Delicious Dried Cherry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Welcome to my kitchen, where I whip up some of the best chewy oatmeal cookies you’ll ever sink your teeth into. The recipe I’m sharing today is one dotted with tart dried cherries and toasted pecans — and trust me when I say, it’s a match made in cookie heaven.
Why oatmeal cookies, you ask? Well, for starters, they’re incredibly versatile. You can sprinkle in different flavor combinations and still come out with a delicious snack that’s not too sweet or overpowering. Plus, the chewy texture gives them an added oomph that keeps you coming back for more.
And who doesn’t love biting into a cookie with pockets of chewy dried cherries and crunchy pecans? It’s like taking a mini vacation in every bite. These cookies are perfect for snacking on during a midday break or sharing with friends over coffee or tea.
But don’t just take my word for it. I encourage you to give this peeps dried cherry pecan oatmeal cookies recipe a try and experience the taste explosion for yourself. So put on that apron, have some fun in the kitchen, and let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re like me, you can’t resist a warm, chewy oatmeal cookie fresh out of the oven. And these Peeps’ Dried Cherry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies recipe are no exception. In fact, they’re even better because they have the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess from the dried cherries, the satisfying crunch from the pecans, and the heartiness of old-fashioned oats.
But why should you choose this recipe over any other oatmeal cookie recipes out there? For starters, these cookies are the best chewy oatmeal cookies I’ve ever had. The texture is spot on thanks to the combination of dry ingredients, including baking soda and all-purpose flour, which ensures that each bite is perfectly soft and chewy.
Moreover, this recipe uses both dark and light brown sugar along with granulated sugar to sweeten up these cookies without overpowering them with sweetness. So they make a perfect treat for those who don’t want something too sweet.
The use of unsalted butter also adds a depth of flavor that elevates these cookies to another level. It’s subtle but noticeable and pairs perfectly with vanilla extract to give these cookies that extra pop of flavor.
Finally, these cookies are incredibly versatile. They can be served as an indulgent snack, a healthy breakfast treat, or as part of any dessert spread. They even pair well with a hot cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon pick-me-up.
In short: if you’re looking for a perfect combination of nutty, tartness in a satisfyingly chewy cookie, then make sure to try out these Peeps’ Dried Cherry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies recipe. They won’t disappoint!
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to make Peeps’ Dried Cherry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies:
- Old Fashioned Oats: These add a lovely chewy texture to the cookies.
- All-Purpose Flour: Acts as a base for the recipe and provides structure to the cookies.
- Baking Soda: Necessary for leavening and creating a lighter texture in the cookies.
- Salt: A necessary ingredient to enhance the flavors in this cookie recipe.
- Cinnamon: Adds a cozy, homey flavor to these cookies.
- Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter so it can be creamed together easily with the sugars.
- Dark Brown Sugar, Light Brown Sugar, and Granulated Sugar: The combination of these three sugars will create a perfectly balanced sweetness and soft, chewy texture in the cookies.
- Vanilla Extract: Gives these cookies a warm vanilla aroma and flavor.
- Eggs: Helps with binding all ingredients together in the dough.
- Dried Cherries and Pecans: These are the star ingredients that add flavor, texture, and character to these oatmeal cookies.
Enjoy making this delicious cookie recipe!
The Recipe How-To
This recipe makes 24-36 cookies, depending on the size you prefer. Here’s how you can make these delicious Peeps’ Dried Cherry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies:
Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
Toast the pecans
Next, toast 1 cup of chopped pecans in a dry skillet until they are lightly browned and fragrant. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Stir them regularly and be careful not to burn them.
Mix dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. Mix in 3 cups of old fashioned oats.
Melt the butter
Melt 2 sticks of unsalted butter (16 tablespoons) in a small saucepan over medium heat until it turns brown, about 5-10 minutes. Stir it occasionally to prevent burning. Then remove from heat and let it cool for a bit.
Mix Wet ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together 2 eggs, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, 3/4 cup light brown sugar, 3/4 cup dark brown sugar, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until smooth.
Combine and Chill the dough
Add the cooled melted butter into the wet ingredients gradually while whisking. Then add the dry ingredients mixture slowly into the wet ingredients mixture while stirring.
Fold in the toasted pecans and 1 cup dried cherries until just combined. Do not overmix. Let the dough chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour or up to overnight.
Bake and Cool
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Flatten them slightly with your hand. Bake for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden brown around the edges. Cool them on the pan for a few minutes then move them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Now your deliciously chewy Peeps’ Dried Cherry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies are ready to eat! Be warned, these cookies will be devoured quickly so you might need to make an extra batch.
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to baking, substitutions and variations are part of the fun! Here are a few ideas for swapping out ingredients or adding some extra flavor to this cherry pecan oatmeal cookie recipe:
– Dried Cranberries: If you’re not a fan of dried cherries, try using dried cranberries instead. They’ll still provide a tart burst of flavor, but with a slightly different taste profile.
– Almonds: Swap out the pecans for almonds, or use a mix of both for a nuttier flavor.
– Raisins: For those who prefer raisins in their cookies, go ahead and use them instead of dried cherries.
– White Chocolate Chips: Add some sweetness with white chocolate chips in place of the dark chocolate chunks.
– Cardamom: Try adding a teaspoon of ground cardamom to the dough for added complexity and aroma.
– Ginger: A half teaspoon of ground ginger can add a touch of warmth and spice to these cookies.
