Chewy & Healthy: Oatmeal Dried Fruit Cookies Recipe (Step-by-Step Guide)
Oatmeal cookies are a timeless classic, and for good reason. They’re comforting, chewy, and relatively healthy – especially when you load them up with wholesome ingredients like oats and dried fruit. This recipe takes the traditional oatmeal cookie and elevates it with a generous helping of your favorite dried fruits, creating a truly irresistible treat. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying afternoon snack, a delicious dessert, or a homemade gift, these oatmeal dried fruit cookies are sure to be a hit.
This detailed guide will walk you through each step of the process, ensuring that your cookies turn out perfectly every time. We’ll cover everything from ingredient selection to baking tips, so even if you’re a novice baker, you can confidently create these delicious cookies.
## Why You’ll Love This Oatmeal Dried Fruit Cookie Recipe
* **Healthy and Wholesome:** Packed with fiber-rich oats and naturally sweet dried fruits, these cookies offer a healthier alternative to traditional sugary treats.
* **Customizable:** The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can easily swap out the dried fruits for your preferred flavors and textures.
* **Chewy and Delicious:** The combination of oats, butter, and brown sugar creates a wonderfully chewy texture that’s simply irresistible.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy equipment or complicated techniques.
* **Perfect for Any Occasion:** These cookies are perfect for afternoon tea, lunchboxes, holidays, or simply satisfying a sweet craving.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start baking, gather all the necessary ingredients. This will make the process smoother and prevent any last-minute scrambling.
* **1 cup (2 sticks) Unsalted Butter, Softened:** Softened butter is crucial for creating a tender and chewy cookie. Make sure it’s at room temperature but not melted. If you need to soften butter quickly, you can cut it into small cubes and let it sit out for about 30 minutes, or microwave it in short bursts (5-10 seconds at a time) until softened, being careful not to melt it.
* **¾ cup Packed Light Brown Sugar:** Brown sugar adds a moistness and caramel-like flavor to the cookies. Light brown sugar is preferred, but dark brown sugar can be used for a more intense molasses flavor.
* **½ cup Granulated Sugar:** Granulated sugar provides sweetness and helps create a slightly crispy edge.
* **2 Large Eggs:** Eggs bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cookie’s structure and texture. Use large eggs at room temperature for the best results.
* **1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract:** Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the cookies. Use pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
* **1 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour:** All-purpose flour provides the structure for the cookies. Be careful not to over-measure the flour, as this can result in dry cookies. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
* **1 teaspoon Baking Soda:** Baking soda helps the cookies rise and creates a light and airy texture.
* **1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon:** Cinnamon adds warmth and spice to the cookies. You can adjust the amount to your liking.
* **½ teaspoon Salt:** Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **3 cups Rolled Oats (Old-Fashioned Oats):** Rolled oats provide the signature chewy texture and wholesome flavor of oatmeal cookies. Use old-fashioned oats for the best results. Avoid using instant oats, as they will not provide the same texture.
* **1 ½ cups Dried Fruit, Chopped:** This is where you can get creative! Choose your favorite dried fruits or a combination of several. Some popular options include raisins, cranberries, cherries, apricots, dates, and figs. Make sure to chop the dried fruit into small pieces so that they are evenly distributed throughout the cookies. Consider soaking tougher dried fruits like dates or figs in warm water for 10-15 minutes to soften them before chopping.
* **Optional: ½ cup Chopped Nuts:** If desired, add chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds for extra flavor and texture. Toasting the nuts lightly before adding them to the dough will enhance their flavor.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **Large Mixing Bowl:** For mixing the wet and dry ingredients.
* **Electric Mixer (Handheld or Stand Mixer):** To cream the butter and sugar together.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Baking Sheets:** For baking the cookies.
* **Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats:** To prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheets.
* **Cookie Scoop (Optional):** For creating uniform cookies.
* **Wire Rack:** For cooling the cookies.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients and equipment ready, let’s start baking!
**1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets:**
* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure your oven rack is positioned in the center of the oven.
* Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
**2. Cream Together Butter and Sugars:**
* In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Creaming the butter and sugar incorporates air into the mixture, which helps create a light and tender cookie.
* Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly mixed.
**3. Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract:**
* Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Make sure the eggs are fully incorporated into the mixture before adding the vanilla extract.
* Stir in the vanilla extract until combined.
**4. Combine Dry Ingredients:**
* In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisking ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which helps prevent lumps and ensures that the baking soda is properly incorporated.
**5. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients:**
* Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in tough cookies. Mix until the flour is just incorporated, and then stop mixing.
**6. Stir in Oats, Dried Fruit, and Nuts (If Using):**
* Stir in the rolled oats, chopped dried fruit, and chopped nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold in these ingredients. Make sure everything is well combined.
