Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's both delicious and surprisingly healthy? Then look no further! This oatmeal cookie recipe, featuring hearty steel-cut oats, is the perfect answer. Forget those flimsy, store-bought cookies – these homemade delights are chewy, packed with flavor, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is perfect for a quick baking project or a cozy weekend activity. Let’s get started on these fantastic, healthy, and easy recipes!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup steel-cut oats (for that extra chewy texture!)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup raisins (or chocolate chips, chopped nuts – get creative!)
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the steel-cut oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. This is where a stand mixer or hand mixer comes in handy, but you can certainly do it by hand for a good arm workout!
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
- Stir in Extras: Gently fold in your chosen mix-ins (raisins, chocolate chips, nuts, etc.).
- Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
- Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Oatmeal Cookies:
- Steel-Cut Oats are Key: Using steel-cut oats gives these cookies their signature chewy texture. Don't substitute with rolled oats!
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough will result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For even chewier cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the flavors meld and prevents spreading.
- Adjust Baking Time: Oven temperatures vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust the baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Spiced Oatmeal Cookies: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies: Stir in ½ cup of creamy peanut butter along with the wet ingredients.
- Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies: Fold in ½ cup of chopped apples along with the cinnamon.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on mix-ins)
- Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 15-20g
These oatmeal cookies are a delicious and satisfying treat, perfect for any occasion. They're a great example of healthy meals you can easily prepare at home. Enjoy the delicious and easy recipes! They are also quick dinner ideas when you need a satisfying sweet treat alongside your savory main course. The best recipes are often the simplest, and these cookies are a testament to that.