Simple Little Moments

With the holidays quickly approaching, it has got me inspired to think about what I’m going to make for people this year. Over the years, my husband and I have been really intentional about cutting back on store-bought gifts. Last year, I experimented with a bunch of different cookie recipes and gave each person on my list a sample of all the cookies I made.

Without any exceptions, these Chewy Chocolate Chip Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies were the favorite of every single person! My siblings, in-laws, parents, and even my little nieces and nephews all absolutely adored these deliciously Chewy Chocolate Chip Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies.

Jump to Recipe

I originally found this recipe on Chef Dennis Littley’s website, but made a few tweaks that I think made the cookies even better than the originals.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

These chewy chocolate chip cranberry oatmeal cookies are everything you want in a homemade treat: soft in the center, perfectly golden on the edges, and packed with the coziest mix of flavors. The oats give them a hearty, chewy texture, the chocolate chips melt into little pockets of sweetness, and the dried cranberries add a tart, chewy pop that makes each bite feel special. They’re the kind of cookie that tastes like home — simple, comforting, and just a little nostalgic. Whether you’re baking for your family, a holiday gathering, or to stock the cookie jar for the week, these cookies come together quickly and disappear even faster. You’ll love them for their balance of sweetness, texture, and that irresistible hint of cranberry that makes them unique.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• All-purpose flour
• Dried cranberries (craisins)
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Old-fashioned whole rolled oats
• Unsalted butter
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Large eggs
• Ground cinnamon
• Baking soda
• Table salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350℉ and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
2. Add the room-temperature butter and brown sugar to a large bowl and cream the butter until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes), scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, whip at low speed until light and fluffy.
4. Add the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon to the mixture and mix until the dry ingredients are fully combined.
5. Add the oats and cranberries to the mixture.
6. Fold the ingredients in by hand, mixing just enough to incorporate.
7. Scoop about two tablespoons of dough for each cookie and place them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, 2-3 inches apart.
8. Place the cookie sheet on the center rack of the preheated oven and bake for 7-10 minutes or until slightly golden.
9. Repeat the process until all of the cookie dough has been used. Keep the cookie dough refrigerated while waiting to bake.
10. Let the chewy oatmeal cookies cool on the pan for 2-3 minutes, then carefully move them to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Tips for Perfect Cookies Every Time

• Use old-fashioned rolled oats instead of instant oats
• Use dried cranberries instead of fresh cranberries

Storage & Freezing Instructions

Once the cookies have cooled completely, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. To freeze, transfer them to an airtight container with parchment or wax paper between the layers. They can be kept frozen for up to three months.

Printable Recipe Card

Final Thoughts

These chewy chocolate chip cranberry oatmeal cookies are the kind of treat that brings a little comfort to even the busiest days. They’re simple to make, endlessly cozy, and full of textures and flavors that keep you reaching for just one more. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday platter (like me!), a weekday pick-me-up, or a sweet moment to share with someone you love, they deliver every time.

Keep this recipe in your back pocket—you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.

I’d love to know if you made this recipe. Let me know by leaving a comment.