Candied Orange Oatmeal Cranberries are the perfect balance of sweet, chewy, and citrus-bright flavors that make every bite feel special. These cookies combine hearty oats, tart cranberries, and vibrant orange zest into a soft, bakery-style treat that feels both comforting and refreshing.
If you love homemade cookies with texture and natural fruit flavor, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Candied Orange Oatmeal Cranberries Recipe
This Candied Orange Oatmeal Cranberries recipe stands out for so many reasons:
- The fresh orange flavor adds a bright twist to classic oatmeal cookies
- Chewy cranberries create the perfect sweet-tart balance
- Oats provide hearty texture and a wholesome feel
- Simple pantry ingredients make it easy to prepare
- Perfect for holidays, bake sales, or everyday snacks
These cookies feel cozy like traditional oatmeal cookies but taste lighter and more refreshing thanks to the citrus notes.
Ingredients for Candied Orange Oatmeal Cranberries
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious cookies.
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-Ins
- ¾ cup dried cranberries
- ⅓ cup chopped candied orange peel
Ingredient Notes and Healthy Swaps
- Butter substitute: You may use coconut oil or plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
- Flour swap: Try whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier flavor.
- Reduced sugar option: Decrease sugar slightly and use extra orange zest for natural sweetness.
- No candied peel? Simmer fresh orange peel in orange juice with a small amount of sugar until tender.
This Candied Orange Oatmeal Cranberries recipe does not contain alcohol or pork ingredients, making it naturally family-friendly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make perfect Candied Orange Oatmeal Cranberries every time.
Step 1 – Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2 – Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step creates a soft and tender cookie texture.
Step 3 – Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the egg, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Stir until fully combined and smooth.
Step 4 – Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and rolled oats.
Step 5 – Mix Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
Step 6 – Fold in Cranberries and Orange
Carefully fold in the dried cranberries and chopped candied orange peel. This ensures even distribution of flavor.
Step 7 – Scoop and Bake
Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave space between cookies.
Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still look slightly soft.
Step 8 – Cool and Serve
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use fresh orange zest for the strongest citrus flavor
- Do not overbake; cookies continue firming as they cool
- Chill dough for 20 minutes if you prefer thicker cookies
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats for best texture
- Chop candied orange peel finely for even flavor distribution
Flavor Variations
Want to customize your Candied Orange Oatmeal Cranberries?
- Add white chocolate chips for extra sweetness
- Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch
- Add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth
- Replace cranberries with dried cherries
- Drizzle with a light orange glaze
Serving Suggestions
Candied Orange Oatmeal Cranberries pair beautifully with:
- Hot tea or coffee
- Warm milk
- A holiday dessert platter
- Lunchbox treats
- Afternoon snack boards
They also make thoughtful homemade gifts during festive seasons.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
To freeze baked cookies, place them in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
To freeze cookie dough, scoop portions onto a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to baking time.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 165 |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 75 mg |
FAQ About Candied Orange Oatmeal Cranberries
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, but the texture will be softer and less chewy. Rolled oats provide better structure and heartiness.
Can I make Candied Orange Oatmeal Cranberries gluten-free?
Yes. Use certified gluten-free oats and substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
This can happen if the butter is too soft or the dough is too warm. Chilling the dough before baking helps control spreading.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, but reducing sugar too much may affect texture. You can reduce slightly and increase orange zest to maintain flavor balance.
How do I make the orange flavor stronger?
Add extra zest rather than extra juice. Zest contains concentrated citrus oils that enhance flavor without changing dough consistency.
Final Thoughts
Candied Orange Oatmeal Cranberries are a refreshing twist on traditional oatmeal cookies. The bright citrus flavor combined with chewy cranberries and hearty oats creates a wonderful balance that feels both cozy and vibrant.
Whether you bake them for family gatherings, holidays, or everyday treats, this Amazing Fresh Treat will always impress.
Print
Candied Orange Oatmeal Cranberries – Amazing Fresh Treat
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Candied Orange Oatmeal Cranberries are chewy oatmeal cookies bursting with fresh orange zest and sweet-tart cranberries.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup chopped candied orange peel
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in egg, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla.
4. Whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and oats in separate bowl.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients gently.
6. Fold in cranberries and candied orange peel.
7. Scoop dough onto baking sheet.
8. Bake 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
9. Cool before serving.
Notes
Use fresh orange zest for best flavor.
Do not overbake to keep cookies soft.
Chill dough if cookies spread too much.
Store in airtight container up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
