My father-in-law is a connoisseur of the oatmeal cookie. Well, that and carrot cake. He eats oatmeal on a regular basis for breakfast and will sometimes crack a raw egg into it. That's right. A raw egg. In short, I've deduced he's essentially trying to eat oatmeal cookie dough for breakfast. It's an interesting approach and respectful endeavor but I'll stick with the baked stuff : )
The usual oatmeal cookie that I bake is a Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookie with Dried Cranberries and Nuts from (surprise surprise) America's Test Kitchen. Don't let those "awesome" pictures fool you from that post... those cookies are wicked good. The real pull is the gooey chocolate chunks that create craters of indulgence. I am 110% believer that chocolate chunks are better than measly chips!
This round, I decided to switch it up and try a new oatmeal cookie recipe. These cookies were made to kill two birds with one stone: a birthday treat for my father in-law and a lovely addition to a baked goods basket being donated for a Nepal Relief fundraiser. It was my husband's stroke of genius; the recipe made more than enough cookies to go around and could rest in the fridge until needed. Super efficient.
I started gathering ingredients and that's when I did the double take. This recipe for oatmeal cookies... has no chocolate chips or chunks. Nada. What madness is this? @.@ Rest assured; the kids from Baked: New Frontiers in Baking know what they're doing.
This recipe plays its cards wisely with dark brown sugar and dried cherries to ensure just enough sweetness without overpowering the palette. It finds the line and stops right on the edge. The result is a cookie that doesn't make you feel insanely guilty. The slight tartness of the cherry is a refreshing change of pace from the traditional raisin. You can use your nut of choice but we stuck with walnuts for their subtle flavor.
As for the crowd pleasing, I heard no complaints! It was agreed though that it's not right to compare these cookies to the America's Test Kitchen recipe; it's like apples and oranges. The lack of chocolate chips creates a whole new perspective. If you're looking for something a little less decadent and more cozy, these Oatmeal Cherry Nut Cookies are for you.
As for the crowd pleasing, I heard no complaints! It was agreed though that it's not right to compare these cookies to the America's Test Kitchen recipe; it's like apples and oranges. The lack of chocolate chips creates a whole new perspective. If you're looking for something a little less decadent and more cozy, these Oatmeal Cherry Nut Cookies are for you.
The recipe for these delicious Oatmeal Cherry Nut Cookies can be found in Baked: New Frontiers in Baking. Top with a touch of honey if you're feeling mischievous and enjoy with some tea.
