Name: Dark Chocolate Oatmeal Lace Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ tsp Cinnamon; ¼ tsp baking powder; pinch of salt; ½ cup old-fashioned oats; ¼ cup unsalted butter; 2 tbsp 1% milk; 2 tbsp honey; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 oz dark chocolate

These dark chocolate oatmeal lace cookies are a delightful combination of crispy and chewy textures. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, these cookies feature a hint of cinnamon and are sandwiched with a luscious layer of melted dark chocolate. They are easy to make and a surefire hit at any gathering or as a special treat for yourself.

Photos of Dark Chocolate Oatmeal Lace Cookies Recipe

When preparing this recipe, you may need to pay special attention to dark chocolate and old-fashioned oats. While these ingredients are available in most supermarkets, ensure you choose high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor. The oats should be old-fashioned or rolled oats, not instant, to achieve the right texture in your cookies.

Ingredients For Dark Chocolate Oatmeal Lace Cookies

all-purpose flour: The base ingredient providing structure to the cookies.

granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the crispiness.

cinnamon: Offers a warm, spicy note that complements the chocolate.

baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and spread properly.

salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

old-fashioned oats: Provides a chewy texture and nutty flavor.

unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients.

1% milk: Moistens the dough and contributes to the texture.

honey: Adds sweetness and helps with the caramelization.

vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor profile of the cookies.

dark chocolate: The star ingredient for the sandwich layer, adding a rich and intense chocolate flavor.

One reader, Eberto Armendariz says:

These dark chocolate oatmeal lace cookies are a delightful treat! The perfect blend of crispy oats and rich dark chocolate makes them irresistible. Easy to make and absolutely delicious, they are a hit with everyone. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!

Eberto Armendariz

Techniques Required for Making Dark Chocolate Oatmeal Lace Cookies

How to melt butter: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop until fully liquefied. How to line baking sheets: Use Silpats or parchment paper to line the baking sheets to prevent cookies from sticking. How to use a stand mixer: Combine ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer and mix until smooth. How to drop batter: Use a teaspoon to drop level amounts of batter onto the prepared baking sheets. How to bake cookies: Place the baking sheets in a preheated oven and bake for the specified time. How to cool cookies: Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. How to melt chocolate: Melt the dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler until smooth. How to spread chocolate: Use a knife or spatula to spread a thin layer of melted chocolate on one cookie before sandwiching with another.

How To Make Dark Chocolate Oatmeal Lace Cookies

These oatmeal lace cookies are light, delicate, and crispy oatmeal cookies that are sandwiched together with the help of luscious melted dark chocolate.

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking: 10 minutes

Total: 30 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

½cupall-purpose flour,sifted
½cupgranulated sugar
½tspcinnamon
¼tspbaking powder
pinch of salt
½cupold-fashioned oats
¼cupunsalted butter,melted
2tbsp1% milk
2tbsphoney
1tspvanilla extract
2ozdark chocolate,melted

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with Silpats or parchment paper; set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, and oats; set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine melted butter, milk, honey, and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Slowly add in the dry ingredients and mix to combine.
Drop 1 level teaspoon of batter onto prepared baking sheets leaving space in between, placing only 12 cookies on each sheet because the cookies will spread in the oven.
Bake for 7 to 9 minutes. Remove from oven and let cookies cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes. Carefully transfer cookies to a wire rack and cool completely.
Spread one cookie with a thin layer of melted chocolate and sandwich with another cookie on top. Repeat with remaining cookies.

