Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Cranberry~Apple Cider Oatmeal Cookies

Pumpkin patches are abundant in our landscape now, but here in the Pacific Northwest, there are two other crops we associate with Fall--apples and cranberries.  Our state has led the country in apple production since the 1920s and it's no wonder with our favorable climate conditions. In addition to apples, cranberries, which are one of the three fruits indigenous to the North America, are grown in both Washington and Oregon (as well as, Massachusetts and New Jersey).  Those flavours are what I associate with the changing season and what I chose to include in an oatmeal cookie just perfect for afternoon tea or sharing with your children after school to hear about their day.

Cranberry~Apple Cider Oatmeal Cookies
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup light (or dark) firmly packed brown sugar
4 T Boiled Cider *











1 large egg
2 tsp. vanilla extract
3 cups Old Fashioned Oatmeal (don't use the Quick-Cook)
1 1/4 cups King Arthur all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. salt
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup lightly toasted pecans, chopped

* If you want to make your own boiled cider--place 4 cups of apple cider in a 2 quart sauce pan.  On medium/low heat, cook the cider slowly reducing it down to about 1/2 to 3/4 cup.  The consistency should resemble maple syrup when you're done.  Cool completely before adding the 4 tablespoons to the cookie batter.  Boiled cider is also a wonderful addition to apple pie filling!

Preheat oven to 325F-degrees.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
In a stand mixer, using the paddle attachment, cream the butter, brown sugar, and boiled cider.  Scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary.  Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat again to combine.

Add the remaining ingredients and mix on low speed to combine.  Use a 2-3Tablespoon Scoop to measure out the dough onto the baking sheet, spacing about 2-inches apart.  Bake in the preheated oven for 13-15 minutes, until golden brown and the cookies are completely set (no "wetness" on top). 
Cool about 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a rack to cool completely.  These cookies pack a lot of Fall flavour and sure to be a winner.  
One of my favorite things to give (and send to the grands) are cookies.  Creating your packaging to match the season just makes it even more special.  Enjoy! 

32 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. ...and they'd be perfect with a cup of tea while quilting during these fall days:-D

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  2. I love apple and cranberries together, in apple pie/crumble and baked apples...delish! Thanks for another great recipe that I can veganise!
    Jane x

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    1. I'm with you Janie...apples and cranberries just go together perfectly!

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  3. I LOVE your little gift bags filled with cookies. You should be selling them!
    That's a great fall cookie recipe. My kids would love it.

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    1. I believe...presentation is everything! Thank you, dear friend for your lovely thoughts. XOXO

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  4. Oh my, Susan. Those look and sound delicious. And the bags are adorable, too. Great job! Thanks, too, for all your visits and comments to my blog. Susan

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    1. Susan, they'd go perfect with your Fall table setting, don't you think!

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  5. YUM!! I have to make these for Matty!

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    1. There will be some in the mail for my favorite Techie:-D

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  6. Yum! I agree apples and cranberries are a perfect match.
    stamping sue
    http://stampingsueinconnecticut.blogspot.com/

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    1. They'd make a great stamping snack dear friend, XOXO

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  7. I didn't realize cranberries were grown in the Pacific Northwest. Also didn't know a cider reduction was available commercially. I always learn so much from your blog. Thanks!

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    1. Me either until we moved here, but they are fantastic and I love have fresh ones for Thanksgiving whole berry sauce:-D

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  8. what a great recipe for fall and Thanksgiving- and Christmas really! Wonderful and I am printing it out!

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    1. They were so good, I made another batch today!

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  9. These look wonderful Susan. Cranberries and apples are so yummy together. I love how you package your gifts! So creative! xoxo ♥
    Martha Ellen

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    1. So simple, but I think it's all about the presentation; something I learned when I was in Japan. Even a package of gum is wrapped up beautifully!
      The tart apple cider is a great addition that I wish I had thought of before--sleepless nights lead to the most unusual ideas:-D

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  10. These cookies sound sooooo goooood, Susan! We are still in the 90s, but I can't wait for Oct and Nov. :) I'm wondering whether I could do the same thing with hard cider and make a syrup? ;;;) Seriously, it's time for apple and pumpkin desserts and cookies! Glad you're back, cuz we missed you. Lv, me

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  11. Unfortunately, I think the hard cider "alcohol" would burn off and you'd still have just boiled cider, but then, I'm not the booze expert...that would be you, my dear XOXO

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    1. Ah, but if I used cranberry hard cider...Imagine the possibilities! :)

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    2. Oh I can--I'll be on the lookout for your post:-D

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  12. Now I have never heard of boiled cider. Fascinating! My state has recently come into the cranberry business in addition to the blueberry fields. We do have a lot of wild cranberries so it would seem logical. These cookies sound yummy.

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    1. Think of it like an extract--intense flavor by adding just a little bit! I love it in my apple pies and now I use it in other baked goods. Thank you for stopping by Vee and letting me know about the word verification! XOXO

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  13. wow! yum! i love these autumny cookies, and how special they look in their own labeled bag. you are the best grandma susan!

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    1. Ari should receive his tomorrow with a wonderful book (illustrated by Knatolee) as a little surprise. Being a grammy is the best job I've ever had--along with motherhood:-D

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  14. Yum–a perfect cookie for fall!

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  15. HOnestly, your recipes are going to lure me back into the kitchen! I started cooking when I was very young, because I was an only child with a single, working mother. I got a little burned out and haven't been doing much cooking or baking in the past year (hubby has, because he likes it!) But your recipes make me want to get back in there!

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    1. Thank you Natalie--it's the memory of baking with my mother that lures me and I love to share, just like she did:-)

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  16. These look amazing! Oatmeal cookies were always my favorite and this look especially tasty! Happy Fall!

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  17. These would be perfect for my afternoon tea!

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