Easy Steel Cut Oatmeal Cookie Recipe Youll Love
Steel cut oatmeal cookie recipe, a hearty and wholesome treat, blends nutty grains with sweet spices. It's perfect for a comforting snack or dessert.
Equipment
- The following kitchen tools will facilitate the preparation of a "steel cut oatmeal cookie recipe":
- Mixing Bowls (various sizes)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric Mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
- Rubber Spatula
- Cookie sheets
- Parchment Paper
- Wire Cooling Rack
- Ice cream scoop or spoon (for portioning dough)
Ingredients
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Steel Cut Oats: Pour boiling water over the steel cut oats in a bowl. Let stand for at least 15 minutes to soften. This pre-soaking step ensures the oats are tender and chewy in the final cookie.
- Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the spices and leavening agent.
- Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a tender cookie.
- Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in a tough cookie.
- Step 6: Add Oats and Raisins: Stir in the softened steel cut oats and raisins until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Step 7: Chill the Dough (Optional): For a slightly thicker cookie, cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up.
- Step 8: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat oven to 375F (190C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 9: Drop Dough onto Baking Sheets: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Step 10: Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
- Step 11: Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Tips and Substitutions: For a nuttier flavor, add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough. If you don't have raisins, dried cranberries or chopped dates make a delicious substitution. For a vegan option, replace the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg).
Notes
Variations
The basic “steel cut oatmeal cookie recipe” lends itself to various adaptations:
- Ingredient Swaps: Replace raisins with dried cranberries, chopped dates, or chocolate chips. Substitute walnuts or pecans for other nuts, or omit nuts entirely. Consider using different spices, such as cardamom or ginger, in place of cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Regional Twists: Incorporate a touch of maple syrup for a New England-inspired flavor. Add a hint of citrus zest (orange or lemon) for a Mediterranean influence. Use locally sourced honey in place of granulated sugar for a regional sweetener.
- Dietary Adjustments: For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative. Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) as an egg substitute for a vegan option. Reduce the amount of sugar or use a sugar substitute for a lower-sugar cookie.
Serving Suggestions
Steel cut oatmeal cookies can be served in a variety of ways:
- Enjoy as a comforting snack with a glass of milk or a cup of tea.
- Serve as part of a dessert platter alongside other baked goods.
- Offer as a homemade gift, packaged in a decorative tin or box.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent treat.
- Crumbled cookies can be used as a topping for yogurt or parfaits.
Storage Tips
Proper storage helps preserve the freshness and flavor of steel cut oatmeal cookies:
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Cookies will remain fresh for up to 5 days when stored properly.
- For longer storage, freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Frozen cookies can last for up to 2 months.
- Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Question 1: Can steel cut oats be substituted with rolled oats? The recipe is specifically designed for steel cut oats, which provide a unique texture and flavor. Rolled oats can be used, but the result will be different. The texture will be less chewy, and the flavor will be milder.
- Question 2: Why are my cookies flat? Flat cookies can be caused by several factors, including using melted butter instead of softened butter, overmixing the dough, or not chilling the dough long enough. Ensure the butter is properly creamed with the sugars, avoid overmixing, and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Question 3: Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, the dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Allow the dough to come to room temperature slightly before baking.
- Question 4: What is the best way to prevent cookies from sticking to the baking sheet? Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to line the baking sheet. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.