Easy Oatmeal Scotchies

A Sweet and Nostalgic Treat

If you’re a fan of chewy cookies with a burst of rich butterscotch flavor, these Oatmeal Scotchies are about to become your new favorite treat. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, these cookies strike the perfect balance between comforting oats and luscious butterscotch chips. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday treat, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe delivers cookies that are irresistibly good.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is for anyone who loves cookies with a texture and flavor that’s anything but ordinary. The oats provide a hearty chewiness, while the butterscotch chips melt into gooey pockets of sweetness. The added spices, cinnamon, and nutmeg elevate the flavor profile, making these cookies taste warm and inviting. Plus, they’re simple to make, even for novice bakers.

Who Is This Recipe For?

  • Busy parents looking for a quick but impressive treat for their kids.
  • Holiday bakers seeking a new classic to add to their cookie trays.
  • Sweet tooth enthusiasts who appreciate a balance of spice and sweetness.
  • Anyone nostalgic for old-fashioned cookies with a modern twist.

Ingredients for Oatmeal Scotchies

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (fluffed, spooned, and leveled)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 cup salted butter (two sticks), softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Add-Ins:

  • 3 cups Old-Fashioned Quaker Oats
  • 2 cups butterscotch chips

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare Your Baking Sheets

Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside. This will prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking soda. Set this aside for later.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use a stand or hand mixer with a paddle attachment to beat the ingredients until creamy and smooth. The mixture should no longer feel grainy.

4. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat on medium-high speed until fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat again to ensure all ingredients are incorporated.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix on medium-low speed until just combined.

6. Fold in the Oats and Butterscotch Chips

Add the oats and butterscotch chips to the dough. Mix on low speed until evenly distributed.

7. Scoop and Chill

Use a 1 1/2 tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Chill the cookie dough on the baking sheets in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. If chilling for longer, cover the sheets.

8. Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake one sheet at a time for 13-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will still appear soft but will firm up as they cool.

9. Cool and Enjoy

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Oatmeal Scotchies

  • Softened Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for a creamy mixture. Cold butter won’t cream properly, and melted butter will lead to flat cookies.
  • Chilling the Dough: Don’t skip this step! Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents spreading.
  • Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies. Overbaking will make them too crunchy, while underbaking keeps them soft and chewy.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Medium and large mixing bowls
  • Stand or hand mixer with paddle attachment
  • Whisk
  • Cookie scoop (1 1/2 tablespoon size recommended)
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire cooling rack

Storage Tips

  • Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze baked cookies in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes.
  • Unbaked Dough: Freeze portioned cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.

Variations and Swaps

  • Nutty Twist: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
  • Chocolate Lovers: Swap out 1 cup of butterscotch chips for milk or dark chocolate chips.
  • Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for a bolder flavor.
  • Healthier Option: Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar and swap half the butter for unsweetened applesauce.

Pairings

These cookies pair wonderfully with:

  • Beverages: A tall glass of cold milk, hot cocoa, or a warm chai latte.
  • Desserts: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

FAQ

Q: Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats? A: Quick oats can work in a pinch, but they’ll alter the texture, making the cookies less chewy.

Q: What’s the best way to soften butter quickly? A: Cut the butter into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave in 5-second bursts, but avoid melting it.

Q: Can I make these gluten-free? A: Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

There’s something undeniably comforting about a batch of homemade cookies, and these Oatmeal Scotchies hit all the right notes. With their perfect combination of chewy oats, sweet butterscotch, and warming spices, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household.

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