Dive into a delightful blend of textures and flavors with these crunchy soft sweet nutty oatmeal cookies. Perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or a sweet treat after dinner, these cookies are sure to satisfy your cravings.
While most of the ingredients in this recipe are pantry staples, make sure to grab Milky Ways from the candy aisle. Another key ingredient is old-fashioned rolled oats, which add a chewy texture. If you typically use quick oats, be sure to pick up the old-fashioned variety for that perfect chewiness.
Ingredients For Crunchy Soft Sweet Nutty Oatmeal Cookies
unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cookies.
granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with the cookie's texture.
packed light sugar: Adds a deeper sweetness and contributes to the chewy texture.
large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the cookie dough.
old-fashioned rolled oats: Adds chewiness and a nutty flavor.
salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly for a light texture.
Milky Ways: Adds a sweet, gooey surprise in each bite.
One reader, Graeme Doyle says:
These oatmeal cookies are a delightful blend of textures and flavors. The crunchiness pairs perfectly with the soft, sweet, and nutty notes. The addition of Milky Ways is genius, adding a gooey surprise in every bite. A must-try for any cookie lover!
Techniques Required for Making Crunchy Soft Sweet Nutty Oatmeal Cookies
How to brown butter: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it begins to turn brown, which takes about 8 minutes. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.
How to cream butter and sugar: Mix the brown butter and sugars together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy.
How to chill dough: Place the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up before baking.
How to preheat oven: Set the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and allow it to reach the desired temperature before baking.
How to shape cookie dough: Roll the dough into tall 1.5 tablespoon balls for even baking.
How to freeze candy: Freeze the Milky Ways before adding them to the cookie dough to ensure they don't melt too quickly during baking.
How to cool cookies: Let the cookies cool for 3 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a cookie rack to finish cooling.
How To Make Crunchy Soft Sweet Nutty Oatmeal Cookies
Ever tried a cookie and can’t decide whether it is crunchy or soft, sweet or nutty? Only thing we know is that these oatmeal cookies are irresistibly good.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ½cupunsalted butter,(1 stick or 115 grams)
- ¼cupgranulated sugar,(50 grams)
- ¾cuppacked light sugar,(150 grams) or dark brown
- 1largeegg
- 2tsppure vanilla extract
- 1cupall-purpose flour,(125 grams) spoon & leveled
- 1cupold-fashioned rolled oats,(90 grams) + 2 tbsp
- ¼tspsalt
- ½tspbaking powder
- 1½cupsMilky Ways,chopped, frozen
Instructions
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Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly.
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Remove from heat immediately when the butter begins to turn brown (about 8 minutes).
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Pour into a shallow dish and chill until it become solid, but still soft.
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Cream the brown butter and sugars together on medium speed.
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Add the egg and vanilla, mixing well until combined.
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On slow speed, mix in the flour, baking powder, and salt.
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Manually stir in oats until the dough comes together. Chill dough for about 30 minutes.
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
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Roll dough into tall 1.5 tablespoon balls.
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Stick 4 small pieces of frozen milky ways onto the tops of the cookies.
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Bake for 9 to 10 minutes. Remove from oven when the cookies are lightly brown on the edges.
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The centers will appear undone, but will set up as you let them cool.
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Cool cookies for 3 minutes on the baking sheet and transfer to a cookie rack.
Recipe Notes
- Cookies remain soft and fresh for 7 days at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Calories: 127.64kcal
- Fat: 5.40g
- Saturated Fat: 3.20g
- Trans Fat: 0.19g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.40g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.34g
- Carbohydrates: 18.50g
- Fiber: 0.56g
- Sugar: 10.88g
- Protein: 1.61g
- Cholesterol: 21.62mg
- Sodium: 44.83mg
- Calcium: 15.68mg
- Potassium: 28.23mg
- Iron: 0.55mg
- Vitamin A: 43.21µg
- Vitamin C: 0.01mg
Technique Tip for Perfect Oatmeal Cookies
To achieve the perfect texture for these oatmeal cookies, make sure to properly brown the butter. This step adds a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste. Keep a close eye on the butter as it melts and begins to brown, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Once it turns a golden brown color and emits a nutty aroma, remove it from the heat immediately. This will ensure your cookies have that deep, complex flavor that sets them apart.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Oatmeal Cookies
Use pre-browned butter: Save time by using store-bought browned butter instead of browning it yourself.
