Cranberries show up in nearly every grocery store or produce market in November. Cranberries added to breads, muffins, jells, and sauces, are a healthy choice. Recently I drove through west-central Wisconsin and could not pass up the roadside stands at local, family owned, cranberry bogs. So what do to do with five pounds of fresh berries? Some went to sauce for the Thanksgiving table, some were put in the freezer, and some found their way into this cookie recipe. The fresh cranberries add a slightly tart bite. Cookies with fresh cranberries are a nice change from cookies with dried cranberries. Soft and chewy, these oat-filled cookies are delicious. Dress them up with a drizzle of my honey icing* or eat them just as they are. Give them a try for Thanksgiving, or any time!
1+ 1/4 cup fresh cranberries – roughly chopped
1 + 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups rolled oats
2 eggs
1-cup butter or margarine
½ cup granulated sugar
2/3-cup packed brown sugar
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking soda
1-teaspoon vanilla
¾ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
2-teaspoons orange zest
Cream the eggs and butter until completely smooth. Add the white and brown sugar and blend until smooth. Add the salt and baking soda and mix well. Add spices, vanilla, and orange zest. Blend in the flour, one-half at a time. Mix in the cranberries and stir well. Add the oats, one cup at a time. Being careful to completely incorporate them into your cookie dough. Preheat your oven to 350˚. Line cookie pans with parchment paper. Place the dough mounds, about 2-tablespoons each, three inches apart. I like to use a small cookie scoop for uniform cookies and even baking. Bake 10 – 12 minutes or until just lightly brown. Remove to cooling racks and enjoy. This makes about 3 dozen, three-inch cookies.
*Honey Icing: In a warm bowl add one tablespoon honey. Stir in powdered sugar until you reach the consistency you want. I usually add about 1/4 cup powdered sugar for a thin icing to dazzle in a zigzag pattern over each cookie. Adding water rather than honey will allow your drizzle to harden.
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