There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the kitchen. And when those cookies happen to be Oatmeal Cranberry Coconut Pecan cookies, you know you’re in for a real treat.
These morsels bring together the wholesome goodness of oats, the sweet tang of cranberries, the tropical flair of coconut, and the nutty richness of pecans in each delectable bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup rolled oats: Rolled oats add a hearty texture and nutty flavour to the cookies.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: All-purpose flour serves as the main structural component in the cookies, giving them a soft and tender texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Baking powder acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Baking soda also acts as a leavening agent and helps the cookies achieve a desirable spread during baking.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Salt enhances the flavour of the cookies by balancing out the sweetness and other flavours.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Butter adds richness, moisture, and flavour to the cookies.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Granulated sugar provides sweetness to the cookies and helps with browning during baking.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Brown sugar contributes to the moistness and chewiness of the cookies.
- 1 large egg: The egg acts as a binding agent, holding the dough together and providing structure to the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla extract adds a warm and aromatic flavour to the cookies, enhancing their overall taste.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: Dried cranberries bring a tart and slightly sweet flavour to the cookies.
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut: Shredded coconut adds a tropical twist to the cookies, providing a delicate coconut flavour and a pleasant texture.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans: Chopped pecans offer a delightful crunch and a nutty flavour to the cookies.
Equipment Needed:
- Mixing bowls: Mixing bowls are essential for combining the dry and wet ingredients.
- Whisk or fork: Whisks or forks effectively blend the dry ingredients, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Electric mixer or stand mixer: Electric mixers, such as hand-held or stand mixers, are incredibly helpful for creaming the butter and sugars together.
- Baking sheets: Baking sheets provide a flat surface for placing the cookie dough and allow for even heat distribution during baking.
Step-by-Step Guide: Oatmeal Cranberry Coconut Pecan Cookies Instructions
Here’s a step-by-step guide on How to prepare Oatmeal Cranberry Coconut Pecan Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. In a separate mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating well until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture until just combined. Finally, fold in the dried cranberries, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans.
Step 2: Shape the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Using a spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Gently flatten each dough mound with a spoon or your fingers.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown. The centres may still appear slightly soft but will firm up as they cool.
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes.
Tips for the Perfect Oatmeal Cranberry Coconut Pecan Cookies
- For extra chewiness, soak the dried cranberries in warm water for a few minutes before adding them to the dough.
- Experiment with different types of nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, to add a personal touch to the cookies.
- Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the cookies gluten-free.
- If you prefer a slightly sweeter taste, use sweetened shredded coconut instead of unsweetened.
- Don’t overbake the cookies; they should still be slightly soft in the centre when you remove them from the oven.
- Enjoy the cookies with a glass of milk or a hot cup of tea for the ultimate indulgence.
Nutritional Benefits of Oatmeal Cranberry Coconut Pecan Cookies
These cookies are a wholesome snack option, from the fibre-rich oats to the antioxidant-packed cranberries, the healthy fats in coconut, and the heart-healthy nutrients found in pecans.
1. Oats
Oats are a nutritional powerhouse, providing dietary fibre that aids digestion, regulates blood sugar levels, and promotes a feeling of fullness.
They also contain beta-glucan, a soluble fibre known for its cholesterol-lowering properties.
2. Cranberries
These vibrant berries are rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body against oxidative stress and promote overall health.
Cranberries are also known for their anti-inflammatory properties and are a good source of vitamins C and E.
3. Coconut
Coconut adds a tropical twist to the cookies and offers healthy fats, including medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). MCTs are easily absorbed and can provide a quick source of energy.
Coconuts also provide essential minerals like manganese and copper.
4. Pecans
Pecans bring delightful crunch and heart-healthy benefits to the cookies. They are rich in monounsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Pecans also provide plant sterols, antioxidants, and essential nutrients such as manganese and zinc.
Oatmeal Cranberry Coconut Pecan Cookies Is Best Served With?
These cookies are delicious and pair well with various beverages and accompaniments.
