Desserts are always a long and arduous conversation in my house. Not because we can’t decide whether to make something; it’s more we can’t decide what to make.

To start, my fiance has a very long list of desserts I’m forbidden from making for other people. This always turns into a heated discussion and ends with me making multiple batches of whatever was in question.

Next, I only make dessert when I’m craving something sweet or for other people. In both instances, it is nearly impossible for me to decide on what to make based on the nature of those two questions. What does so-and-so like? How much time do I have? Do I want chocolate-based, cookie-based, or something entirely different? The questions are never ending. It will often take me days to decide on something; and by that time, I’m either too busy or too lazy to actually bake something.

Fortunately for me, when it was time for my fiance’s birthday and I needed a baked good to help celebrate, I knew exactly what to do… oatmeal cookies. These flavor-packed treats are a favorite of his, are really easy to make, and I always have the ingredients lying around the house. It’s win-win… win… triple win!

I snagged a simple oatmeal cookie recipe from all recipes which you can view here and then added the appropriate amount of cranberries and white chocolate chips. You can use your favorite oatmeal cookie recipe if you would like; this works with any recipe. Finally, if any of you have your own variations you would like me to try and review, please post them in the comments!

Ingredients:

1 cup (226 g) butter, softened

1 cup (130 g) granulated sugar

1 cup packed (160 g) dark brown sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

2 cups (275 g) AP flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

3 cups (315 g) quick cooking oats

1 cup cranberries

1/2 cup white chocolate chips

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.

In a large bowl, whisk together the butter and both types of sugar.

Add the eggs and vanilla, and whisk until well combined.

Add the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon and mix together until well combined.

Finally, add the oats, cranberries, and chocolate chips. Again, mix until well combined. I like to use my hands for this part. The dough is so craggy and loose that kneading it together with your hands seems the only way to get it to fully incorporate.

Roll the dough into 1 in balls, then flatten them into thick discs and place onto a cookie sheet 2 inches apart.

Place in the oven and bake 8-10 minutes, until the edges begin to turn golden brown. Remove from the heat and cool on a rack for 10 minutes before eating or storing them. The cooling helps ensure they don’t fall apart.

Mmmmm, they look so delicious… I’m going to go eat one now.