Lemon Cranberry Oatmeal Almond Cookies

#### **Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will ensure that your cookies bake evenly and are easy to remove once done.

2. **Mix the Dry Ingredients**
In a medium bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This blend of dry ingredients sets the stage for your dough and helps balance the sweetness and texture.

3. **Cream the Butter and Sugars**
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step helps create a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture.

4. **Add the Wet Ingredients**
Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add the egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Beat until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the dough is smooth. The fresh lemon zest and juice will infuse the dough with a bright, refreshing citrus flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cranberries.

5. **Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients**
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. You want to ensure the dough remains tender and the oats don’t get too broken up.

6. **Add the Cranberries and Almonds**
Fold in the dried cranberries and sliced almonds, distributing them evenly throughout the dough. These two ingredients will add a nice contrast—chewy cranberries for a burst of sweetness and crunchy almonds for texture.

7. **Scoop the Dough and Bake**
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon to help them spread evenly as they bake.

8. **Bake the Cookies**
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown and the centers are just set. These cookies will stay soft and chewy, so don’t worry if they seem a bit underbaked in the center—once they cool, they’ll firm up nicely.

9. **Cool and Enjoy**
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. As they cool, the warm aromas of lemon, oats, and cranberries will fill your kitchen, making the wait all the more delicious.

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### **Why These Cookies Are the Perfect Treat**

These **Lemon Cranberry Oatmeal Almond Cookies** offer the best of both worlds: the heartiness of oatmeal cookies with the bright, tangy flavor of lemon, complemented by the chewy sweetness of dried cranberries and the satisfying crunch of almonds. It’s a cookie that feels fresh, yet cozy enough for the colder months.

They’re also an excellent option for those who want a dessert that’s not overly sweet but still packed with flavor. The lemon adds a zesty kick, while the oats give the cookies a chewy texture that keeps you coming back for more. Perfect with a cup of tea or coffee, they’re great for snacking or sharing with friends and family.

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### **Customize Your Cookies**

Feel free to get creative with these cookies:
– **Swap the cranberries for raisins or cherries** if you’re craving something different.
– **Add a handful of white chocolate chips** for a decadent twist.
– **Use a mix of nuts** like walnuts or pistachios for a unique texture.

These cookies are versatile, allowing you to experiment with different flavors and textures based on what you love!

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### **Final Thoughts**

If you’re looking for a cookie that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion, these **Lemon Cranberry Oatmeal Almond Cookies** are sure to become a family favorite. Their combination of tart lemon, sweet cranberries, and crunchy almonds in a chewy oat cookie is a delightful treat that will brighten any day.

Bake a batch (or two) and enjoy the cozy, comforting vibes that come with every bite!

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