- Warm Milk
- Freshly Brewed Coffee
- Hot Tea
- Chai Latte
- Vanilla Ice Cream
- Greek Yogurt
- Apple Cider
- Spiced Pumpkin Latte
- Fruit Smoothie
- Warm Spiced Cider
- Dark Hot Chocolate
- Almond Milk
- Orange Juice
- Green Smoothie
- Whipped Cream
- Peanut Butter
- Maple Syrup
- Caramel Sauce
- Honey
- Cream Cheese Frosting
Storage Tips for Oatmeal Cranberry Coconut Pecan Cookies
For days you can’t devour your cookies at a sitting, below are some ways to keep it consumable for more days.
- Airtight is the Way: Choose an airtight container to store your cookies. This will help keep them fresh and prevent moisture or air from getting in. Opt for glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids.
- Layer with Care: To prevent your cookies from sticking together, place a layer of parchment or wax paper between each cookie layer in the container. This makes it easy to grab a cookie without any mess.
- Find a Cool and Dry Spot: Store your cookies in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Excessive heat can make the cookies go soft or lose their crunchiness.
- Consider Freezing: If you want to extend the shelf life, freezing is a great option. Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. Frozen cookies can be stored for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying them.
- Soft and Crunchy Separation: If your batch includes soft and crunchy cookies, store them separately. Soft cookies can absorb moisture from crunchy ones, compromising their texture. Keep them in different containers for optimal freshness.
Are Oatmeal Cranberry Coconut Pecan Cookies Healthy?
Oatmeal cranberry coconut pecan cookies can be a healthier option than traditional cookies. They contain nutritious ingredients like oats, cranberries, coconut, and pecans, which provide dietary fibre, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. However, they should still be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Can I Substitute any of the Ingredients in the Recipe?
Baking is all about experimentation. Feel free to customize the recipe to your liking. You can swap the cranberries for raisins or dried cherries, use different types of nuts like almonds or walnuts, or even add some chocolate chips for an extra indulgent twist. Be creative and have fun.
Can I Make Oatmeal Cranberry Coconut Pecan Cookies Gluten-free?
Yes, you can make gluten-free oatmeal cranberry coconut pecan cookies by using certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for regular flour. Plenty of gluten-free flour options are available, such as almond flour, oat flour, or a gluten-free all-purpose flour mix.
Can I Freeze Oatmeal Cranberry Coconut Pecan Cookie Dough?
Freezing oatmeal cranberry coconut pecan cookie dough is convenient for freshly baked cookies whenever desired. Shape the dough into individual cookie balls, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container.
When you’re ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as usual, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
How Long Can I Store Baked Oatmeal Cranberry Coconut Pecan Cookies?
Baked oatmeal cranberry coconut pecan cookies can stay fresh for up to one week when stored properly in an airtight container. However, they are usually at their best within the first few days after baking, when they maintain their crispness and flavour.
Can I make Oatmeal Cranberry Coconut Pecan Cookies Vegan?
To make oatmeal cranberry coconut pecan cookies vegan-friendly, you can replace ingredients like eggs and butter with suitable alternatives. Instead of eggs, you can use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with three tablespoons water per egg) or applesauce.
And for the butter, try using coconut oil or vegan margarine. Make sure to choose vegan-friendly versions of other ingredients like chocolate chips or sweeteners if needed.
Oatmeal Cranberry Coconut Pecan Cookies
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or fork
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Baking sheets
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. In a separate mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating well until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture until just combined. Finally, fold in the dried cranberries, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Using a spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each dough mound with a spoon or your fingers.
- Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown. The centres may still appear slightly soft but will firm up as they cool. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes.
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Conclusion
Whether you’re a fan of the chewy oats, the tangy cranberries, the tropical hints of coconut, or the satisfying crunch of pecans, these cookies have it all. They offer a delightful combination that’s hard to resist.
So, the next time you find yourself craving something sweet, whip up a batch of oatmeal cranberry coconut pecan cookies. They’re perfect for any occasion, from cosy nights to social gatherings with friends and family.
Remember to store them properly using our handy storage tips to maintain their freshness and taste. And most importantly, enjoy every bite. Indulge in the flavours, savour the textures, and let these cookies bring a smile to your face.
