Are you looking for a delicious and surprisingly healthy cookie recipe that's easy to make? Look no further! These steel cut oat cookies are the perfect blend of chewy texture, nutty flavor, and wholesome goodness. Forget those overly sugary, processed cookies; this recipe uses simple, quality ingredients to create a truly satisfying treat that's perfect for an afternoon snack or a delightful addition to your next gathering. They’re quick enough for a weeknight baking session, and healthy enough to enjoy without guilt!
Ingredients: You'll need these simple pantry staples
- 1 cup steel-cut oats (not instant)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried cranberries
Instructions: Let's bake some deliciousness!
Step 1: Prepare the oats: If your steel-cut oats are particularly coarse, you can pulse them briefly in a food processor to slightly reduce their size. This helps create a more uniform texture in the cookies.
Step 2: Combine wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 3: Mix in dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the oats, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 4: Add mix-ins (optional): If using, stir in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cranberries.
Step 5: Shape the cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
Step 6: Bake to perfection: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. Keep a close eye on them as ovens can vary.
Step 7: Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your warm, delicious steel-cut oat cookies!
Cooking Tips for the Best Results
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Use good quality oats: The flavor of the oats will significantly impact the overall taste of the cookies.
- Adjust sweetness to your liking: If you prefer less sweet cookies, reduce the amount of brown sugar or maple syrup.
- Experiment with add-ins: Get creative with your additions! Raisins, shredded coconut, or chopped pretzels would also be delicious.
Variations: Spice things up!
- Spiced Steel Cut Oat Cookies: Add a teaspoon of ginger, a half teaspoon of cardamom, and a pinch of cloves to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced cookie.
- Peanut Butter Steel Cut Oat Cookies: Stir in 1/2 cup of peanut butter along with the wet ingredients for a nutty twist.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-180
- Fat: 7-9g
- Protein: 3-4g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Fiber: 2-3g
These steel-cut oat cookies are a delightful and wholesome treat that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the guilt. They're a fantastic example of how easy and delicious homemade cooking can be. Enjoy!