Name: Chewy Spiced Cranberry Cookies with Walnuts for Cozy Moments
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted Butter (Softened); 1 cup Brown Sugar (Packed); 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar; 2 large Eggs; 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract; 2 cups All-Purpose Flour; 1 teaspoon Baking Soda; 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cloves; 1 teaspoon Salt; 1 cup Dried Cranberries; 1 cup Chopped Walnuts

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As I stood in my warm kitchen, the sweet aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg enveloped me like a cozy blanket. I couldn’t help but feel the excitement of baking something special — Chewy Spiced Cranberry Cookies with Walnuts. With their delightful balance of tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts, these cookies promise a comforting treat that warms the soul. Plus, they come together quickly, making them perfect for busy days or surprise guests. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this beginner-friendly recipe will leave everyone craving more. Are you ready to fill your kitchen with joy and deliciousness? Let’s dive into making these irresistible cookies!

Why are Chewy Spiced Cranberry Cookies special?

Irresistible flavor: The combination of tart cranberries and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg creates a delightful experience with each bite.

Beginner-friendly: Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe requires minimal skills and basic ingredients, ensuring success every time.

Versatile treat: Perfect for holiday gatherings or afternoon tea; they also make lovely gifts when packaged creatively.

Quick to make: Whip them up in under an hour — ideal for those unexpected guest visits or when a sweet craving strikes!

For another easy yet delicious option, check out my Apple Cranberry Coleslaw for a refreshing side dish!

Chewy Spiced Cranberry Cookies with Walnuts Ingredients

• Get ready to bake these delightful cookies!

For the Dough

Unsalted Butter – Softened butter creates a creamy, rich base that makes the cookies light and fluffy.
Brown Sugar – This sugar adds moisture and a lovely caramel sweetness that keeps the cookies chewy.
Granulated Sugar – Balances out the brown sugar, contributing to crispy edges and helping the cookies spread perfectly.
Eggs – These bind the ingredients together while adding moisture and structure, essential for a great texture.
Vanilla Extract – A splash of vanilla enhances the sweetness and unifies the various flavors in the cookies.
All-Purpose Flour – The backbone of the dough, providing just the right amount of chewiness.
Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent, giving your cookies a gentle lift for that perfect bite.
Ground Cinnamon – Infuses a warm spice note that blends beautifully with the other flavors.
Ground Nutmeg – Adds a subtle nutty sweetness that complements the cinnamon splendidly.
Ground Cloves – Just a pinch of this spice introduces a bold complexity and elevates the flavor profile.
Salt – A little salt enhances the sweetness and rounds out the overall flavor, ensuring your cookies aren’t flat-tasting.

For the Sweet Additions

Dried Cranberries – These tangy bites provide tartness and chewy texture, contrasting beautifully with the sweetness.
Chopped Walnuts – Adding a delightful crunch and toasty flavor, walnuts enhance the texture of each cookie.

Feel free to adjust any ingredients to suit your taste, but don’t forget to enjoy these Chewy Spiced Cranberry Cookies with Walnuts fresh from the oven!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chewy Spiced Cranberry Cookies with Walnuts

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While your oven warms up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. This simple step sets the stage for your Chewy Spiced Cranberry Cookies with Walnuts to bake perfectly.

Step 2: Cream the Sugars and Butter
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3–4 minutes. You’re aiming for a light and fluffy mixture that has a pale color; this ensures your cookies will have that delightful chewy texture.

Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla
Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until fully incorporated. Then, pour in the vanilla extract and continue mixing until the batter is smooth and creamy. This ensures the flavors meld beautifully in your Chewy Spiced Cranberry Cookies with Walnuts.

Step 4: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt. The combination of these dry ingredients will create the right balance of flavors and texture, so ensure you whisk them well to avoid clumps before combining them with the wet ingredients.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to denser cookies. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable; the perfect foundation for your Chewy Spiced Cranberry Cookies with Walnuts.

Step 6: Fold in Cranberries and Walnuts
Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the dried cranberries and chopped walnuts until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. This ensures that each bite of your cookie has a delightful burst of tartness and crunch, enhancing the overall texture.

Step 7: Scoop the Cookie Dough
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This spacing allows the cookies to spread without merging while baking, ensuring you get perfectly shaped Chewy Spiced Cranberry Cookies with Walnuts.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the edges should be light golden brown, while the centers will look slightly soft. This contrast creates that irresistible chewy texture when the cookies cool down.

Step 9: Cool Down
After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This will allow them to firm up slightly while still being warm. Then, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they maintain their delightful chewy centers.

What to Serve with Chewy Spiced Cranberry Cookies with Walnuts

Indulging in the cozy delight of these chewy cookies invites the perfect opportunity to create a full comforting spread.

