Decadent Oatmeal Scotchies
Indulging in a warm, chewy cookie fresh from the oven is one of life’s greatest pleasures, and Oatmeal Scotchies deliver just that! These delightful treats are a scrumptious mix of hearty oats and creamy butterscotch, with a hint of cinnamon that brings a nostalgic warmth. They’re not just cookies; they’re hugs in dessert form!
From texture to flavor, these cookies evoke memories of cozy afternoons spent in grandma’s kitchen. If classic oatmeal cookies are a go-to in your household, you absolutely cannot miss out on this recipe!
Why You’ll Love These Oatmeal Scotchies
- Timeless Taste: Experience the delightful combination of classic oatmeal cookie flavors enhanced by the sweetness of butterscotch.
- Delightful Texture: The rolled oats contribute a chewy texture that harmonizes beautifully with the melty butterscotch chips.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for bake sales, lovely holiday gifts, after-school snacks, or even as a cozy indulgence while watching your favorite movie.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare and chill the dough so you can enjoy freshly baked cookies whenever the craving strikes. This is a lifesaver for busy schedules!
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of your cookies, providing essential structure.
- Baking Soda: A leavening agent that ensures your cookies rise to airy perfection.
- Salt: A touch of salt enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients.
- Ground Cinnamon: The secret ingredient for that lovely warmth and comforting aroma.
- Unsalted Butter: This adds richness and moisture for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated and Dark Brown Sugar: The granulated sugar gives sweetness and a slight crisp, while dark brown sugar enriches the cookies with caramel notes.
- Eggs: Essential for binding the dough and contributing moisture.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds a sweet, aromatic flavor that rounds out the cookie perfectly.
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: These bring a hearty, chewy texture and nutty goodness.
- Butterscotch Chips: The star of the show! They offer a rich, buttery sweetness and melty pockets of happiness.
How to Make Oatmeal Scotchies
Making these Oatmeal Scotchies is similar to preparing traditional oatmeal cookies, but with the scrumptious addition of butterscotch! Here’s a step-by-step guide to whip them up:
- Preheat the oven: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until your mix is light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl!
- Add the wet ingredients: Mix in the vanilla extract and then incorporate eggs one at a time until fully blended.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Stir the dry ingredients into the wet mix until just combined.
- Fold in the oats and butterscotch: Carefully mix in the rolled oats and butterscotch chips until evenly distributed.
- Chill the dough: Transfer the dough to the fridge and let it chill for at least 1 hour.
- Shape the cookies: Use about 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie and place the dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets.
- Bake: Pop them in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers are still soft.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 2–3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy while warm for the best experience!
Tips for the Best Oatmeal Scotchies
This beloved recipe has been around since the 1970s thanks to Nestle, but you can take these cookies to the next level with a few simple tips:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your butter and eggs sit out to reach room temperature, ensuring easier mixing and smoother dough texture.
- Toasty Oats: Lightly toast your oats in a dry pan before mixing them in for an added nutty flavor.
- Avoid Overmixing: Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just blended to keep your cookies tender.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: This helps shape the cookies perfectly for even baking every time.
- Rotate the Baking Sheet: Halfway through baking, rotate the sheets to promote even heat distribution.
- Swirl the Butterscotch: Melt half of the butterscotch chips and swirl them into the dough for a marbled effect.
- Add Variety: Toss in some chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even a handful of chocolate chips for an extra twist.
- Make Ahead: Prepare and refrigerate your dough for up to 48 hours in advance, so you can bake them fresh whenever the mood strikes!
How to Store
Want to keep your cookies fresh and delicious for as long as possible? Follow these storage tips:
To Store: Place your cookies in an airtight container. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to a week or can be refrigerated for up to two weeks.
To Freeze: For longer storage, stack the cookies in a freezer-safe airtight container or zip-top bag, layering parchment paper in between. They can be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature before serving.