Simple to Make, Chewy Oatmeal Cookies with Craisins and White Chips

There’s something magical about homemade cookies fresh out of the oven. Our unique recipe for Chewy Oatmeal Cookies with Craisins and White Chips adds a delightful twist to the classic oatmeal cookie, making it a standout treat for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for the perfect holiday cookies or a year-round favorite, these delicious cookies will have everyone coming back for more.
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Why You’ll Love These Cookies
These white chocolate cranberry oatmeal cookies are a great recipe for anyone who craves a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The sweetness of white chocolate chips pairs wonderfully with the tartness of dried cranberries, all wrapped in the warm, comforting embrace of oatmeal and molasses.
Not only do these cookies taste amazing, but they’re also easy to make with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Let’s dive into the recipe and show you why these cookies deserve a spot on your baking list.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to bake cookies that are soft, chewy, and irresistibly delicious:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ tablespoons molasses
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (we recommend Bob’s Red Mill for the best results)
- ½ cup dried cranberries (such as Ocean Spray Craisins)
- ½ cup white chips (Ghirardelli is a favorite!)

Instructions for Perfect Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure your cookies bake evenly and release easily.

Step 2: Prepare the Butter Mixture
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a wooden spoon or electric mixer. Once the mixture is light and fluffy, add the applesauce, vanilla extract, and molasses. Stir a little bit at a time until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This flour mixture ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients with Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until a smooth dough forms. Then combine oats, dried cranberries, and sweet white chocolate chips. The result should be a dough that’s well-mixed and slightly sticky.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop 1-inch oatmeal cookie dough rounds onto the lined baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake the cookies for 15-17 minutes, or until they are golden brown around the edges.

Step 6: Cool on a Wire Rack
Let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely. This step ensures the cookies maintain their chewy perfect texture.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter is softened and your eggs (if using an alternative) are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Plastic Wrap for Dough: If you’re prepping the dough ahead of time, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- Freezer-Friendly: These cookies freeze beautifully! Place cooled cookies in a freezer bag or airtight container and freeze for up to three months.

Why These Cookies Are Perfect for Any Special Occasion
The combination of white chips and dried cranberries gives these cookies a bright look and flavor, making them ideal for parties, family gatherings or a holiday treat. Their chewy texture and warm spices give them a unique flavor that is sure to stand out. Plus, they’re easy to bake in large batches for cookie exchanges or gift boxes.
Variations to Try
- Dark Chocolate Swap: Replace white chips with dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Nutty Twist: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy element.
- Spiced Up: Increase the cinnamon or add a pinch of nutmeg for a spicier kick.
Storing Your Delicious Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, use a freezer bag to freeze the cookies, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Why Oatmeal Cookies Stand Out
Oatmeal cookies are a great recipe to personalize, perfect for creating your own special cookie that people beg you to bring to every event. Adding unique ingredients like white chips and dried cranberries takes this classic treat to the next level, offering a balance of flavors and textures that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Final Thoughts
Our Chewy Oatmeal Cookies with Craisins and White Chips are arguably the perfect cookie blend of comforting tradition and exciting flavors. This great recipe is easy to follow and yields cookies that are perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to the holiday season.
With just a few pantry staples and a little baking magic, you can create delicious cookies that everyone will love. If you are looking for another delicious cookie recipe, check out our yummy Thumbprint Cookies. Happy baking!

Simple to Make, Chewy Oatmeal Cookies with Craisins and White Chips
Ingredients
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
- ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ tablespoons molasses
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup white chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Mix Butter Mixture: In a large bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light. Stir in applesauce, vanilla extract, and molasses.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Fold in oats, cranberries, and white chips.
- Scoop and Bake: Scoop 1-inch rounds onto the prepared cookie sheet. Bake for 15-17 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool on Rack: Let cookies cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Personalization: Add nuts or swap white chips for dark chocolate.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Dough Storage: Refrigerate covered with plastic wrap for up to 24 hours before baking for enhanced flavors.