If you love a sweet, chewy, and slightly spiced cookie, then Oatmeal Scotchies Cookies are perfect for you. This recipe brings together the warm, comforting flavors of oatmeal with the rich, buttery sweetness of butterscotch chips, resulting in a delightful treat that’s hard to resist. These cookies are perfect for bake sales, afternoon snacks, or holiday cookie swaps, and they’re quick enough to whip up any day of the week. Here’s everything you need to know to make this mouthwatering cookie.
Why You’ll Love Oatmeal Scotchies
- Chewy Texture: The oats add a hearty, chewy texture that makes these cookies satisfying with every bite.
- Butterscotch Sweetness: The butterscotch chips bring a caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with the oats and cinnamon.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and uses pantry staples, so you can make these cookies with ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these cookies:
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups quick-cooking oats
1 2/3 cups (11-ounce package) butterscotch chips
Ingredient Notes
- Quick-cooking oats: This recipe uses quick-cooking oats, which gives the cookies a more tender texture. You can substitute old-fashioned oats if you prefer a chewier cookie, but the texture will be slightly different.
- Butterscotch chips: These are the star of the show. You can find them in the baking aisle, usually next to the chocolate chips. If you want to switch things up, try swapping half of the butterscotch chips for white or dark chocolate chips for a unique flavor combination.
- Brown sugar: Using a combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar gives the cookies the perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness. The molasses in the brown sugar helps keep the cookies soft.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. The cinnamon adds a warm, slightly spiced note that complements the butterscotch. Mixing the dry ingredients first ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the dough, which helps the cookies rise properly during baking.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture is light and fluffy. Creaming the butter and sugars together properly is key to achieving the perfect cookie texture. It creates air pockets in the dough that help the cookies stay soft and chewy.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Vanilla enhances the sweetness and overall flavor of the cookies, so don’t skip it! At this point, your mixture should be smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. You don’t want to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies. When the flour is almost fully incorporated, stop the mixer.
Step 6: Fold in Oats and Butterscotch Chips
Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold in the oats and butterscotch chips. Be sure to evenly distribute the oats and chips throughout the dough so that every cookie is packed with flavor. The dough will be thick and sticky, but that’s what makes these cookies chewy and delicious.
Step 7: Scoop and Shape the Dough
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If you prefer larger cookies, use a larger scoop, but keep in mind that you may need to adjust the baking time. For evenly sized cookies, you can use a cookie scoop.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown, and the centers are still soft. Be careful not to overbake them. The cookies may look slightly underdone in the center when you take them out of the oven, but they will firm up as they cool. This ensures a soft, chewy texture.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cooling process allows the cookies to set and the butterscotch chips to solidify. Serve them warm for a gooey, delicious treat or store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
Tips for the Best Oatmeal Scotchies
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated to avoid overworking the dough.
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies hold their shape and prevent them from spreading too much.
- Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This allows for even mixing and gives the cookies the perfect texture.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid packing in too much flour, which can make your cookies dense.
Variations
Add-Ins
For a fun twist, try adding some of these mix-ins:
- Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a great crunch and pair beautifully with the butterscotch.
- Coconut: Shredded coconut adds a tropical flavor and extra chewiness.
- Chocolate Chips: Swap out half of the butterscotch chips for chocolate chips for a delicious flavor combination.
Spices
You can experiment with the spices by adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the dough. This will give the cookies a deeper, more complex flavor.
Storage and Freezing
How to Store Oatmeal Scotchies
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you prefer a slightly softer cookie, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies to maintain moisture.
Can You Freeze Oatmeal Scotchies?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough or the baked cookies. To freeze the dough, scoop it into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, simply add a minute or two to the baking time. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick-cooking oats?
Yes, but the texture will be chewier. Quick oats give a more uniform, tender texture, while old-fashioned oats will result in a heartier cookie.
Can I substitute margarine for butter?
While you can use margarine, butter gives the best flavor and texture. Margarine may result in a slightly different cookie.
Can I add other flavors?
Absolutely! Try adding a teaspoon of orange zest for a citrusy twist, or mix in dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
These Oatmeal Scotchies Cookies are the perfect combination of chewy oats and sweet butterscotch chips. They’re easy to make, and the rich, buttery flavor makes them irresistible. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with friends and family, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Enjoy them warm, straight from the oven, or save some for later—if they last that long!
