No-Butter Lemon Oatmeal Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the zesty freshness of lemon with the hearty texture of oatmeal. Perfect for those looking to cut down on butter without sacrificing flavor, these cookies are easy to make and ideal for any occasion. With a crisp exterior and a chewy interior, they are sure to become a favorite in your cookie repertoire.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3/4 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and egg until smooth and well combined.
- Add Lemon and Vanilla:
- Add the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla essence to the wet mixture. Mix until well incorporated.
Step 2: Combine and Mix
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in Oats:
- Fold in the old-fashioned rolled oats until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 3: Shape and Bake
- Shape Cookies:
- Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten Dough:
- Gently flatten each ball of dough with the back of a spoon or your fingers to about 1/2-inch thickness.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
- Cool Cookies:
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve:
- Once cooled, enjoy your No-Butter Lemon Oatmeal Cookies with a glass of milk, a cup of tea, or as a delightful snack on their own.
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Lemon Zest: Use a microplane or fine grater to zest the lemon, ensuring you only get the yellow part and not the bitter white pith.
- Oats: Make sure to use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. Quick oats can be used, but they will result in a different texture.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Variations
Add Nuts or Dried Fruit
- Nuts: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts, to the dough for added crunch and flavor.
- Dried Fruit: Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots for a chewy texture and a burst of sweetness.
Make it Vegan
- Egg Substitute: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) to make the cookies vegan.
Add a Glaze
- Lemon Glaze: Combine 1/2 cup of powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and drizzle over the cooled cookies for an extra lemony touch.
Serving Suggestions
With a Beverage
- Tea or Coffee:
- Serve these cookies with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon treat.
As a Dessert
- Ice Cream Sandwiches:
- Use the cookies to make ice cream sandwiches with vanilla or lemon ice cream for a delightful dessert.
For Breakfast
- Breakfast Treat:
- Enjoy these cookies as a quick and easy breakfast treat on the go.
FAQs
Q: Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats? A: Yes, you can use quick oats, but the texture of the cookies will be slightly different.
Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice? A: Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch.
Q: How do I make sure the cookies are chewy? A: To ensure chewy cookies, avoid overbaking them. Remove them from the oven when the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft.
Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough? A: Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Shape the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
No-Butter Lemon Oatmeal Cookies are a delightful and healthier twist on traditional cookies. With their refreshing lemon flavor and hearty oatmeal texture, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy making and sharing these delicious treats with your family and friends, and don’t forget to experiment with different variations and serving suggestions!
