Are you looking for a simple yet impressive cookie recipe to add to your baking repertoire? Look no further! These delicate oatmeal lace cookies are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, yet deliver a delightful crunch and satisfying flavor that will impress even the most discerning palate. Perfect for afternoon tea, holiday gatherings, or a simple treat for yourself, these cookies are a true testament to the magic of homemade cooking. They're a quick dinner alternative if you're short on time and crave something sweet!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional: ½ cup raisins, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Cream together the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer or hand mixer works perfectly for this step. You want to achieve a light and airy texture.
Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. If adding raisins, nuts, or chocolate chips, stir them in now.
Spoon onto baking sheets: Drop rounded tablespoons of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. The cookies will spread significantly.
Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cookies are set.
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They will crisp up as they cool.
Tips for the Best Oatmeal Lace Cookies:
- Softened butter is key: Make sure your butter is properly softened; this will ensure that it creams well with the sugar, resulting in a lighter and fluffier cookie.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Baking time may vary: Oven temperatures can differ, so keep a close eye on your cookies and adjust baking time as needed.
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to experiment with different add-ins, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or different types of nuts or dried fruit.
Variations:
- Chocolate Oatmeal Lace Cookies: Add ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough for a delicious twist.
- Spiced Oatmeal Lace Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and ½ teaspoon of nutmeg to the dough for a warm and inviting flavor.
- Fruity Oatmeal Lace Cookies: Incorporate ½ cup of dried cranberries or chopped apricots for a burst of fruity sweetness.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Fat: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 15-18g
- Sugar: 7-9g
- Protein: 2-3g
These values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
These easy recipes are perfect for anyone looking for delicious dishes and healthy meals, and this recipe is among the best recipes available for homemade cooking. Enjoy your crispy, delightful oatmeal lace cookies!