Oatmeal Cherry Pecan Cookies

Oatmeal Cherry Pecan Cookies is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Helen Rennie on YouTube.

Prep: 43 min | Cook: 33 min | Total: 1 hr 31 min

Cost: $9.26 total, $1.16 per serving

Ingredients

  • 84 g Unsalted Butter (Brown the butter for flavor; 80% fat, 20% water)
  • 0.25 tsp Ground Cinnamon (Adds warm spice to the dough)
  • 100 g Dark Brown Sugar (Provides chewiness and caramel flavor)
  • 50 g Granulated White Sugar (Creates crisp edges)
  • 84 g Neutral Oil (Canola or Grapeseed) (Keeps cookies chewy; added after butter)
  • 1 piece Large Egg (Use straight from the fridge)
  • 1 piece Egg Yolk (Adds extra richness)
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (Pure vanilla preferred)
  • 142 g Unbleached All-Purpose Flour (Provides structure; measure on a scale)
  • 4 g Salt (Enhances flavor; about 3/4 tsp)
  • 0.5 tsp Baking Soda (Helps cookies spread and brown)
  • 250 g Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats (Do not use instant or extra‑thick oats)
  • 100 g Dried Tart Cherries (Soak in warm water 5 min, then drain and pat dry)
  • 50 g Pecans, Chopped (Adds crunch; optional)

Instructions

  1. Soak Dried Cherries

    Place the dried tart cherries in a bowl, cover with warm water and let sit for 5 minutes. Drain and pat dry with paper towels, separating any that clump together.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Brown the Butter

    Add 84 g unsalted butter to a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk continuously to release steam and prevent splatter. Cook until the butter turns a deep amber‑brown color and releases a nutty aroma, about 7 minutes.

    Time: PT7M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  3. Combine Butter, Cinnamon and Sugars

    Transfer the hot brown butter to a large heat‑proof bowl. Add ¼ tsp ground cinnamon, 100 g dark brown sugar, 50 g granulated white sugar, and 84 g neutral oil. Whisk until the sugars are fully coated and the mixture resembles wet sand.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Add Egg, Yolk and Vanilla

    Add 1 large egg, 1 egg yolk, and 1 tsp vanilla extract to the bowl. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Prepare Dry Ingredients

    In a medium bowl, combine 142 g unbleached all‑purpose flour, 4 g salt, and ½ tsp baking soda. Whisk together, then sift through a fine mesh sieve to remove lumps.

    Time: PT3M

  6. Mix Wet and Dry, Add Oats and Fruit

    Add the sifted dry mixture to the butter‑egg mixture. Stir until just combined, then fold in 250 g rolled oats, the soaked cherries, and 50 g chopped pecans. Ensure the oats are fully coated.

    Time: PT4M

  7. Rest the Dough (Optional)

    Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes to allow the oats to hydrate.

    Time: PT20M

  8. Preheat Oven

    Preheat the oven to 375 °F (190 °C) with the rack positioned in the middle of the oven.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 375°F

  9. Portion and Shape Cookies

    Divide the dough into 45 g portions (about 20 portions). Roll each portion into a ball, then gently press with your hand to flatten slightly.

    Time: PT5M

  10. Bake

    Place up to one sheet of cookies on a parchment‑lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 4 minutes, rotate the sheet front‑to‑back, then bake an additional 4–5 minutes until edges are golden brown and centers are still soft.

    Time: PT9M

    Temperature: 375°F

  11. Cool

    Allow the cookies to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them with a spatula to a cooling rack to cool completely.

    Time: PT7M

  12. Store or Freeze

    Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze unbaked dough portions in a Ziploc bag; bake from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes to the bake time.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
120
Protein
2 g
Carbohydrates
18 g
Fat
5 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains nuts, Contains dairy

Allergens: Eggs, Milk, Tree nuts, Gluten

Last updated: April 6, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Oatmeal Cherry Pecan Cookies

Recipe by Helen Rennie

A simple, no‑mixer oatmeal cookie recipe inspired by Cook's Illustrated. Brown butter and a splash of neutral oil give the cookies a deep, caramel‑like flavor and a delightfully chewy interior, while crisp edges are achieved with a mix of brown and white sugars. Dried tart cherries and pecans add a burst of tartness and crunch. The dough can be portioned and frozen for fresh‑baked cookies anytime.

EasyAmericanServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
47m
Prep
30m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 27m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$9.26
Total cost
$1.16
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Brown the butter to a deep amber color without burning.
  • Do not over‑mix the dough after adding the dry ingredients.
  • Bake until edges are golden but centers remain soft; they will finish cooking off the heat.
  • Cool cookies on a rack to prevent soggy bottoms.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot butter can splatter; whisk continuously to prevent burns.
  • Handle the hot baking sheet with oven mitts.
  • Do not leave the oven unattended while the cookies finish baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of oatmeal cookies in American holiday baking?

A

Oatmeal cookies have been a staple of American home baking since the early 20th century, prized for their hearty texture and ability to incorporate pantry staples like oats, dried fruit, and nuts. During the holidays they are often served as a comforting, nostalgic treat that pairs well with coffee or tea.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of oatmeal cookies in the United States?

