Citrus-Glazed Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies

This is probably my most requested cookie, and a family favorite.  If you are looking to take an oatmeal raisin cookie to the next level, this is how you do it!  It all started with a Cooking Light recipe and some substitutions due to a lack ingredients.  Many are wary of this cookie at first because of the name.  Citrus . . . oatmeal . . . and . . . cranberry all in one cookie sounds far to healthy to be enjoyable.  When I first bring these cookies to an event or a party, they are often overlooked because they are not your easily recognizable chocolate chip or peanut butter cookie.  They sit on their tray just waiting for someone to be brave enough to test this unfamiliar creation.  Once I get one person to step outside their comfort zone and try it, word spreads, and soon those chocolate chip and peanut butter cookies aren't looking so hot next to these beauties.  This cookie also inspired my Lemon Cranberry Cupcakes with Orange Buttercream.  The flavor combination is both unbeatable and unforgettable, and you won't be disappointed!

Citrus-Glazed Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies

2 cups whole wheat flour

2 cups quick-cooking oats

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 cup brown sugar

3/4 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup butter, softened

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 eggs

1 cup sweetened dried cranberries (such as Craisins)

Glaze:

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 teaspoons grated orange rind

1.     Preheat oven to 350°.

2.     Combine flour, quick-cooking oats, baking powder, cinnamon,baking soda, salt, and ground nutmeg in a medium bowl.

3.     Combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, and butter in a large bowl;beat with a mixer at medium speed until well blended.  Add vanilla and eggs;beat well.

4.     Gradually add flour mixture and cranberries; beat at low speeduntil combined.  Shape dough into 1-inch balls.

5.     Place the balls 2 inches apart on baking sheets coated withcooking spray.

6.     Bake at 350° for 15 minutes or until almost firm.  Let stand on thebaking sheets 2 minutes. Remove cookies from baking sheets; cool completely ona wire rack.

7.     To prepare glaze, combine powdered sugar and remaining ingredientsin a bowl, stirring with a whisk.  Spoon mixture into a small zip-top plasticbag.  Snip a small hole in 1 corner of bag; drizzle glaze over cooled cookies.