Chill dough quickly: Speed up chilling by spreading the dough thinly on a baking sheet and placing it in the freezer.
Pre-cut milky ways: Pre-cut and freeze the Milky Ways in advance to save time during assembly.
Batch baking: Bake multiple trays at once if your oven allows, rotating them halfway through for even baking.
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure all ingredients before starting to streamline the process.
Substitute Ingredients For Crunchy Soft Sweet Nutty Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and moisture, adding a slight coconut flavor that complements the sweetness.
granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a caramel-like flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
packed light sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds natural sweetness and moisture, though it may slightly alter the texture.
large egg - Substitute with flax egg: A flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) is a great vegan alternative that provides binding properties.
pure vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a nutty flavor that pairs well with the oats and other ingredients.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, though it may make the cookies slightly denser.
old-fashioned rolled oats - Substitute with quick oats: Quick oats can be used for a similar texture, though they may absorb moisture differently.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt provides a more complex flavor profile and can enhance the sweetness of the cookies.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda: Use half the amount of baking soda as a substitute, but add a small amount of an acidic ingredient like lemon juice to activate it.
milky ways - Substitute with chocolate chips: Chocolate chips provide a similar sweetness and chocolate flavor without the caramel, making them a simpler alternative.
Presenting Crunchy Soft Sweet Nutty Oatmeal Cookies
Serve smaller portion sizes: Shape the oatmeal cookie dough into petite, elegant rounds, ensuring each cookie is uniform in size for a refined presentation.
Use decoration: Garnish each cookie with a delicate drizzle of melted chocolate and a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts to enhance the visual appeal and add a touch of sophistication.
Create a balanced plate: Pair the cookies with a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a fresh mint leaf for a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
Highlight the ingredients: Place a few whole Milky Way pieces and a small bowl of rolled oats on the side to showcase the key components of the dish.
Use elegant serving ware: Present the cookies on a sleek, white porcelain plate with a subtle, modern design to elevate the overall dining experience.
Add a touch of color: Incorporate a vibrant fruit compote or a few fresh berries on the plate to add a pop of color and a hint of tartness to balance the sweetness of the cookies.
Incorporate texture: Serve the cookies with a small side of crème anglaise or caramel sauce to provide a creamy contrast to the crunchy and soft textures of the cookies.
Use a minimalist approach: Keep the presentation clean and uncluttered, allowing the cookies to be the star of the plate without overwhelming the senses with too many elements.
Enhance the aroma: Lightly dust the cookies with a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg just before serving to entice the diners with a warm, inviting fragrance.
Focus on symmetry: Arrange the cookies and accompanying elements in a symmetrical pattern to create a visually pleasing and balanced presentation that appeals to the eye.
Essential Tools for Making Oatmeal Cookies
Medium saucepan: Used to melt the butter over medium heat and brown it.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the butter constantly as it melts and browns.
Shallow dish: Needed to pour the browned butter into for chilling until it becomes solid but still soft.
Electric mixer: Used to cream the browned butter and sugars together on medium speed.
Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the browned butter, sugars, egg, and vanilla.
Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the flour, oats, and other ingredients.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt.
Spatula: Handy for manually stirring in the oats until the dough comes together.
Refrigerator: Needed to chill the browned butter and later the dough.
Baking sheet: Used to place the rolled dough balls for baking.
Parchment paper: Lining the baking sheet to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Oven: Preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for baking the cookies.
Cooling rack: Used to transfer the cookies after baking to cool completely.
Cookie scoop: Helps in rolling the dough into uniform 1.5 tablespoon balls.
Knife: Needed to cut the Milky Ways into small pieces to stick onto the tops of the cookies.
Storing and Freezing Crunchy Soft Sweet Nutty Oatmeal Cookies
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- To keep the cookies crisp and fresh for longer, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies. The bread will absorb any excess moisture and prevent the cookies from becoming soft or stale.
- For longer storage, freeze the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag for up to 3 months.
