Welcome to the delightful world of homemade cookies with a twist! These Nutty Oat Delights offer a satisfying crunch and a rich, nutty flavor that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're baking for a cozy family night or a special gathering, these cookies are sure to impress.
Peanut butter is the star here, providing that classic nutty flavor and a creamy texture that binds everything together. Make sure to use creamy peanut butter for a smooth dough. Unsalted butter adds richness, and since it’s softened, it blends easily with the sugars. Using both granulated sugar and brown sugar gives the cookies a balanced sweetness, with the brown sugar contributing a hint of molasses flavor and moisture. The egg acts as a binder, helping to hold the dough together, while vanilla extract adds a lovely aromatic note. All-purpose flour provides structure, and when combined with baking soda and a pinch of salt, it ensures the cookies have the right lift and flavor balance. Finally, the old-fashioned oats introduce a chewy texture and a wholesome taste that complements the peanut butter beautifully.
These Nutty Oat Delights are fantastic with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of tea. For an extra special treat, sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a delightful dessert.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives the oven enough time to reach the right temperature while you prepare the dough. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or a wooden spoon to cream them together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This usually takes a few minutes, and you'll notice the color lightens as air is incorporated.
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until they're well mixed. You’re aiming for a uniform, slightly glossy batter at this stage.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step helps prevent clumps and ensures even distribution throughout the dough. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop once there are no visible streaks of flour.
Now, fold in the oats. Use a spatula to gently mix them in until evenly distributed. The dough will be quite dense and sticky, which is a good sign.
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. A cookie scoop or a tablespoon makes this task easier and ensures uniformity.
Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. You’re looking for lightly golden edges and a slightly soft center. Remember, they’ll continue to set as they cool.
Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.