Is there anything more comforting than the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home? Today, we have a delightful recipe for Favorite Toasted Oatmeal Cookies that will fill your kitchen with warmth and your taste buds with joy. These cookies are the perfect blend of chewy and crunchy, with a hint of sweetness that makes them irresistible. Let’s dive into creating these delectable treats!
**Favorite Toasted Oatmeal Cookies**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup raisins or chocolate chips (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Toast the Oats:** Spread the rolled oats evenly on the prepared baking sheet and toast them in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden and fragrant. Remove from the oven and let them cool.
3. **Prepare the Dry Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the toasted oats, flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
4. **Cream the Butter and Sugars:** In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
5. **Incorporate Wet Ingredients:** Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until well combined.
6. **Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
7. **Add Mix-Ins (If Using):** If desired, gently fold in the raisins or chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
8. **Chill the Dough:** Cover the cookie dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
9. **Shape the Cookies:** Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie for spreading.
10. **Bake the Cookies:** Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers may still appear slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.
11. **Cool and Enjoy:** Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delicious Favorite Toasted Oatmeal Cookies with a glass of cold milk or your favorite hot beverage.
These oatmeal cookies are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a sweet treat for yourself. The toasty oats add a depth of flavor and texture that will make these cookies a new household staple. So, grab your apron and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible goodies!
