Christmas Cookies~ cranberry white chocolate oatmeal

I was in Amsterdam & Belgium this past week and they were in full Christmas swing! I’m talking Christmas markets, glühwein, lights on everything, and probably a thousand pine trees. You might think I'm exaggerating. I’m not- it’s actually that magical there (and, yes, before you ask I do have proof! It's just going to take a little time to organize the millions of photos I took before I can share them with you!) But, everyone knows that one of the best parts of the holiday season is the food. Cookies! Cakes! Icing! Oh my!

Surrounded by all those baked goods at the Christmas markets or, in Dutch, Kerstmarkts, I was inspired to share one of my favorite holiday cookie recipes with you!

They’re my tried and true Cranberry White Chocolate Oatmeal cookies.

I made these for the first time last year from a recipe I found on Genius Kitchen and my little cousin ate maybe 20 all by himself. (Sorry for outing you, Rodger.) Since then, they have become my go-to recipe because of their ease and guaranteed deliciousness. I have already made two batches this season! I sent a large box of them in a care package to my brother (they travel really well!) and whipped up a last minute batch for a closing night party. A party to which they almost didn’t make it! The cast couldn't stop snacking on them backstage between scenes and who can blame them? These cookies are the perfect mix of tart from the cranberries, nutty from the oatmeal, and sweet from the white chocolate. Have I sold them enough?

Find out how irresistible these cookies are by baking them for yourself and let me know how you like them (and how quickly they disappear from your cookie jar!) Scroll down for the recipe!

Cranberry White Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

INGREDIENTS:

3/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 large egg

1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups quick cooking oats, not instant!

3/4 cup dried cranberries

6 ounces white chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 375•F

In a large bowl, cream together sugar, brown sugar, and butter.

Add in egg and vanilla extract. Mix until combined .

Add cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and flour. Mix well.

Fold in the oatmeal, cranberries, and white chocolate chips until evenly distributed. For this step, be very gentle if you’re using a rubber spatula. I have lost a few good men to this step and I don’t want anyone to have that traumatic experience.

With a tablespoon (this is what I use!), melon baller, or if you’re fancy a cookie scoop, measure out your dough and place them on the greased cookie sheet about 3 inches apart. I like to use this method of “scooping” because it makes uniform cookies.

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. You know your oven better than anyone else so if it takes less time go with that!

Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack or right into your mouth. No judgement.