**7. Scoop and Arrange Cookies on Baking Sheets:**
* Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. If you don’t have a cookie scoop, you can use a spoon to measure out the dough. Try to make the cookies as uniform in size as possible so that they bake evenly.
**8. Bake the Cookies:**
* Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the cookies. They should be slightly soft in the center when you take them out of the oven, as they will continue to set as they cool.
**9. Cool the Cookies:**
* Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the cookies to firm up slightly and prevents them from breaking when you move them.
**10. Enjoy!**
* Once the cookies are completely cool, they are ready to be enjoyed! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
## Tips for Perfect Oatmeal Dried Fruit Cookies
* **Use Room Temperature Ingredients:** Room temperature ingredients blend together more easily, resulting in a smoother and more consistent dough.
* **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Overmixing the dough develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough cookies. Mix until the flour is just incorporated.
* **Chill the Dough (Optional):** Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much and create a chewier texture. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it.
* **Use Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats:** These prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheets and make cleanup easier.
* **Don’t Overbake the Cookies:** Overbaked cookies will be dry and hard. Bake them until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set but still slightly soft.
* **Cool Completely Before Storing:** Cooling the cookies completely before storing them prevents them from becoming soggy.
* **Experiment with Different Dried Fruits and Nuts:** The possibilities are endless! Try different combinations of dried fruits and nuts to create your own unique flavor combinations.
* **Add Chocolate Chips:** For an extra decadent treat, add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough.
* **Adjust Sweetness to Taste:** If you prefer a less sweet cookie, you can reduce the amount of sugar slightly.
## Variations and Customizations
The great thing about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own signature oatmeal dried fruit cookies.
* **Different Dried Fruit Combinations:**
* **Tropical:** Dried mango, pineapple, and coconut flakes.
* **Berry Blast:** Dried cranberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
* **Mediterranean:** Dried apricots, figs, and dates.
* **Classic Raisin Spice:** Just stick with raisins but add a pinch of nutmeg and cloves to complement the cinnamon.
* **Nutty Variations:**
* **Walnut & Raisin:** A classic combination that provides great texture and flavor.
* **Pecan & Cranberry:** A festive and delicious pairing.
* **Almond & Apricot:** A sophisticated and subtly sweet combination.
* **Spice It Up:**
* **Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies:** Add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger and ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves to the dry ingredients.
* **Cardamom Oatmeal Cookies:** Add ½ teaspoon of ground cardamom to the dry ingredients for a warm and aromatic flavor.
* **Add a Glaze:**
* A simple powdered sugar glaze can add a touch of sweetness and elegance to the cookies. Mix powdered sugar with a little milk or lemon juice until you reach your desired consistency and drizzle over the cooled cookies.
## Serving Suggestions
These oatmeal dried fruit cookies are delicious on their own, but they can also be enjoyed in a variety of other ways.
* **With a Glass of Milk:** A classic pairing that’s perfect for a cozy afternoon snack.
* **With Coffee or Tea:** The warm and comforting flavors of the cookies complement coffee and tea perfectly.
* **As a Dessert:** Serve them after dinner with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
* **In a Lunchbox:** A healthy and satisfying treat for kids and adults alike.
* **As a Homemade Gift:** Package the cookies in a pretty tin or box for a thoughtful and delicious gift.
## Storage Instructions
To keep your oatmeal dried fruit cookies fresh and delicious, store them properly.
* **Room Temperature:** Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent the cookies from drying out.
* **Freezer:** For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 2 hours, or until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply place the cookies at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
## Oatmeal Dried Fruit Cookies Recipe Card
**Yields:** Approximately 24 cookies
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 10-12 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) Unsalted Butter, Softened
* ¾ cup Packed Light Brown Sugar
* ½ cup Granulated Sugar
* 2 Large Eggs
* 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
* 1 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour
* 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
* 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
* ½ teaspoon Salt
* 3 cups Rolled Oats (Old-Fashioned Oats)
* 1 ½ cups Dried Fruit, Chopped
* Optional: ½ cup Chopped Nuts
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Stir in oats, dried fruit, and nuts (if using).
7. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, leaving space between cookies.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are golden brown and centers are set.
9. Let cookies cool on baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy!
## Nutrition Information (per cookie, approximate):
* Calories: 150-200
* Fat: 7-10g
* Saturated Fat: 4-6g
* Cholesterol: 30-40mg
* Sodium: 50-70mg
* Carbohydrates: 20-25g
* Fiber: 2-3g
* Sugar: 10-15g
* Protein: 2-3g
*Note: Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
## Final Thoughts
These oatmeal dried fruit cookies are a delicious and satisfying treat that you can feel good about eating. They’re packed with wholesome ingredients and are easy to customize to your liking. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of these irresistible cookies. Enjoy!