A

In the United States, variations include classic oatmeal raisin, oatmeal chocolate chip, and regional twists like New England cranberry‑oat cookies or Southern pecan‑sweetened oatmeal cookies. Each version reflects local ingredient preferences and seasonal produce.

cultural
Q

How is the authentic traditional way to serve these brown butter oatmeal cookies in American holiday gatherings?

A

They are typically served at room temperature on a platter alongside coffee, tea, or hot cocoa. For an extra festive touch, dust the tops with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzle with a thin glaze of melted chocolate.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are oatmeal cookies traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

Oatmeal cookies are popular at Christmas, Thanksgiving, and family reunions, as they can be made ahead and stored. They also appear at school bake sales and community potlucks because they travel well and stay fresh.

cultural
Q

What makes these brown butter chewy oatmeal cookies special or unique in American cookie cuisine?

A

The browned butter adds a deep, nutty caramel flavor that ordinary oatmeal cookies lack, while the addition of neutral oil keeps the interior chewy. Soaking tart dried cherries gives a bright contrast to the sweet dough, and the optional pecans add crunch.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making brown butter chewy oatmeal cookies?

A

Common errors include burning the butter, over‑mixing the dough after adding the flour, and baking too long. Burnt butter gives a bitter taste, while over‑mixing creates tough cookies. Watch the edges for golden brown and remove the cookies while the centers are still soft.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use neutral oil in addition to butter instead of using only butter?

A

The oil adds moisture that stays liquid at room temperature, preventing the cookies from drying out and keeping the interior taffy‑like and chewy, whereas butter alone can firm up and make the cookie crumb harder.

technical
Q

Can I make these brown butter oatmeal cookies ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. After baking, let the cookies cool completely and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked dough balls in a zip‑top bag and bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the bake time.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the brown butter chewy oatmeal cookies are done?

A

The edges should be golden‑brown and slightly crisp, while the centers remain pale, soft, and slightly puffy. The cookies will firm up as they cool on the rack but retain a chewy interior.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Helen Rennie specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Helen Rennie focuses on approachable home‑cooking tutorials, often highlighting classic comfort foods, holiday treats, and technique‑focused tips that require minimal equipment.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Helen Rennie's approach to American baking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Helen Rennie emphasizes simplicity—no mixers or food processors—and provides clear, step‑by‑step explanations that make even classic recipes like oatmeal cookies accessible to beginners, whereas many other channels rely on more advanced equipment or elaborate plating.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Banana, Chocolate and Pecan Cookies
5

Banana, Chocolate and Pecan Cookies

Moist cookies made with very ripe banana, studded with large chocolate chunks and crunchy pecan nuts. Ideal for a snack, anti-waste and ultra simple to make.

4 hrs 14 minServes 17$8
American
Pumpkin cookies with chestnut flour, chocolate and pecans
21

Pumpkin cookies with chestnut flour, chocolate and pecans

Soft cookies made with pumpkin puree, subtly flavored with chestnut flour, studded with large chunks of dark chocolate and crunchy pecans. Perfect for autumn, to enjoy with tea or coffee.

4 hrs 57 minServes 8$12
French
Easy Oatmeal Cookies
10

Easy Oatmeal Cookies

Super‑easy oatmeal cookies that kids and families love. Made with rolled oats, a touch of butter, a single egg, and optional chocolate chips or dried fruit. The recipe is adapted from Marissa’s “Día a día con Marissa” video and yields about 20 soft‑chewy cookies.

40 minServes 20$4
Mexican
Homemade Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pie Cookies
26

Homemade Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pie Cookies

A copycat version of the classic Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pie, featuring ultra‑soft, slightly chewy oatmeal‑molasses cookies sandwiched with a fluffy marshmallow‑style filling. The recipe mimics the original’s subtle molasses‑raisin flavor while adding a hint of warm spice and a golden hue from turmeric. Makes 12 sandwich cookies (24 individual cookies).

1 hr 39 minServes 12$6
American
Gluten‑Free Shortbread Pecan Cookies
11

Gluten‑Free Shortbread Pecan Cookies

Crisp, buttery shortbread cookies made with almond flour, coconut oil and chopped pecans. Naturally gluten‑free and sweetened with a low‑glycemic sugar substitute, these Mexican‑inspired treats are perfect for a healthy snack or a light dessert.

3 hrs 37 minServes 12$10
Mexican
Pecan Shortbread Cookies
12

Pecan Shortbread Cookies

A buttery, crumbly shortbread cookie packed with toasted pecans and a hint of vanilla (optional almond) extract. No leavening, eggs, or shortening needed—just butter, flour, sugar, salt, and pecans. Makes about 12 cookies, perfect for holidays or any time you crave a classic shortbread with a nutty twist.

1 hrServes 6$4
American
Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies
15

Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies

A big‑handed, chewy chocolate chip cookie loaded with crunchy pecans. The secret is properly creaming butter with brown and white sugar, a touch of cornstarch for tenderness, and generous 7‑8 oz dough balls baked at 375°F for 12‑13 minutes. Perfect for a snack or dessert.

38 minServes 12$7
American
HEALTHY OATMEAL COOKIES you won't feel guilty about!
13

HEALTHY OATMEAL COOKIES you won't feel guilty about!

Soft, chewy oatmeal cookies packed with cinnamon and raisins. Gluten‑free, can be made dairy‑free, and ready in under 40 minutes. Perfect for a healthy sweet snack.

38 minServes 12$4
American