Oat biscuits

Oatmeal Cookies – a healthy and delicious treat

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 1 hour
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total: 1 hour 30 minutes
Number of servings: 24 cookies

Oatmeal cookies are a perfect choice for a nutritious and delicious snack, ideal for breakfast or a mid-day treat. These cookies are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and the combination of oats, butter, and dried fruits makes them not only tasty but also nourishing.

The history of oatmeal cookies stretches back in time, with deep roots in culinary traditions that promote simple and healthy ingredients. Oats are a nutritious staple, appreciated for their health benefits. Additionally, oatmeal cookies can be adapted to personal preferences by adding various ingredients to enhance their flavor.

Ingredients needed:

- 225 g butter, at room temperature
- 200 g brown sugar
- 140 g granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (or 3 smaller ones)
- 1/2 bottle vanilla extract
- 2-3 teaspoons cinnamon
- 200 g oatmeal
- 200 g all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- a pinch of salt
- a handful of cranberries (or other dried fruits/nuts)

Helpful tips for ingredients:

1. Butter: Make sure the butter is at room temperature for better incorporation into the cookie mixture. You can use clarified butter for a richer flavor.

2. Brown sugar: This will add a caramel note to the cookies, making them moister and more flavorful. You can experiment with coconut sugar for a healthier option.

3. Oatmeal: Use regular oats (not instant) for a crunchy texture. If you prefer a finer texture, you can grind some of them in a food processor, but leave some larger pieces for crunch.

4. Dried fruits: Cranberries are an excellent choice, but you can also add raisins, dried apricots, or even nuts for variety.

Let’s start cooking!

Step 1: Prepare the base cream

In a large bowl, add the butter and both types of sugar (brown and granulated). Use an electric mixer to blend the ingredients at medium speed until you achieve a creamy and homogeneous paste. This process should take about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time and the vanilla extract, continuing to mix until everything is well incorporated.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

In another bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is important to avoid lumps in the dough. Add the cinnamon and mix well. Meanwhile, take the oatmeal and lightly pulse it in the food processor, but do not turn it into powder; larger pieces should remain for a pleasant texture.

Step 3: Combine the ingredients

Add the flour mixture to the butter cream, along with the oatmeal and cranberries (or other dried fruits/nuts). Use a spatula to gently mix everything together so that the ingredients are evenly integrated, but do not overmix, as this can lead to dense cookies.

Step 4: Chill the dough

Once you have a homogeneous dough, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for about an hour. This step is essential as it will help the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

Step 5: Prepare the oven

Preheat the oven to 190 °C. Prepare a baking tray by lining it with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleaning the tray easier after baking.

Step 6: Shape the cookies

After the dough has chilled, remove it and form balls the size of a golf ball. Place them on the prepared tray, leaving enough space between them, as the cookies will spread while baking.

Step 7: Bake the cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. If you prefer softer cookies, remove them after 12 minutes. They will be ready when you have a slightly golden crust around the edges, and the surface looks a little moist.

Step 8: Cooling and serving

Remove the tray from the oven and let the cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. These cookies are delicious both warm and at room temperature.

Serving suggestions:

Oatmeal cookies are wonderful alongside a warm tea or cappuccino, and for an energizing snack, you can pair them with Greek yogurt and some fresh fruits. They are also perfect for sharing with friends at a gathering or casual party.

Variations and tricks:

- Chocolate cookies: Add some dark chocolate chips to the dough for an extra flavor boost.
- Nut cookies: Replace dried fruits with chopped nuts for a crunchy texture.
- Orange-flavored cookies: Add grated orange zest to the dough for a fresh and invigorating taste.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I replace butter with coconut oil?
Yes, but the cookies will have a different flavor and a slightly denser texture.

2. How can I store the cookies?
They store well in airtight containers at room temperature for up to a week.

3. Can the cookies be frozen?
Yes, the cookies can be frozen. Make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in freezer bags.

Oatmeal cookies are an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy a healthy dessert without sacrificing flavor. This simple and quick recipe will surely become a favorite in your kitchen! Culinary adventures await, so grab your apron and get baking!