Oatmeal Butterscotch Cookies: A Deliciously Chewy Treat
Oatmeal cookies are a classic for a reason: they’re comforting, wholesome, and endlessly adaptable. But let’s face it, sometimes they can be a little… predictable. That’s where butterscotch comes in to shake things up! These Oatmeal Butterscotch Cookies are a delightful twist on the traditional, adding a rich, caramel-like flavor that elevates them to a whole new level of deliciousness. The chewy texture of the oats combined with the sweet, buttery notes of butterscotch creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will have you reaching for cookie after cookie.
This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, you’ll be able to whip up a batch of these irresistible cookies in no time. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of Oatmeal Butterscotch Cookies!
Why You’ll Love These Oatmeal Butterscotch Cookies
* **Chewy and Soft:** The perfect texture combination! These cookies are soft on the inside and slightly chewy on the edges.
* **Buttery and Caramel-Like:** The butterscotch chips infuse the cookies with a warm, rich flavor that’s simply irresistible.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is beginner-friendly and requires minimal effort.
* **Adaptable:** Feel free to customize these cookies with your favorite mix-ins, such as nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips.
* **Perfect for Any Occasion:** Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a bake sale, or just a sweet treat for yourself, these cookies are always a hit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start baking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
* **1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened:** Softened butter is crucial for creaming with the sugar and creating a light and airy texture. Make sure it’s not melted, but rather at room temperature.
* **¾ cup granulated sugar:** Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps to create a crisp edge on the cookies.
* **¾ cup packed light brown sugar:** Brown sugar adds moisture and a chewy texture, as well as a subtle molasses flavor that complements the butterscotch.
* **2 large eggs:** Eggs bind the ingredients together and add richness and structure to the cookies.
* **1 teaspoon vanilla extract:** Vanilla extract enhances the other flavors in the cookies and adds a warm, aromatic note.
* **1 ½ cups all-purpose flour:** All-purpose flour provides the structure for the cookies. Measure it accurately using the spoon and level method to avoid dry cookies.
* **1 teaspoon baking soda:** Baking soda helps the cookies rise and creates a light and airy texture.
* **1 teaspoon ground cinnamon:** Cinnamon adds warmth and spice to the cookies, complementing the oatmeal and butterscotch flavors.
* **½ teaspoon salt:** Salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors in the cookies.
* **3 cups rolled oats:** Rolled oats (also known as old-fashioned oats) provide the classic oatmeal cookie texture. Avoid using instant oats, as they will make the cookies too soft.
* **1 cup butterscotch chips:** Butterscotch chips are the star of the show, adding a rich, buttery, and caramel-like flavor to the cookies. You can find them in most grocery stores in the baking aisle.
* **Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds):** Nuts add texture and a nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients. If using nuts, toast them lightly in a dry skillet or oven for enhanced flavor.
* **Optional: ½ cup raisins:** Raisins add sweetness and a chewy texture. If using raisins, soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes to plump them up before adding them to the dough.
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Mixing bowls:** You’ll need at least two mixing bowls – one for the wet ingredients and one for the dry ingredients.
* **Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer):** An electric mixer will make creaming the butter and sugar much easier. However, you can also use a wooden spoon and some elbow grease.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** Accurate measuring is essential for successful baking.
* **Cookie sheets:** You’ll need at least two cookie sheets to bake the cookies on.
* **Parchment paper or silicone baking mats:** Parchment paper or silicone baking mats will prevent the cookies from sticking to the cookie sheets and make cleanup easier.
* **Cookie scoop (optional):** A cookie scoop will help you create uniformly sized cookies.
* **Wire rack:** A wire rack is essential for cooling the cookies after baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get baking! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create the perfect Oatmeal Butterscotch Cookies:
**Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Cookie Sheets**
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
**Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars**
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure that everything is evenly mixed. The mixture should be pale and airy.
**Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla**
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. The mixture might look slightly curdled at this point, but don’t worry, it will come together when you add the dry ingredients.
**Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients**
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Whisking ensures that the baking soda and cinnamon are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
**Step 5: Gradually Add the Dry Ingredients to the Wet Ingredients**
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. Mix until you no longer see streaks of flour, but the dough is still slightly lumpy.
**Step 6: Stir in the Oats and Butterscotch Chips**
Stir in the rolled oats and butterscotch chips (and nuts and raisins, if using). Mix until everything is evenly distributed throughout the dough. At this point, the dough will be quite thick and sticky. This is normal.
**Step 7: Scoop and Bake the Cookies**
Drop by rounded tablespoons or use a cookie scoop to place the dough onto the prepared cookie sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. If you want to make sure that the cookies are all the same size, use a cookie scoop. Gently flatten the tops of the cookies slightly with your fingertips. This will help them bake evenly.
Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. The baking time will vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the cookies and adjust the baking time as needed. Don’t overbake the cookies, as they will continue to firm up as they cool.
**Step 8: Cool the Cookies**
Remove the cookie 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. This will prevent the cookies from breaking apart. Let the cookies cool completely before storing them.
Tips for Perfect Oatmeal Butterscotch Cookies
* **Use room temperature butter:** Room temperature butter creams much better than cold butter, resulting in a lighter and airier cookie.
* **Don’t overmix the dough:** Overmixing the dough can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
* **Measure the flour accurately:** Too much flour can result in dry cookies. Use the spoon and level method to measure the flour accurately.
* **Don’t overbake the cookies:** Overbaking the cookies will make them dry and brittle. Bake until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
* **Let the cookies cool completely before storing:** Storing the cookies before they are completely cooled can trap moisture, making them soggy.
* **For chewier cookies:** Use more brown sugar than granulated sugar.
* **For crispier cookies:** Use more granulated sugar than brown sugar.
* **Add a touch of molasses:** For a richer, more complex flavor, add 1-2 tablespoons of molasses to the wet ingredients.
* **Experiment with different spices:** Try adding a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or ginger for a unique flavor twist.
* **Drizzle with melted chocolate:** Once the cookies are cooled, drizzle them with melted chocolate for an extra touch of indulgence.
Variations and Substitutions
* **Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Butterscotch Cookies:** Add 1 cup of chocolate chips along with the butterscotch chips.
* **Nutty Oatmeal Butterscotch Cookies:** Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds.
* **Raisin Oatmeal Butterscotch Cookies:** Add 1/2 cup of raisins.
* **Cranberry Oatmeal Butterscotch Cookies:** Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries.
* **Gluten-Free Oatmeal Butterscotch Cookies:** Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
* **Vegan Oatmeal Butterscotch Cookies:** Use a vegan butter substitute, flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg), and vegan butterscotch chips.
* **Oatmeal Scotchies:** This is essentially the same recipe, but it’s a more common name for oatmeal cookies with butterscotch chips.
## Storage Instructions
Store these Oatmeal Butterscotch Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh for longer, you can also freeze them. To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes, or until solid. Then, transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply place the cookies on a wire rack at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
## Serving Suggestions
These Oatmeal Butterscotch Cookies are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with:
* **A glass of cold milk**
* **A cup of hot coffee or tea**
* **A scoop of vanilla ice cream**
* **A drizzle of caramel sauce**
They’re also perfect for packing in lunchboxes, taking on picnics, or serving at parties.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate per cookie)
* Calories: 150-200
* Fat: 8-12g
* Saturated Fat: 5-7g
* Cholesterol: 30-40mg
* Sodium: 50-70mg
* Carbohydrates: 20-25g
* Sugar: 10-15g
* Fiber: 1-2g
* Protein: 2-3g
*Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
## Conclusion
These Oatmeal Butterscotch Cookies are a delightful and easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The chewy texture of the oats combined with the sweet, buttery flavor of butterscotch creates a truly irresistible cookie. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a batch of these delicious cookies!
Enjoy these warm, chewy, and utterly delicious Oatmeal Butterscotch Cookies! They’re the perfect comforting treat to share with friends and family, or simply to enjoy all by yourself. Happy baking!