier texture, which might not be desirable in this recipe.

5. Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Using room temperature ingredients will help the ingredients mix together more evenly, resulting in a smoother and more uniform batter. When ingredients with different temperatures are mixed, the batter can become lumpy or separated, which in turn, will affect the cookies' texture and taste.

6. Don't Overmix the Batter

Overmixing the batter is a common mistake when making cookies. Overmixing the batter can result in a tough and dense cookie. When adding the ingredients, mix them until they are evenly combined, but avoid over-mixing. Once the dry ingredients are added, mix until the dough comes together, and then stop. This will ensure that you get a tender and soft cookie.

7. Chill the Dough

Chilling the dough before baking is important because it helps the ingredients to blend together and helps the dough to firm up. The dough can be placed in the fridge for 30 minutes, which will help it become more manageable and easier to shape. Chilling the dough will also prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in more attractive and uniform cookies.

8. Bake at the Right Temperature

Baking the cookies at the right temperature is crucial to get the perfect texture and flavor. Apple cran cherry oatmeal cookies should be baked at 350°F (180°C) for around 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Over-baking the cookies will result in a dry and crumbly texture, while under-baking will make them too soft and doughy.

9. Add a Touch of Cinnamon

Adding cinnamon to the recipe will give the cookies a warm and comforting aroma and flavor. Cinnamon pairs well with the fruit flavors, making the cookies even more irresistible. Adding just a pinch of cinnamon will transform the cookies and add depth to the taste.

10. Cool the Cookies Before Serving

After baking the cookies, it is best to let them cool before serving. This will allow them to become firm and chewy. Cooling the cookies on a wire rack will help them cool evenly and prevent them from becoming soggy. Once cooled, the cookies can be served as a dessert or a snack.

Conclusion

Apple cran cherry oatmeal cookies are a delicious treat that everyone will love. The combination of sweet apples, tart cranberries, and chewy oatmeal makes them a unique and flavorful dessert that is perfect for any occasion. By following the tips mentioned above, you can create an exceptional batch of cookies that will have everyone raving about your baking skills. With these tips, you can ensure that your cookies have the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance.