Oatmeal Scotchies

Oatmeal Scotchies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavor of butterscotch with the wholesome goodness of oats. Perfect for any gathering or simply to enjoy at home, these cookies are sure to impress family and friends alike. Their chewy texture and sweet, buttery taste make them an irresistible choice for cookie lovers everywhere.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making this recipe accessible for everyone.
Chewy Texture: The combination of oats and butterscotch chips creates a wonderfully chewy cookie that everyone will love.
Versatile Treat: These cookies are perfect for various occasions—whether it’s a casual snack, a party dessert, or a thoughtful gift.
Quick Preparation: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a batch of Oatmeal Scotchies in no time.
Kid-Friendly: The sweet butterscotch flavor is often a favorite among children, making these cookies a hit with younger audiences.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Oatmeal Scotchies, gather your tools and prepare your kitchen. Having everything ready will help streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl is essential for combining all your ingredients evenly.
Baking sheet: A good quality baking sheet ensures even baking and prevents sticking when lined with parchment paper.
Rubber spatula: This tool helps mix the ingredients thoroughly without damaging the batter or dough.

Ingredients

To make these delicious Oatmeal Scotchies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cookie Dough

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature (113g)
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar (150g)
1 large egg, room temperature (56g)
1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (4ml)
3/4 cup all-purpose flour (95g)
1/2 tsp baking soda (3g)
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, optional (1g)
1/2 tsp fine salt (3g)
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg, optional
1 1/2 cups old fashioned or rolled oats (120g)
1 cup butterscotch chips (175g)

How to Make Oatmeal Scotchies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl:
1. Add the room-temperature butter and brown sugar.
2. Use a rubber spatula or mixer to cream them together until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture:
– Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl:
– Whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg until blended.

Step 5: Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture:
– Stir until just combined; avoid overmixing.

Step 6: Fold in Oats and Butterscotch Chips

Gently fold in oats and butterscotch chips using your rubber spatula:
– Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet

Using a cookie scoop or spoon:
– Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets about two inches apart.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Place the baking sheets in preheated oven:
– Bake for about 13 minutes or until cookies are golden around the edges but still soft in the center.

Step 9: Cool Cookies

Remove from oven:
– Allow cookies to cool on sheets for about five minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Enjoy your freshly baked Oatmeal Scotchies with a glass of milk or as an afternoon snack!

How to Serve Oatmeal Scotchies

Oatmeal Scotchies are delightful cookies that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want them as a sweet snack, dessert, or part of a festive gathering, these cookies can fit any occasion.

With a Glass of Milk

A classic pairing that enhances the flavors and provides a comforting experience. Choose whole, almond, or oat milk for a twist.

As Ice Cream Sandwiches

Place a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a delicious treat. This combination is perfect for warm days.

Crumbled Over Yogurt

Add crumbled Oatmeal Scotchies on top of yogurt for a tasty breakfast or snack. It adds sweetness and texture to your meal.

At Dessert Buffets

Include these cookies in dessert buffets at parties or gatherings. They add variety and are sure to be a hit among guests.

Gift in Cookie Jars

Package Oatmeal Scotchies in decorative jars as gifts. This thoughtful gesture is perfect for holidays or special occasions.

How to Perfect Oatmeal Scotchies

Making the best Oatmeal Scotchies involves some essential tips to ensure they turn out chewy and flavorful.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your butter and egg are at room temperature helps the ingredients blend better, resulting in a smoother dough.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mixing just until combined prevents tough cookies. Overmixing develops gluten, making them less chewy.
Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking enhances flavor and helps maintain cookie shape during baking.
Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Remove them when they’re lightly golden around the edges for perfectly chewy centers.

Best Side Dishes for Oatmeal Scotchies

Oatmeal Scotchies pair well with several side dishes that complement their sweet and buttery flavor. Here are some great options:

Fresh Fruit Salad
A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cookies and adds a nutritious touch.
Cheese Platter
A selection of cheeses can provide a savory contrast to the sweetness of Oatmeal Scotchies, enhancing the overall flavor experience.
Coffee or Tea
A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea serves as an excellent beverage pairing, bringing out the rich flavors of butterscotch.
Nut Butter Spread
Serve with almond or peanut butter spread on toast for a hearty side that complements the cookie’s flavor profile.
Granola Bars
Offering granola bars alongside these cookies creates a variety in textures and flavors while maintaining a wholesome vibe.
Vegetable Sticks with Hummus
Raw veggies dipped in hummus provide a crunchy contrast, balancing out the sweetness with freshness and savory notes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Oatmeal Scotchies can be a delightful experience, but a few common mistakes can hinder your cookie-making journey.

Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can affect the texture of your cookies. Always ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a better mix.
Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep them soft and chewy.
Not measuring flour correctly: Incorrectly measuring flour can lead to dry cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method for accuracy.
Skipping chilling time: Not chilling the dough can result in flat cookies. Allow the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes before baking.
Baking on an ungreased or improperly prepared sheet: This can cause sticking or uneven baking. Always use parchment paper or a silicone mat for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store Oatmeal Scotchies in an airtight container for up to one week.
Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Oatmeal Scotchies

Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to three months.
For longer storage, wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap before placing them in a container.

Reheating Oatmeal Scotchies

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, covered, for about 2-3 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Oatmeal Scotchies to help you with your baking experience.

How do I make my Oatmeal Scotchies chewier?

To achieve chewier Oatmeal Scotchies, ensure you measure your flour accurately and avoid overbaking. Slightly underbaking will also keep them soft.

Can I substitute butterscotch chips in Oatmeal Scotchies?

Yes! You can substitute butterscotch chips with chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for different flavors.

How long do Oatmeal Scotchies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, Oatmeal Scotchies can last up to one week. In the freezer, they can last up to three months.

Can I customize my Oatmeal Scotchies recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, coconut flakes, or spices such as nutmeg to customize your Oatmeal Scotchies according to your preferences.

Final Thoughts

Oatmeal Scotchies are not only delicious but also versatile. Their unique blend of flavors makes them a crowd favorite. You can easily customize these cookies by adding different mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips. Give this recipe a try and discover how delightful homemade Oatmeal Scotchies can be!