Nutrition

Calories: 69.39kcal
Fat: 3.08g
Saturated Fat: 1.82g
Trans Fat: 0.08g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.84g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.15g
Carbohydrates: 9.96g
Fiber: 0.52g
Sugar: 6.28g
Protein: 0.75g
Cholesterol: 5.22mg
Sodium: 38.28mg
Calcium: 9.31mg
Potassium: 29.61mg
Iron: 0.50mg
Vitamin A: 16.97µg
Vitamin C: 0.01mg

Technique Tip for Perfecting Dark Chocolate Oatmeal Lace Cookies

To ensure your oatmeal lace cookies have an even, lacy texture, make sure to spread the batter thinly and evenly on the baking sheet. Using a small offset spatula can help achieve a uniform thickness, which is crucial for the cookies to bake evenly and develop their signature delicate, crispy edges.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Dark Chocolate Oatmeal Lace Cookies

Melt the butter in advance: Melt the butter ahead of time to speed up the mixing process.

Use a cookie scoop: A cookie scoop ensures uniform size and shape, making the process quicker and more efficient.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure all ingredients before starting to streamline the preparation.

Double up on baking sheets: Use multiple baking sheets to bake more cookies at once, reducing overall baking time.

Cool cookies on wire racks: Transfer cookies to wire racks immediately to cool faster and free up baking sheets for the next batch.

Substitute Ingredients For Dark Chocolate Oatmeal Lace Cookies Recipe

all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a slightly nutty flavor and more fiber, making the cookies a bit healthier.
granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a subtle caramel flavor.
cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg provides a warm, spicy flavor similar to cinnamon, though slightly more intense.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use 1/4 tsp baking soda and 1/2 tsp cream of tartar to mimic the leavening effect of baking powder.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a more complex flavor profile compared to regular table salt.
old-fashioned oats - Substitute with quick oats: Quick oats can be used if you want a finer texture, though the cookies may be slightly less chewy.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used for a dairy-free option and adds a slight coconut flavor.
1% milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a good dairy-free alternative that won't significantly alter the flavor.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a different but equally sweet flavor and can be used in the same quantity.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but complementary flavor to the cookies.
dark chocolate - Substitute with semi-sweet chocolate: Semi-sweet chocolate can be used if you prefer a slightly sweeter taste.

Presenting Dark Chocolate Oatmeal Lace Cookies

Use elegant plating: Arrange the dark chocolate oatmeal lace cookies in a staggered stack on a pristine white plate to highlight their delicate texture and rich color.
Incorporate contrasting colors: Add a small dollop of raspberry coulis or fresh mint leaves on the side to provide a vibrant contrast to the deep brown of the dark chocolate.
Highlight textures: Place a few whole oats and a drizzle of honey artistically around the plate to emphasize the ingredients and add a touch of rustic charm.
Create height and dimension: Use a small, elegant pedestal or a raised section of the plate to give the cookies a sense of elevation and sophistication.
Add a touch of luxury: Lightly dust the plate with edible gold leaf or a fine sprinkle of cocoa powder to enhance the visual appeal and convey a sense of opulence.
Serve with a complementary element: Pair the cookies with a small glass of vanilla-infused milk or a shot of espresso to complement the flavors and provide a complete sensory experience.

Essential Tools for Making Lace Cookies

Oven: Used to bake the cookies at the specified temperature of 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Silpats: Non-stick baking mats placed on baking sheets to prevent cookies from sticking.
Parchment paper: An alternative to silpats, used to line baking sheets for easy cookie removal.
Baking sheets: Flat metal trays used to hold the cookies while they bake in the oven.
Medium bowl: Used to combine the dry ingredients like flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, and oats.
Stand mixer: An electric mixer used to combine the wet ingredients and then mix in the dry ingredients.
Teaspoon: A measuring spoon used to drop the batter onto the baking sheets in precise amounts.
Wire rack: A cooling rack used to allow the cookies to cool completely after baking.
Spatula: Used to carefully transfer the cookies from the baking sheets to the wire rack.
Microwave-safe bowl: Used to melt the dark chocolate for spreading on the cookies.
Spoon: Used to spread the melted chocolate onto the cookies before sandwiching them together.

