Cranberry Walnut Oatmeal Cookies with Lemon Zest

# Cranberry Walnut Oatmeal Cookies with Lemon Zest: A Tangy, Nutty Twist on a Classic

When you think of **oatmeal cookies**, you likely imagine chewy, sweet treats with a hearty texture. But have you ever tried adding a burst of citrusy **lemon zest**, a handful of **cranberries**, and a sprinkle of **walnuts**? If not, you’re in for a delightful surprise! **Cranberry Walnut Oatmeal Cookies with Lemon Zest** are an irresistible twist on the classic oatmeal cookie, offering a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors in every bite.

These cookies are more than just a snack—they’re a sensory experience. The combination of **wholesome oats**, **dried cranberries**, **crunchy walnuts**, and **fresh lemon zest** brings together contrasting flavors and textures that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you enjoy them with your morning coffee, as an afternoon treat, or for a special occasion, these cookies are sure to impress.

## Why You’ll Love Cranberry Walnut Oatmeal Cookies with Lemon Zest

### 1. **Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tart**
The **dried cranberries** add a tartness that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the oatmeal base, while the **lemon zest** enhances the brightness of the cranberries. Together, they create a refreshing, vibrant flavor profile that’s anything but ordinary.

### 2. **Nutty and Textured**
The addition of **walnuts** provides a crunchy contrast to the chewy oats, giving the cookies a satisfying texture. Whether you’re a fan of nuts or not, the walnuts complement the other ingredients perfectly, making each bite feel more substantial.

### 3. **Simple Yet Flavorful**
This recipe requires **simple ingredients** that you likely already have in your pantry. It’s a straightforward recipe that doesn’t take long to prepare, but the result is an indulgent, flavorful cookie that feels like a special treat.

### 4. **Wholesome Ingredients**
Oats, walnuts, and cranberries all come with their own set of health benefits. **Oats** are rich in fiber and can help support digestion, **cranberries** are packed with antioxidants, and **walnuts** provide healthy fats and protein. While these cookies are still a sweet treat, they offer a little extra nutrition compared to typical cookies.

### 5. **Great for Any Occasion**
These cookies are versatile and work for any occasion—from casual afternoons to holiday gatherings. Their combination of textures and flavors makes them a standout treat that’s sure to spark conversation.

## Ingredients for Cranberry Walnut Oatmeal Cookies with Lemon Zest

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious cookies:

– 1 ½ cups **old-fashioned rolled oats**
– 1 cup **all-purpose flour**
– ½ teaspoon **baking soda**
– ½ teaspoon **ground cinnamon**
– ¼ teaspoon **salt**
– 1 cup **unsalted butter**, softened
– ¾ cup **brown sugar**, packed
– ¼ cup **granulated sugar**
– 1 large **egg**
– 1 teaspoon **vanilla extract**
– 1 tablespoon **lemon zest** (about 1 lemon)
– ½ cup **dried cranberries**
– ½ cup **walnuts**, chopped (or more if desired)

## Step-by-Step Instructions for Cranberry Walnut Oatmeal Cookies with Lemon Zest

### Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your **oven** to **350°F (175°C)**. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup easier.

### Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the **flour**, **baking soda**, **ground cinnamon**, and **salt**. Set this mixture aside.

### Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened **butter** with the **brown sugar** and **granulated sugar** using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about **2-3 minutes**.

### Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
Add the **egg** and **vanilla extract** to the butter-sugar mixture, beating until fully incorporated. Next, add the **lemon zest**, mixing just until it’s combined. The zest will bring a wonderful citrus fragrance that will infuse the dough with its bright flavor.

### Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the cookies.

### Step 6: Add the Oats, Cranberries, and Walnuts
Stir in the **old-fashioned rolled oats**, **dried cranberries**, and **chopped walnuts**. This step should be done by hand to ensure the cranberries and walnuts are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

### Step 7: Scoop the Dough
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Be sure to leave about **2 inches** of space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly as they bake.

### Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about **10-12 minutes**, or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges. The centers will look slightly soft, but they will firm up as they cool.

### Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheets for **2-3 minutes** before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. These cookies are best enjoyed warm, but they will store well for several days in an airtight container.

## Tips for Perfect Cranberry Walnut Oatmeal Cookies with Lemon Zest

1. **Use Old-Fashioned Oats**: For the best texture, be sure to use **old-fashioned rolled oats**, not instant oats. They will give the cookies a chewy, hearty texture that is characteristic of oatmeal cookies.

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