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Looking for a tasty treat to kickstart your morning? These Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cookies are simple to make and bursting with flavor! With wholesome oats, dried cranberries, and a hint of orange zest, you will love the balance of sweet and tart. Perfect for busy mornings or a snack anytime, these cookies satisfy both your cravings and your health goals. Join me as we bake these delightful cookies, step by step!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Healthy Ingredients: These cookies are made with rolled oats and whole wheat flour, making them a wholesome breakfast option packed with fiber.
- Citrusy Flavor: The addition of orange zest gives these cookies a refreshing and vibrant flavor that pairs perfectly with the tartness of cranberries.
- Quick and Easy: With a prep time of only 10 minutes, these cookies are a hassle-free way to start your day on a sweet note.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out the nuts or add other mix-ins like chocolate chips or seeds to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
To make delicious cranberry orange breakfast cookies, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you should gather:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1 cup whole wheat flour
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
– 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– Zest of 1 orange
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
– 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional)
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 large egg
Each ingredient plays a role in making these cookies tasty and healthy. The rolled oats add fiber. Whole wheat flour gives a nutty flavor. Brown sugar adds sweetness and moisture. Coconut oil keeps them soft. Honey or maple syrup adds natural sweetness. Baking soda helps them rise. Salt enhances all the flavors. Orange zest gives a fresh, bright taste. Dried cranberries add sweetness and a chewy texture. Nuts add crunch and richness. Vanilla extract brings warmth. The egg binds everything together.
Gather these ingredients, and you will be ready to bake!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking.
2. Combine the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of rolled oats, 1 cup of whole wheat flour, 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir well until fully mixed.
3. Mix the wet ingredients. In another bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil, 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup, 1 large egg, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and the zest of 1 orange. Blend until smooth.
Finalizing the Cookie Dough
1. Combine the wet and dry ingredients. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.
2. Incorporate the cranberries and nuts. Gently fold in 1/2 cup of chopped dried cranberries and 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans if you like. Make sure they spread evenly in the dough.
Baking Process
1. Portion the dough. Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie.
2. Bake and cool. Slightly flatten each cookie with the back of a spoon. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a light golden brown. The centers should stay soft. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack.
Tips & Tricks
Baking Tips
To keep your cookies soft in the center, bake them for a shorter time. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature helps the cookies cook evenly. Remove them when the edges are golden, but the middle still looks soft. Let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes. This step helps keep them chewy.
Presentation Ideas
Serve your cookies on a bright orange plate. This adds a fun pop of color. Pair them with fresh fruit or creamy yogurt for a tasty breakfast. To make it sweeter, drizzle some honey over the warm cookies. This adds flavor and a nice touch.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you want a healthier sweetener, try using mashed banana or applesauce instead of brown sugar. For those who need a gluten-free option, swap whole wheat flour with almond flour or oat flour. Both make great alternatives and keep the cookies delicious.
Pro Tips
- Freshness Matters: Use fresh orange zest for the best flavor. The oils in the zest provide a bright, citrusy aroma that enhances the cookie’s taste.
- Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and results in a chewier texture.
- Nut Variations: Experiment with different nuts like almonds or pistachios for a unique twist. Toasting the nuts beforehand can also intensify their flavor.
- Storage Tips: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer freshness, freeze them in a zip-top bag.

Variations
Flavor Additions
You can easily change the taste with some fun spices. Try adding cinnamon or nutmeg to give warmth. These spices blend well with the orange flavor. You can also swap in different fruits. Blueberries make a nice tart burst. Dried cherries add sweetness and chewiness.
Textural Variations
To change the texture, consider using different nuts or seeds. Chopped almonds or sunflower seeds add a great crunch. You can also mix in chocolate chips for a sweet touch. If you love coconut, add coconut flakes for a tropical twist. Each option adds a new layer of fun.
Vegan Option
If you want a vegan version, it’s simple! You can swap the egg for a flaxseed egg. Just mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. For honey, use maple syrup for sweetness. These changes keep the flavor while making it vegan-friendly.
Storage Info
Storing Cookies
To keep your cranberry orange breakfast cookies fresh, proper storage is key. Place the cookies in an airtight container. This helps them stay soft and moist. You can stack them neatly, but don’t place hot cookies inside. Let them cool first. If you plan to eat them in a few days, store them at room temperature. For longer storage, consider the fridge.
Here are some best practices for storing cookies:
– Use a glass or plastic container. Glass works well to prevent moisture.
– Add a slice of bread. This keeps the cookies soft.
– Keep them away from heat. Store in a cool, dry place.
Freezing Instructions
Freezing is a great way to enjoy cookies later. You can freeze both the dough and the baked cookies. To freeze unbaked dough, scoop the dough onto a baking sheet. Make sure they are spaced out. Place the sheet in the freezer for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls into a zip-top bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
For baked cookies, let them cool completely first. Then, place them in an airtight container or a zip-top bag. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you want a cookie, just thaw it at room temperature.
Here are some quick steps for freezing:
– For unbaked dough: Freeze scooped dough on a baking sheet first, then bag.
– For baked cookies: Cool them before placing in bags or containers.
This way, you can enjoy delicious cranberry orange breakfast cookies anytime!
FAQs
Common Questions
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, you can make these cookies vegan. Replace the egg with a flax egg. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens. Also, use maple syrup instead of honey.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
These cookies stay fresh for about one week. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
You can use fresh cranberries, but the cookies may taste tart. Fresh cranberries have more moisture. You might need to adjust the sugar to balance the taste.
Nutritional Information
Caloric content per cookie
Each cookie contains about 130 calories. This can vary based on your additions, like nuts or sweeteners.
Breakdown of key nutrients
– Carbohydrates: 20g
– Protein: 2g
– Fat: 5g
– Fiber: 2g
These cookies provide a good balance of nutrients, thanks to the oats and nuts.
Troubleshooting Tips
What to do if cookies end up too dry or too moist?
If your cookies are too dry, add a splash of milk or water to the dough. Mix gently until you get a better texture. If they are too moist, add a bit more flour.
Remedies for uneven baking
If cookies bake unevenly, check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer. Make sure to rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking. This helps cookies cook evenly.
This post covers how to make delicious cookies from simple ingredients. We listed key ingredients and provided step-by-step instructions. You learned useful tips for baking, serving, and storing. We also shared variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
Baking can be fun and rewarding. With the right tips, anyone can enjoy these tasty treats. Try different flavors and enjoy your creation
Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cookies
Delicious and healthy breakfast cookies with a citrus twist.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 12 minutes mins
Total Time 22 minutes mins
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 2 teaspoon salt
- 1 zest of orange
- 1 2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1 4 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional)
- 1 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Mix well to combine.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, honey (or maple syrup), egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest until fully blended.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Gently fold in the chopped dried cranberries and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Use a tablespoon or a cookie scoop to portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Slightly flatten each cookie with the back of a spoon.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve the cookies on a bright orange plate to enhance the citrus theme. Drizzle honey over warm cookies for added sweetness.
Keyword breakfast, cookies, cranberry, orange
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