Oatmeal Lace Cookies
Introduction
Oatmeal lace cookies are delicate, buttery treats known for their thin, crispy texture and caramelized flavor. Unlike thick oatmeal cookies, these light and airy cookies spread beautifully during baking, creating a lacy, golden appearance. Perfect for dessert platters, tea-time snacks, or gifting.
Ingredients
1 cup quick-cooking oats.
1 cup granulated white sugar.
1/4 cup all-purpose flour.
1/4 teaspoon salt.
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted.
1 large egg, lightly beaten.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together oats, sugar, flour, and salt until evenly combined.
- Stir in melted butter, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until a sticky batter forms and all dry ingredients are moistened.
- Drop batter by level teaspoonfuls onto prepared baking sheets, spacing at least 3 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until golden brown and edges turn a darker amber color.
- Allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet. They will crisp as they cool.
How to Make
- Proper spacing is essential because the cookies spread a lot due to the high sugar and butter content.
- Use a small cookie scoop for uniform sizing and even baking.
- For a flatter, crispier cookie, gently press the dough mounds before baking.
Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt semi-sweet chocolate and drizzle over cooled cookies.
- Sandwich Cookies: Spread Nutella or buttercream between two cookies for a decadent treat.
- Salted Caramel: Sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt over cookies right after baking.
- Nutty Lace: Replace 1/4 cup of oats with finely chopped pecans or walnuts for extra flavor.
Tips
- Always use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Quick-cooking oats give the best texture; pulse old-fashioned oats if needed.
- Watch the cookies carefully—sugar content can make them go from golden to burnt quickly.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispness.
Conclusion
Oatmeal lace cookies are an elegant, crunchy treat with a rich, toffee-like flavor. Simple to prepare yet visually impressive, they are perfect for gifting or enjoying with tea.
If you want, I can also adjust this recipe to make a larger batch so you can bake 2–3 times as many cookies without changing the texture or flavor.