Walnut-Oatmeal Cookies with Cranberries

[Kitchen Witch]

Walnut-Oatmeal Cookies with Cranberries
Try dried cranberries instead of raisins in your cookies for another great flavor! Not only good for the lunchbox, these don't have to be made just for the holiday!

3 cups walnuts
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup dried cranberries

Preheat oven to 350. To toast walnuts, spread evenly on a baking sheet or in a shallow pan. Bake, stirring once or twice, until lightly browned and fragrant, 7 to 10 minutes. Coarsely chop and set aside.

In a large bowl cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well. In a separate bowl combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and oats; add to sugar mixture and stir well to combine. Stir in dried cranberries and toasted walnuts.

Drop cookie dough by tablespoonfuls onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 12 to 15 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.

Makes about 36 cookies