Storing and Freezing Dark Chocolate Oatmeal Lace Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. Place a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper between each layer to prevent the cookies from sticking together. The cookies will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the dark chocolate oatmeal lace cookies. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until they are frozen solid (about 1-2 hours). Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, separating each layer with wax paper or parchment paper. The frozen cookies will keep for up to 3 months.
To thaw the frozen cookies, remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. You can also reheat them in a 325°F (165°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispness and warm up the chocolate filling.
If you want to store the cookie batter for later use, you can refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When ready to bake, let the batter come to room temperature and give it a quick stir before dropping it onto the prepared baking sheets.

Random Fact about Dark Chocolate Oatmeal Lace Cookies

A random fact about this recipe is that oatmeal lace cookies are known for their delicate, lacy appearance and crispy texture, which is achieved by the butter and sugar melting and spreading during baking.

Is Making Dark Chocolate Oatmeal Lace Cookies at Home Cost-Effective?

This dark chocolate oatmeal lace cookies recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are common pantry staples like flour, sugar, and oats, making it budget-friendly. The most expensive item is the dark chocolate, but only a small amount is needed. Overall, the approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $5-$7. Given the delightful taste and simplicity, I would rate this recipe an 8 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness.

Are Dark Chocolate Oatmeal Lace Cookies Healthy or Unhealthy?

The dark chocolate oatmeal lace cookies recipe, while delicious, has some aspects that could be considered unhealthy:

The recipe contains a significant amount of sugar (½ cup) and butter (¼ cup), which can contribute to high calorie and fat content.
All-purpose flour is used, which is a refined carbohydrate that lacks fiber and nutrients compared to whole grain alternatives.
The recipe uses 1% milk, which is not a significant source of nutrients and could be replaced with a healthier alternative.

On the positive side, the recipe does include some healthier ingredients:

Old-fashioned oats provide fiber, which can help with digestion and heart health.
Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and has been linked to potential health benefits when consumed in moderation.
Cinnamon, a spice known for its anti-inflammatory properties, is included in the recipe.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or oat flour to increase the fiber content and nutritional value of the cookies.
Reduce the amount of sugar by 25-50% and replace it with natural sweeteners like applesauce or mashed bananas to maintain sweetness while cutting down on added sugars.
Use unsweetened almond milk or another plant-based milk instead of 1% milk to reduce the overall calorie and fat content while providing healthier fats.
Increase the amount of oats to boost the fiber content and create a more satisfying cookie.
Opt for high-quality, 70% or higher dark chocolate to maximize the potential health benefits and minimize added sugars.

Editor's Thoughts on This Delightful Cookie Recipe

This dark chocolate oatmeal lace cookie recipe is a delightful blend of textures and flavors. The oats provide a hearty base, while the honey and cinnamon add a warm sweetness. The dark chocolate elevates the cookies, adding a rich, indulgent layer. The technique of sandwiching the cookies with melted chocolate not only enhances the taste but also creates a visually appealing treat. The balance of ingredients is well thought out, ensuring the cookies are crisp yet chewy. Overall, this recipe is a sophisticated twist on a classic, perfect for both casual snacking and elegant gatherings.

Enhance Your Dark Chocolate Oatmeal Lace Cookies Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Pears with Honey and Thyme: Elevate your dessert experience with Roasted Pears with Honey and Thyme. The natural sweetness of the pears pairs beautifully with the rich, dark chocolate in the cookies, while the hint of thyme adds an unexpected herbal note that will tantalize your taste buds.

Spiced Apple Compote: Complement the crisp texture of the Dark Chocolate Oatmeal Lace Cookies with a warm, Spiced Apple Compote. The cinnamon and nutmeg in the compote will echo the cinnamon in the cookies, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that’s perfect for a cozy evening.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: For a classic pairing, serve the cookies alongside a scoop of Vanilla Bean Ice Cream. The creamy, cold ice cream will contrast beautifully with the crunchy, chocolatey cookies, making each bite a delightful experience.