Remember that any substitutions or additions may alter the texture and taste, so don’t be afraid to experiment until you find what works best for you. And you never know – your creative alterations might just become your new favorite cookie recipe!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing these Peeps’ Dried Cherry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies, I recommend serving them with a glass of ice-cold milk or a hot cup of tea or coffee. The subtle sweetness of the dried cherries and the nutty crunch of the pecans complement the chewy texture of the oatmeal cookies making them a delightful treat that will leave you craving more.
If you want to take your cookie game up a notch, consider dipping them in melted dark chocolate or white chocolate for an extra indulgent touch that is sure to impress your guests. You can also crumble these cookies over a bowl of vanilla ice cream for a quick and delicious dessert idea.
For those who prefer something more adventurous, try pairing these cookies with some tangy cheese such as cheddar or even blue cheese. The contrast between the savory cheese and sweet cookie will create an explosion of flavors in your mouth that will leave you wanting more.
These Peeps’ Dried Cherry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s for a snack or dessert, served at a party, or just for indulging yourself, they are versatile enough to pair well with various beverages and foods, making them an excellent choice for all types of foodies out there.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
These Peeps’ Dried Cherry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies are delicious straight out of the oven, but they also keep very well for several days. If you want to make them ahead of time, there are several options for storing and reheating.
To store the cookies, let them cool to room temperature, then place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature. You can also freeze the cookies for longer storage, for up to 3 months. To do this, wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
If you want to reheat the cookies, simply take them out of the container or freezer and let them come to room temperature for about 1-2 hours. This will ensure that they are the perfect consistency and texture.
Alternatively, you can heat up the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until they are heated through. Be sure not to overbake them or they will become too crispy.
Another fun way to enjoy these cookies is by turning them into cookie bars! If you have any leftover cookies, simply crumble them up and press them down into a buttered baking dish. Bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes until golden brown and set.
No matter how you decide to store or reheat these Peeps’ Dried Cherry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies, they are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them!
Tips for Perfect Results
To make the perfect Peeps’ Dried Cherry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies, there are a few tips and tricks that you should keep in mind. These tips will ensure that your cookies turn out chewy, flavorful, and perfectly textured.
Firstly, when measuring your ingredients, be sure to use the accurate amount specified in the recipe. Baking is a science, and even a small measurement error may result in an undesirable outcome. Therefore, I recommend using a kitchen scale to measure out ingredients such as flour, sugar, and oats accurately.
Secondly, don’t overmix the dough. Overmixing can lead to gluten development and result in tough cookies. Mix only until the ingredients are well combined and stop when you see no visible pockets of dry ingredients.
Thirdly, chill the dough before baking. Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps it firm up and prevents excessive spreading during baking. When shaping the dough into balls, try using a cookie scoop for quick and easy shaping with uniform size.
Moreover, try different nut substitution options or add peanut or walnut within your recipe to create moist texture-cookies or sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top of the cookies just before baking for that satisfying sweet and salty taste twist.
Finally, do not overbake these cookies! Bake them until they are golden brown but still slightly soft to the touch in the center. The residual heat will continue cooking them for a few minutes after you take them out of the oven. Allowing them to rest on the sheet pan for 10 minutes before moving them onto wire racks is also essential as this allows the cookies to set up correctly without collapsing or breaking apart.
By following these tips closely, you’ll be able to bake Peeps’ Dried Cherry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies like a pro every time!
FAQ
Before we conclude, let’s take some time to cover some frequently asked questions about the Peeps’ Dried Cherry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies Recipe. It’s essential to address any queries you may have about this recipe to ensure that your baking experience is trouble-free and seamless. In this section, I’ll answer the most common questions about these delicious cookies.
Why are my oatmeal cookies too soft?
Before starting, it’s important to verify that the fat content in the spread you will be using is at least 70%. Avoid using low-fat spreads or margarines as they contain more water which can cause the cookies to puff up due to steam. It’s crucial to keep an eye on the water content.
Why are oatmeal cookies hard?
One mistake to avoid during cookie baking is overmixing the dough, as this can lead to tough and chewy cookies. If your recipe doesn’t specify the use of an electric mixer, it’s best to combine dry ingredients using a wooden spoon. Also, it’s crucial to measure the dry ingredients correctly by avoiding directly scooping them from the container as this can cause them to become compacted in the measuring cup.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying treat, I highly recommend trying this Peeps’ Dried Cherry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies recipe. Not only are they perfect for a snack or dessert, but they’re also great for sharing with friends and family. The combination of tart dried cherries, toasted pecans, and old fashioned oats make these cookies chewy and flavorful. Additionally, the substitution and variation options allow you to personalize the recipe to your liking.
Whether you’re a baking beginner or an experienced chef, these cookies are easy to make and can be stored for future enjoyment. Plus, the addition of cinnamon and vanilla extract gives them a warm and comforting flavor that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and see why oatmeal cookies will always be a classic favorite amongst many.
Peeps’ Dried Cherry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon (I sometimes use more)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old fashioned oats (the instant work as well but I prefer the additional chewy texture that the course oats give)
- 1 cup pecans, chopped and toasted
- 1 cup dried cherries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Cream together butter and sugars for 2 minutes or very light and fluffy.
- Add in eggs and vanilla and mix until well combined.
- Mix in cinnamon, flour, baking soda, and salt until just beginning to combine.
- Add oatmeal, pecans and cherries and mix until combined.
- Drop onto cookie sheets by tablespoonfuls or 1/4 cupfuls
- Bake 12 minutes for the smaller cookies or 15 for the larger size.
- Cool 3 minutes on pan and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container 3 days or in freezer in a plastic storage bag.
- Note: using 1/2 butter and 1/2 shortening will extend the counter life another day or 2 but the flavor is better with all butter.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.