Are you ready to embark on a baking adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul? Look no further than these delightful Oatmeal Scotchies! Bursting with the rich flavors of butterscotch and cinnamon, and boasting a chewy oatmeal texture, these cookies are a true delight for cookie lovers everywhere. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire. Join us as we explore the world of Oatmeal Scotchies, from ingredients to variations and everything in between.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks), room temperature
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 ½ cups butterscotch chips
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients:
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the molasses and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in Oats and Butterscotch Chips:
- Gently fold in the oats and butterscotch chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Portion Dough:
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
- Cool and Enjoy:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy with a glass of milk or your favorite hot beverage!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour before baking.
- Customize with Add-Ins: Experiment with different mix-ins such as chopped nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips for a unique twist on classic Oatmeal Scotchies.
- Substitute for Butterscotch Chips: If you don’t have butterscotch chips on hand, you can substitute them with white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or a combination of your favorite baking chips.
- Make Them Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: Can I use instant oats instead of old-fashioned oats? A: While instant oats can be used in a pinch, old-fashioned oats provide the best texture and flavor for these cookies.
Q: How should I store Oatmeal Scotchies? A: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Allow the dough to come to room temperature before portioning and baking.
Q: Can I make smaller or larger cookies? A: Absolutely! Adjust the size of the cookie dough balls accordingly and adjust the baking time accordingly. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
For those following a keto or low-carb diet, here’s how you can modify this recipe:
- Almond Flour: Substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour to reduce the carb content.
- Sweetener: Use a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia in place of brown and white sugars.
- Butterscotch Flavor: Use sugar-free butterscotch chips or chopped nuts for added flavor and texture without the added carbs.
In conclusion, Oatmeal Scotchies are a timeless classic that never fails to delight with their irresistible combination of flavors and textures. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or simply treating yourself to a delicious homemade treat, these cookies are sure to hit the spot. With their chewy oatmeal base, sweet butterscotch chips, and hint of cinnamon, they’re a true crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in the magic of Oatmeal Scotchies!
Share your experience with this recipe and any creative variations you try. Happy baking!
