Honey Oatmeal Chewies: A Deliciously Simple Recipe

Are you craving a sweet treat that’s both wholesome and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than these Honey Oatmeal Chewies! They’re the perfect combination of chewy texture, warm spices, and the natural sweetness of honey. These chewies are easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and are guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a lunchbox addition, or an afternoon snack, these Honey Oatmeal Chewies are the answer.

## Why You’ll Love These Honey Oatmeal Chewies

* **Simple Ingredients:** You likely have most of these ingredients in your pantry already.
* **Easy to Make:** The recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any special equipment.
* **Wholesome:** Made with oats and honey, these chewies offer a healthier alternative to processed snacks.
* **Chewy Texture:** The perfect balance of soft and chewy that will keep you coming back for more.
* **Naturally Sweetened:** Honey provides a delicious and natural sweetness without the need for refined sugar.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe with your favorite add-ins like nuts, seeds, or dried fruit.
* **Kid-Friendly:** A great way to sneak in some oats for picky eaters.
* **Perfect for On-the-Go:** These chewies are portable and make a great snack for travel or school.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened:** The butter provides richness and tenderness to the chewies. Make sure it’s properly softened for easy creaming.
* **¾ cup honey:** The star of the show! Honey adds natural sweetness, moisture, and a unique flavor profile. Choose a good quality honey for the best results.
* **1 large egg:** The egg binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
* **1 teaspoon vanilla extract:** Enhances the flavor and adds a touch of warmth.
* **1 ½ cups all-purpose flour:** Provides structure to the chewies. You can substitute with whole wheat flour for a slightly denser texture.
* **1 teaspoon baking soda:** Helps the chewies rise and become light and airy.
* **½ teaspoon salt:** Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
* **3 cups rolled oats (not instant):** The heart of the recipe! Rolled oats provide texture, fiber, and a nutty flavor. Avoid using instant oats, as they will make the chewies too soft.
* **Optional Add-ins:** ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds), ½ cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, chopped apricots), chocolate chips, seeds (sunflower, pumpkin), spices (cinnamon, nutmeg).

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large mixing bowl:** For creaming the butter and honey.
* **Electric mixer (optional):** Makes creaming the butter and honey easier, but you can also use a wooden spoon.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For accurate measuring of ingredients.
* **Baking sheet:** For baking the chewies.
* **Parchment paper or silicone baking mat:** To prevent the chewies from sticking to the baking sheet.
* **Ice cream scoop or spoon:** For portioning the dough evenly.
* **Wire rack:** For cooling the chewies.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of delicious Honey Oatmeal Chewies:

**Step 1: Preheat and Prepare**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the chewies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

**Step 2: Cream the Butter and Honey**

* In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and honey until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender and chewy texture. Use an electric mixer for the best results, but a wooden spoon will also work.
* Continue mixing until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This may take a few minutes, depending on the softness of your butter.

**Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla**

* Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. The egg will help bind the ingredients together, while the vanilla extract will enhance the overall flavor of the chewies.
* Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.

**Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients**

* In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed, which will help the chewies rise properly.
* This step is important for achieving a consistent texture and preventing any pockets of baking soda.

**Step 5: Gradually Add the Dry Ingredients to the Wet Ingredients**

* Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough chewies.
* Mix until the flour is just incorporated, and then stop mixing. A few streaks of flour are okay at this stage.

**Step 6: Stir in the Oats and Optional Add-ins**

* Stir in the rolled oats until evenly distributed. This is where the magic happens! The oats will provide the signature texture and flavor of the Honey Oatmeal Chewies.
* If you’re using any optional add-ins, such as nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips, now is the time to stir them in as well.
* Fold the add-ins into the dough until they are evenly distributed.

**Step 7: Drop by Rounded Tablespoons onto the Baking Sheet**

* Drop the dough by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. This will give the chewies enough room to spread out as they bake.
* You can use an ice cream scoop or a spoon to portion the dough evenly. This will ensure that all the chewies bake at the same rate.

**Step 8: Bake Until Golden Brown**

* Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The center of the chewies should still be slightly soft.
* Keep a close eye on the chewies as they bake, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.

**Step 9: Cool on the Baking Sheet**

* Let the chewies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent them from breaking apart.
* Cooling on the baking sheet allows the chewies to firm up slightly before they are handled.

**Step 10: Enjoy!**

* Once the chewies are completely cooled, they’re ready to be enjoyed! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
* These Honey Oatmeal Chewies are delicious on their own, or you can pair them with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or a scoop of ice cream.

## Tips for Perfect Honey Oatmeal Chewies

* **Use softened butter:** Softened butter is essential for achieving a light and fluffy texture. If your butter is too cold, it will be difficult to cream with the honey. If your butter is too melted, the chewies may spread too thin.
* **Don’t overmix the dough:** Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough chewies. Mix until just combined.
* **Use rolled oats (not instant):** Rolled oats provide the best texture for these chewies. Instant oats will make them too soft and mushy.
* **Add your favorite add-ins:** Get creative with your add-ins! Nuts, dried fruit, chocolate chips, and seeds all work well.
* **Don’t overbake:** Overbaking will result in dry and crumbly chewies. Bake until the edges are golden brown and the center is still slightly soft.
* **Let them cool completely:** Let the chewies cool completely before storing them. This will prevent them from becoming soggy.
* **For chewier cookies, slightly underbake them:** Remove them from the oven when they’re still a little soft in the center.
* **For crispier cookies, bake them a minute or two longer:** Watch them carefully to prevent burning.

## Variations and Add-ins

* **Nutty Chewies:** Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the dough.
* **Fruity Chewies:** Add ½ cup of dried raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots to the dough.
* **Chocolate Chip Chewies:** Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough. You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or semi-sweet chocolate chips.
* **Cinnamon Spice Chewies:** Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients.
* **Pumpkin Spice Chewies:** Add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the dry ingredients.
* **Peanut Butter Chewies:** Add ½ cup of peanut butter to the wet ingredients. Reduce the amount of butter by ¼ cup.
* **Maple Syrup Chewies:** Substitute ¼ cup of honey with ¼ cup of maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
* **Coconut Chewies:** Add ½ cup of shredded coconut to the dough.
* **Seed Chewies:** Add ¼ cup of sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds to the dough.
* **Lemon Zest Chewies:** Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the wet ingredients for a bright and citrusy flavor.
* **Orange Zest Chewies:** Add 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the wet ingredients for a warm and citrusy flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Enjoy them as a snack:** These Honey Oatmeal Chewies are perfect for a quick and satisfying snack any time of day.
* **Pack them in lunchboxes:** They’re a great addition to school or work lunchboxes.
* **Serve them with a glass of milk:** A classic pairing that’s always a hit.
* **Serve them with a cup of coffee or tea:** The warm spices in the chewies complement the flavors of coffee and tea.
* **Serve them with a scoop of ice cream:** A delicious and decadent dessert.
* **Crumble them over yogurt or oatmeal:** Add a touch of sweetness and texture to your breakfast.
* **Use them as a base for ice cream sandwiches:** Create a fun and unique dessert by sandwiching ice cream between two Honey Oatmeal Chewies.
* **Give them as gifts:** Package them in a cute box or bag and give them as homemade gifts to friends and family.

## Storage Instructions

* **Room Temperature:** Store the Honey Oatmeal Chewies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
* **Freezer:** For longer storage, you can freeze the chewies. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

## Honey Oatmeal Chewies Recipe Card

**Yields:** About 24 chewies
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 8-10 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* ¾ cup honey
* 1 large egg
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* ½ teaspoon salt
* 3 cups rolled oats (not instant)
* Optional Add-ins: ½ cup chopped nuts, ½ cup dried fruit, chocolate chips, seeds, spices

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and honey until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Stir in the rolled oats and any optional add-ins until evenly distributed.
7. Drop the dough by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The center of the chewies should still be slightly soft.
9. Let the chewies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy!

## Nutritional Information (Approximate per Chewie)

* Calories: 150-200 (depending on add-ins)
* Fat: 8-12g
* Saturated Fat: 5-8g
* Cholesterol: 20-30mg
* Sodium: 50-70mg
* Carbohydrates: 18-25g
* Fiber: 1-2g
* Sugar: 8-12g
* Protein: 2-3g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Final Thoughts

These Honey Oatmeal Chewies are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their chewy texture, warm spices, and natural sweetness, they’re sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible goodies! Enjoy!