Cranberry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies: A Chewy, Nutty, and Sweet Treat

If you love soft, chewy oatmeal cookies, these Cranberry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies are going to be your new favorite! With sweet and tart dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and hearty oats, these cookies are the perfect balance of texture and flavor.

Whether you’re making them for a holiday cookie exchange, a cozy weekend treat, or meal prepping for snacks, these wholesome, delicious cookies are guaranteed to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

✔️ Soft & Chewy – The perfect thick, soft texture with just the right chew.
✔️ Sweet & Nutty – The cranberries add a tart sweetness, and pecans add crunch.
✔️ Easy to Make – Just mix, scoop, and bake!
✔️ Great for Meal Prep – These cookies store and freeze well.
✔️ A Healthier Alternative – Oats make these cookies heartier and more wholesome.

The Secret to the Best Oatmeal Cookies

1. Use Old-Fashioned Oats, Not Quick Oats

Old-fashioned oats give cookies the best chewy texture, while quick oats can make them too soft.

2. Brown Sugar for the Perfect Chewiness

Brown sugar keeps the cookies soft and adds a rich, caramel-like depth.

3. Toast the Pecans for Extra Flavor

Toasting pecans before mixing them into the dough enhances their nutty richness.

4. Chill the Dough for 30 Minutes

For cookies that don’t spread too much, chilling the dough helps firm up the butter and lets flavors develop.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookies:

1 cup butter (2 sticks), softened
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3 cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor!)

How to Make Cranberry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prep the Baking Sheets

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Cream the Butter & Sugars

In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.

Step 4: Stir in Oats, Cranberries, & Pecans

Gently fold in the oats, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans.
Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes (optional but recommended).

Step 5: Scoop & Bake

Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 6: Enjoy!

Serve warm or store for later!

How to Store & Freeze Oatmeal Cookies

Storing Leftovers:

🍪 Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Freezing Instructions:

❄️ Freeze baked cookies – Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
❄️ Freeze cookie dough – Scoop dough onto a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes.

Fun Variations & Add-Ins

1. White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Cookies 🍫

Stir in ½ cup white chocolate chips for a sweet, creamy contrast.

2. Dark Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies 🍫

Add ¾ cup dark chocolate chunks for an extra rich bite.

3. Orange Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies 🍊

Add 1 tablespoon orange zest for a bright citrus twist.

4. Maple Pecan Oatmeal Cookies 🍁

Swap brown sugar for ¾ cup maple syrup and add ½ teaspoon maple extract.

5. Healthy Cranberry Pecan Cookies 🥥

Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar.
Substitute half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce.

What to Serve with Cranberry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies

These cookies are delicious on their own, but here are some tasty pairings:

🥛 A cold glass of milk – The classic pairing!
☕ Coffee or hot chocolate – Perfect for a cozy treat.
🍨 With ice cream – Make an oatmeal cookie ice cream sandwich!
🍎 With apple slices – A sweet and crunchy combo.

Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Oatmeal Cookie Recipe

Cranberry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies are the perfect mix of chewy, crunchy, sweet, and tart. Whether you’re making them for holiday baking, meal prep snacks, or just because you’re craving something homemade, this easy cookie recipe always delivers.

Try them out and let me know—what’s your favorite way to enjoy oatmeal cookies?