Oatmeal Scotchies Cookies are a deliciously chewy and crispy treat made with hearty oats and sweet butterscotch chips. These cookies offer the perfect balance of nutty oats and rich butterscotch flavor, making them a favorite for both kids and adults alike. They’re great for any occasion, whether you’re baking for a party or just need a comforting homemade snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 ½ cups butterscotch chips
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
- ½ cup shredded coconut for added texture
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg for extra warmth
For Serving:
- A glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 4: Add the Oats and Butterscotch Chips
- Stir in the rolled oats and butterscotch chips (and any optional add-ins like nuts or coconut) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Scoop the Dough
- Drop the cookie dough by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart. You can use a cookie scoop for uniform cookies.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Once cooled, serve the Oatmeal Scotchies Cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a sweet treat.
Cooking Notes
- Oats: For the best texture, use old-fashioned rolled oats rather than quick oats, as they give the cookies a chewier bite.
- Butterscotch Chips: Butterscotch chips are key to the signature flavor of these cookies, but you can also try adding white chocolate chips or chocolate chips for variation.
- Mixing: Be careful not to overmix the cookie dough, as overmixing can result in denser cookies.
Variations
1. Nutty Oatmeal Scotchies
Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the cookie dough for a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor that pairs well with the butterscotch.
2. Coconut Oatmeal Scotchies
For a tropical twist, mix in ½ cup of shredded coconut along with the oats and butterscotch chips. The coconut adds extra chewiness and sweetness.
3. Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Scotchies
Swap half of the butterscotch chips with semi-sweet chocolate chips for a delicious combination of chocolate and butterscotch.
4. Gluten-Free Oatmeal Scotchies
Use gluten-free oats and gluten-free all-purpose flour to make this recipe gluten-free. Ensure the other ingredients, like butterscotch chips, are also gluten-free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make Oatmeal Scotchies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 2 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before scooping and baking.
Q: How do I store Oatmeal Scotchies?
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm them up slightly in the microwave before serving.
Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough before baking. Scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, bake from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Q: Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly different. Quick oats will produce a softer, less chewy cookie compared to old-fashioned oats.
Q: Can I make this recipe without butterscotch chips?
While butterscotch chips give these cookies their signature flavor, you can substitute them with chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even cinnamon chips for a different variation.
These Oatmeal Scotchies Cookies are a delightful treat with a perfect balance of chewy oats and sweet butterscotch chips. Easy to make and packed with flavor, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save them for later, they make a comforting and delicious snack.