Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than these delightful oatmeal butterscotch cookies! This recipe combines the chewy goodness of oatmeal cookies with the rich, caramel-like flavor of butterscotch chips, creating a perfect balance of sweet and satisfying. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is perfect for a quick afternoon baking project or a simple, delicious dessert. Get ready to enjoy the irresistible aroma and taste of homemade happiness!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking)
- 2 cups butterscotch chips
Instructions:
Step 1: Cream Together the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender cookie texture. Use an electric mixer for best results, but a good old-fashioned hand mixer will work just fine too!
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined before moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 4: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
Step 5: Stir in Oats and Butterscotch Chips
Stir in the rolled oats and butterscotch chips. The mixture will be thick, but that's perfectly normal.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Leave some space between each cookie to allow for spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy!
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, enjoy your delicious homemade oatmeal butterscotch cookies!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Oatmeal Butterscotch Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This will help create a smooth and creamy dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Adjust Baking Time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust the baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Add Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts would be a delicious addition to these cookies.
- Use Different Chips: Try substituting chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or toffee bits for some or all of the butterscotch chips.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a warm, spiced flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 150-180 Fat: 8-10g Sugar: 15-20g
These oatmeal butterscotch cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. The simple recipe, combined with the customizable variations, ensures that everyone can enjoy this delicious and easy-to-make dessert. Enjoy!