Rich Hot Chocolate: The sweet, velvety taste complements the cookies’ spices, making every bite feel like a warm hug on a chilly day.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop on the side creates a delightful contrast; the creaminess balances the spiced, chewy texture for the ultimate treat.
Chai Tea: Earthy flavors in chai meld beautifully with the spices in the cookies, enhancing the cozy experience while warming you from the inside.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A sprinkle of vibrant berry notes and refreshing citrus cuts through the sweetness, adding a burst of brightness alongside the cookies.
Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: Lightly dusting with cinnamon sugar before serving can elevate their flavor profile, enhancing the warmth already present within the cookies.
Maple Glazed Scones: Pairing these cookies with scones offers a variety of textures and flavors. The sweet glaze adds an additional layer of decadence that’s hard to resist.
Dessert Wine: A sweet dessert wine brings out the tartness of the cranberries, creating a sophisticated twist for dessert lovers.
Spiced Pumpkin Muffins: For a festive touch, these muffins harmonize perfectly with the flavors of the cookies and can be enjoyed as a cozy brunch option together.

Storage Tips for Chewy Spiced Cranberry Cookies with Walnuts

Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their chewy texture and keep them fresh.

Fridge: If you want them to last a bit longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container, though this may slightly alter their texture.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container or resealable bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes; this will revive their delightful chewiness in your Chewy Spiced Cranberry Cookies with Walnuts.

Chewy Spiced Cranberry Cookies with Walnuts Variations

Feel free to experiment with these delightful cookies to make them truly your own! Each twist adds an exciting new flavor or texture that will keep your taste buds on their toes.

Dried Fruit Swaps: Replace dried cranberries with raisins, chopped apricots, or even tart cherries for a unique fruity taste. Each fruit brings its character, making every batch a little different.
Nut Alternatives: If walnuts aren’t your favorite, try pecans or slivered almonds for a buttery crunch. The choice of nut can influence the richness and texture in delightful ways.
Chocolate Drizzle: For an indulgent touch, drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over cooled cookies. This adds a luxurious layer of flavor that sweet tooths will adore.
Citrus Zest: Incorporate some finely grated orange or lemon zest into the dough for a refreshing citrus note. This brightens the flavor profile and adds a lovely aromatic essence.
Add Oats: Stir in rolled oats (about 1 cup) to the dough for a chewy texture and wholesome twist. The oats provide a heartiness that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Spice Variation: Experiment with other spices such as ginger or cardamom for a different warm flavor. A hint of ginger can add a zingy pop that elevates your cookie game.
Reduce Sugar: For a lighter treat, reduce the sugar by ¼ cup or use a sugar substitute. Your cookies will remain tasty while being a tad bit healthier.
Flavored Extracts: Swap vanilla extract with almond or maple extract to give your cookies a pleasing aromatic twist. Each extract brings its own delightful flair that can surprise and please.

Now that you’re inspired to mix things up, don’t forget to check out my delicious Chocolate Chip Cookies for another sweet treat!

Expert Tips for Chewy Spiced Cranberry Cookies

Avoid Overbaking: Remove cookies from the oven while their centers are still soft to ensure maximum chewiness; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
Chill the Dough: Chilling the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking enhances chewiness and prevents excessive spreading on the baking sheet.
Proper Preheating: Always preheat your oven to the correct temperature; uneven baking can lead to cookies that are either too hard or too undercooked.
Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves elevate the flavor profile of your Chewy Spiced Cranberry Cookies, making them aromatic and delightful.
Add Mix-ins Wisely: While cranberries and walnuts are recommended, keep an eye on the balance. Feel free to substitute or add dried fruits or chocolate, but maintain proportions to avoid altering texture.
Measure Flour Accurately: For best results, spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag, which can compact the flour and lead to denser cookies.

Make Ahead Options

These Chewy Spiced Cranberry Cookies with Walnuts are a fantastic option for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by covering it tightly and refrigerating. Alternatively, you can scoop the uncooked dough onto baking sheets, then freeze the cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. This prep method ensures each cookie turns out just as delicious and chewy as if they were made fresh that day, making your busy weeknights a bit sweeter!

Chewy Spiced Cranberry Cookies with Walnuts Recipe FAQs

What type of cranberries should I use?
For this recipe, I recommend using dried cranberries, as their tartness complements the sweetness of the cookies beautifully. You can also use cranberries labeled as “craisins,” which have added sweetness. Just ensure they’re plump and free from dark spots to achieve the best flavor.

How should I store the cookies?
Absolutely! To keep your Chewy Spiced Cranberry Cookies with Walnuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you’d like to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks, but be aware this may alter their chewiness slightly.

Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze your cookies! Start by placing the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once they’re frozen solid (about 1-2 hours), transfer them to an airtight container or resealable bag. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature or warm them up in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

What should I do if my cookies spread too much?
If your cookies tend to spread more than desired, it may be due to softened butter. Always use butter that’s just at room temperature, not melted. Additionally, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking helps prevent excessive spreading. If all else fails, a little extra flour can help create a more stable dough.

Are these cookies suitable for a nut allergy?
These Chewy Spiced Cranberry Cookies with Walnuts contain nuts, so they’re not suitable for someone with a nut allergy. You can easily modify the recipe by omitting the walnuts or substituting them with seeds like sunflower seeds for a crunch without the allergens.

How do I tell when the cookies are done baking?
Watch for the edges to turn light golden brown while the centers still look soft; they will firm up as they cool. This typically takes about 10-12 minutes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). If you’re unsure, feel free to check a minute or two before the timer goes off to avoid overbaking.