Irresistible Oatmeal Scotchies: A Chewy Delight

Welcome to the world of delectable delights where the aroma of freshly baked cookies fills the air! If you’re a fan of classic oatmeal cookies with a delightful twist, then you’re in for a treat with our Oatmeal Scotchies recipe. These chewy, golden-brown cookies are packed with the sweet flavor of butterscotch chips, making them an instant favorite for cookie enthusiasts of all ages.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup butter (2 sticks), room temperature
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 ½ cups butterscotch chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the molasses and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in Oats and Butterscotch Chips: Gently fold in the oats and butterscotch chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Form Dough Balls: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
9. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, serve these irresistible Oatmeal Scotchies with a glass of cold milk or your favorite hot beverage.

Cooking Notes:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature to ensure proper mixing and a uniform texture in your cookies.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies. Mix until the ingredients are just combined for the best texture.
• Storage: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days for optimal freshness.

Variations:

• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.
• Chocolate Twist: Swap out the butterscotch chips for chocolate chips or chunks for a classic oatmeal chocolate chip cookie variation.
• Fruity Delight: Mix in dried fruit such as raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots for a burst of sweetness and tanginess.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

• For a keto-friendly version, substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour, and use a sugar substitute such as erythritol or stevia in place of the brown and white sugars.
• To reduce the carb content, you can decrease the amount of oats and butterscotch chips used in the recipe. Additionally, opt for sugar-free butterscotch chips or omit them altogether.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough? A: Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for later use. Simply portion the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a resealable freezer bag or container. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q: Can I use instant oats instead of old-fashioned oats? A: While instant oats can be used in a pinch, old-fashioned oats are preferred for their heartier texture and chewier consistency in the cookies. If you only have instant oats on hand, you can use them, but the texture of the cookies may be slightly different.

In conclusion, our Oatmeal Scotchies recipe is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth any time of day. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a homemade treat, these chewy cookies are sure to impress. Get creative with variations and enjoy experimenting with keto and low-carb adaptations to suit your dietary preferences. So go ahead, whip up a batch of these irresistible cookies, and indulge in a taste of cookie perfection!