Nothing brings warmth and comfort to the holiday season like the smell of freshly baked cookies. These Christmas Casserole Cookies are perfect for spreading festive cheer and delighting your loved ones with a sweet treat that combines classic holiday flavors. Packed with the goodness of dried fruits, nuts, and aromatic spices, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive into this easy and delightful recipe that will fill your home with the aroma of Christmas magic.
**Christmas Casserole Cookies**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup dried cranberries
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– 1 cup old-fashioned oats
– Optional: white chocolate chips for drizzling
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until well combined.
6. Fold in the dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and old-fashioned oats until evenly distributed in the cookie dough.
7. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
9. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Optional: Melt white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and drizzle over the cooled cookies for an extra festive touch.
These Christmas Casserole Cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday gathering or simply to enjoy by the fireside with a cup of hot cocoa. The combination of cranberries, pecans, and spices creates a symphony of flavors that evoke the spirit of the season. Whether you gift them to friends or savor them with your family, these cookies are bound to become a beloved tradition in your home. Enjoy the festive joy of baking and sharing these delicious cookies during the most wonderful time of the year.