The smell wafting through your kitchen while baking Oatmeal Cranberry Pecan Cookies is like a warm hug on a chilly day. Picture this: golden-brown cookies, studded with sweet-tart cranberries and crunchy pecans, inviting you to take just one more bite. You can’t help but smile as the aroma wraps around you, making your heart feel all warm and fuzzy.
These cookies are not just a treat; they hold memories of cozy afternoons spent baking with loved ones. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a simple snack after a long day, Oatmeal Cranberry Pecan Cookies bring joy and flavor to every occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These cookies are easy to whip up, perfect for sharing or enjoying solo
- The delightful combination of flavors keeps everyone coming back for more
- Their rustic look makes them appealing on any dessert platter
- Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as a delightful addition to your lunchbox
Baking these cookies has always brought smiles from friends and family, especially when they disappear in minutes.

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Old-Fashioned Oats: Choose rolled oats for that chewy texture that complements the cookie perfectly.
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All-Purpose Flour: A staple in baking that provides structure and balance to your cookie dough.
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Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness that helps create that irresistible golden color.
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Brown Sugar: Use light brown sugar for added moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
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Baking Soda: This will help your cookies rise and create that soft yet chewy texture we crave.
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Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors, balancing sweetness beautifully.
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Cinnamon: A dash of cinnamon adds warmth and depth to each bite, making them even more comforting.
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Unsalted Butter: Make sure it’s softened for ease in mixing; melted butter can also be used for extra chewiness.
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Eggs: One large egg binds everything together while adding richness to the dough.
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Cranberries (Dried): Look for plump dried cranberries; they add a lovely tartness contrasting with the sweetness.
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Pecans (Chopped): For crunchiness! Toast them lightly beforehand for an even richer flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper; this ensures easy cookie removal later.
Melt the Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt unsalted butter until bubbly but not boiling. Let it cool slightly before mixing with sugars.
Create Your Cookie Base: In another bowl, mix granulated sugar and brown sugar into the melted butter until creamy. Add in one egg and stir until well combined.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add flour, oats, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—overmixing can lead to tough cookies!
Toss in Add-ins: Fold in chopped pecans and dried cranberries using a spatula—this is where the magic happens! The bright red cranberries mixed with brown pecans look stunning.
Scoop & Bake: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain soft.
Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks—it’s hard to resist eating them right away!
Enjoy these delightful Oatmeal Cranberry Pecan Cookies fresh out of the oven or save some for later (if they make it!). Each bite will remind you of home, love, and laughter shared around the kitchen table.
You Must Know
- Oatmeal Cranberry Pecan Cookies are not just tasty; they offer a delightful crunch and a sweet-tart burst
- Perfect for any occasion, they’re easy to whip up with pantry staples
- The warm spices fill your kitchen with an inviting aroma that brings everyone together
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming butter and sugars until fluffy, then incorporate eggs and vanilla before mixing in dry ingredients. This sequence ensures even blending and avoids clumps.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cranberries for raisins or add chocolate chips for a twist. A pinch of cinnamon can elevate the flavor profile beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked warmth.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature for optimal creaming; this makes your cookies light and fluffy
- Don’t overmix once you add flour; this keeps them tender and chewy
- Chilling the dough before baking enhances flavor and texture significantly
Sometimes, I bake these cookies for friends, and their smiles are the best feedback. It’s like cookie magic happens every time!
FAQ
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, quick oats can work, but rolled oats provide better texture.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Cookies should be golden brown around the edges but still soft in the middle.
Can I freeze oatmeal cranberry pecan cookies?
Absolutely! Freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months for a treat anytime.
Oatmeal Cranberry Pecan Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Oatmeal Cranberry Pecan Cookies are the ultimate comfort treat, blending chewy oats with sweet-tart cranberries and crunchy pecans. These delightful cookies fill your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma that brings back cozy memories of baking with loved ones. Perfect for sharing or enjoying solo, they make every occasion special, whether it’s a holiday gathering or a simple afternoon snack. With just the right balance of flavors and textures, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries (plump)
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans (lightly toasted)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter until bubbly; let it cool slightly.
- Mix granulated and brown sugars into the melted butter until creamy. Add in the egg and mix well.
- Gradually stir in the flour, oats, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until just combined.
- Fold in chopped pecans and dried cranberries gently using a spatula.
- Drop rounded tablespoonfuls onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain soft. Let cool before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating chocolate chips or swapping cranberries for raisins. Chilling the dough before baking can enhance both flavor and texture.