Raspberry Coulis: Add a burst of tartness with a Raspberry Coulis. The vibrant red raspberries will not only add a pop of color to your plate but also provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, dark chocolate in the cookies.

Espresso Affogato: Take your dessert game up a notch with an Espresso Affogato. The bold, bitter notes of the espresso will enhance the deep flavors of the dark chocolate, while the creamy gelato adds a luxurious touch.

Alternative Recipes Similar to Dark Chocolate Oatmeal Lace Cookies

Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: Imagine sinking your teeth into a dessert that combines the hearty goodness of old-fashioned oats with the sweet chewiness of raisins. These cookies are perfect for a cozy afternoon treat.

Cinnamon Sugar Snickerdoodles: A classic dessert that never goes out of style. These cookies are rolled in a delightful mixture of cinnamon and sugar, creating a crispy exterior with a soft, chewy center.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies: For those who love the combination of peanut butter and chocolate, these cookies are a dream come true. Each bite is a perfect balance of nutty and sweet flavors.

Lemon Poppy Seed Shortbread: Bright and zesty, these shortbread cookies are infused with lemon zest and poppy seeds. They offer a refreshing twist on a traditional dessert.

Maple Walnut Oatmeal Cookies: These cookies bring together the rich flavors of maple syrup and walnuts with the wholesome texture of oats. Perfect for a comforting dessert or a quick snack.

Appetizers and Main Courses to Serve with Dark Chocolate Oatmeal Lace Cookies

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Stuffed Mushrooms are a delightful way to start any meal. Imagine cremini mushrooms filled with a savory mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. The mushroom caps are baked until golden and bubbling, creating a rich and creamy bite-sized treat. The herb blend can be customized to your liking, whether you prefer the classic parsley and thyme or something more adventurous like tarragon and chives. Serve these warm, and watch them disappear quickly from the platter.

Bruschetta: Bruschetta is a timeless appetizer that brings together the fresh flavors of tomatoes, basil, and garlic. Start with slices of toasted baguette, rubbed with a hint of olive oil and garlic. Top each slice with a vibrant mixture of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The result is a perfect balance of crunchy, juicy, and aromatic elements. This dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a fantastic choice for any gathering.

Main Courses:

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Elevate your dinner with Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken. Marinate the chicken in a blend of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and a mix of fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme. Grill to perfection, ensuring a juicy and flavorful result. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. The citrusy notes combined with the aromatic herbs will make this dish a hit at any dinner table.

Stuffed Bell Peppers: Delight your taste buds with Stuffed Bell Peppers. Hollow out vibrant bell peppers and fill them with a savory mixture of ground beef or turkey, rice, tomatoes, and spices. Top with a generous layer of cheese and bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This colorful and nutritious dish is perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together, offering a hearty and satisfying meal.

Why trust this Dark Chocolate Oatmeal Lace Cookies Recipe:

This recipe combines the rich flavor of dark chocolate with the wholesome goodness of old-fashioned oats, creating a delightful balance of sweetness and texture. The use of honey and cinnamon adds a unique depth of flavor, while the unsalted butter ensures a perfect, melt-in-your-mouth consistency. With clear instructions and simple ingredients, this recipe is both accessible and reliable, making it a trustworthy choice for any home baker.

Have you tried making these Dark Chocolate Oatmeal Lace Cookies? Share your experience and discuss the recipe with fellow bakers in the Baking and Desserts forum section.

FAQ:

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

I wouldn't recommend it. Old-fashioned oats give the cookies a better texture and structure, while quick oats might make them too soft and less crispy.

Can I substitute the dark chocolate with milk chocolate?

Absolutely! If you prefer milk chocolate, go ahead and use it. Just keep in mind that it will make the cookies sweeter.

How do I store these cookies?

You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the oats you use are certified gluten-free as well.

What can I use instead of honey?

You can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute for honey. Both will work well and give the cookies a slightly different but still delicious flavor.