- To prevent the cookies from sticking together when frozen, place a sheet of parchment paper or wax paper between each layer of cookies.
- To thaw frozen cookies, remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. Alternatively, you can warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds to restore their crispy texture.
- If you prefer to freeze the cookie dough for later baking, shape the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the dough balls until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag for up to 3 months.
- To bake frozen cookie dough balls, place them on a baking sheet and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed in the recipe. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to account for the colder dough.
How To Reheat Leftover Oatmeal Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cookies are warm and slightly crisp around the edges. This method will help restore the crunchiness of the oatmeal cookies while keeping the centers soft and chewy.
For a quicker option, you can use a microwave. Place the cookies on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 10-second intervals until they reach your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat them, as this can cause the cookies to become too soft or rubbery.
If you prefer a softer texture, wrap the cookies in a slightly damp paper towel before microwaving them. This will help introduce moisture back into the cookies, making them softer and more pliable.
For a crispy exterior and a warm, gooey center, try using an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the oatmeal cookies in the basket. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the cookies are heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.
If you have a toaster oven, you can use it to reheat your cookies while maintaining their texture. Preheat the toaster oven to 325°F (165°C) and place the cookies on the rack. Heat for 3-5 minutes, or until the cookies are warm and slightly crisp.
For a more indulgent treat, try crumbling the leftover oatmeal cookies over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of the warm, crunchy cookies and the cool, creamy ice cream creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
Random Fact About Crunchy Soft Sweet Nutty Oatmeal Cookies
A unique aspect of this oatmeal cookie recipe is the use of browned butter, which adds a rich, nutty flavor to the cookies. This technique enhances the overall taste and gives the cookies a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
Is Making Oatmeal Cookies at Home Economical?
This oatmeal cookie recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. With basic pantry staples like butter, sugar, flour, and oats, the only slightly premium ingredient is the Milky Ways. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $8-$10. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Are Crunchy Soft Sweet Nutty Oatmeal Cookies Healthy or Unhealthy?
The crunchy soft sweet nutty oatmeal cookies recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The recipe contains a significant amount of butter and sugar, which are high in calories and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in excess.
- The use of all-purpose flour provides little nutritional value, as it is refined and stripped of its natural nutrients.
- Milky Ways, a key ingredient in this recipe, are high in sugar and unhealthy fats, further increasing the calorie count and potentially negatively impacting health.
However, the recipe does include some healthier ingredients, such as old-fashioned rolled oats, which are a good source of fiber and can help with digestion and heart health.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or oat flour to increase the fiber content and nutritional value.
- Reduce the amount of sugar used in the recipe, or experiment with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
- Use dark chocolate chunks instead of Milky Ways to reduce the sugar content and add some antioxidants.
- Incorporate additional healthy ingredients, such as chopped nuts (e.g., almonds or walnuts), seeds (e.g., chia or flax), or dried fruits (e.g., raisins or cranberries) to boost the nutritional profile of the cookies.
- Moderation is key – enjoy these cookies as an occasional treat rather than a daily indulgence.
Editor's Opinion on This Oatmeal Cookie Recipe
This recipe offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors, with the nutty brown butter adding depth to the sweet, chewy oatmeal base. The inclusion of Milky Ways provides a unique twist, delivering pockets of gooey caramel and chocolate. However, the process of browning and chilling the butter, while enhancing flavor, adds complexity that may challenge novice bakers. Chilling the dough is crucial for achieving the right texture. Overall, these cookies promise a satisfying crunch and soft center, making them a standout treat for those willing to invest a bit of extra effort.
Enhance Your Crunchy Soft Sweet Nutty Oatmeal Cookies Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Alternative Recipes Similar to Oatmeal Cookies
Appetizers and Main Courses to Complement Oatmeal Cookies
Why trust this Crunchy Soft Sweet Nutty Oatmeal Cookies Recipe:
This recipe combines the perfect balance of butter, sugar, and oats to create cookies that are both crunchy and soft. The use of brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor, while the Milky Ways provide a delightful sweetness. With clear instructions and carefully selected ingredients, this recipe ensures consistent and delicious results every time. Trust in the quality and enjoy the irresistible taste!
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