Oatmeal cookies hold a special place in many hearts, often evoking feelings of home and comfort. For me, they always bring back memories of my dad, whose love for oatmeal raisin cookies is legendary. Inspired by this fondness, I’m always eager to explore new oatmeal cookie recipes, hoping to broaden his cookie horizons beyond the traditional raisin variety. That’s how I stumbled upon the Pioneer Woman’s Brown Sugar Oatmeal Cookies, and let me tell you, they are a game-changer.
Brown-Sugar-Oatmeal-Cookies
I first encountered this recipe on Ree Drummond’s Food Network show, and the idea of using exclusively brown sugar intrigued me. The result? Cookies with a depth of flavor I hadn’t experienced before. The brown sugar lends a subtle molasses-like richness, making these cookies significantly more flavorful than your average oatmeal cookie. They struck the perfect balance – slightly richer, intensely flavorful, and with a delightful crispness that my dad absolutely loved. He even commented on how uniquely delicious they were, a high praise indeed! While he enjoyed the crispier batch (perhaps baked a tad longer for his preference), I secretly relished the chewy centers of the slightly less baked cookies. But that’s our little secret! His enthusiastic response has even sparked an idea: adapting this recipe for oatmeal raisin cookies for our upcoming hunting trip. If they turn out as delicious as I anticipate, I’ll be sure to share that recipe too.
But for now, let’s focus on these incredible brown sugar oatmeal cookies. The secret to their exceptional flavor lies in the simplicity of the ingredients and the magic of brown sugar.
Brown Sugar Oatmeal Cookie Ingredients
The Magic of Brown Sugar: Why These Oatmeal Cookies Stand Out
What truly sets Pioneer Woman’s Brown Sugar Oatmeal Cookies apart is the exclusive use of brown sugar. Unlike many oatmeal cookie recipes that rely on a mix of granulated and brown sugar, this recipe uses only brown sugar, and the result is transformative. Brown sugar, with its molasses content, imparts a warm, caramel-like sweetness and a depth of flavor that white sugar simply cannot replicate. This single ingredient shift elevates the humble oatmeal cookie to a new level of deliciousness, creating a richer, more nuanced flavor profile that is both comforting and irresistible.
Simple Ingredients for Extraordinary Cookies
You’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that these brown sugar oatmeal cookies require only common pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups packed dark brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 3 cups quick-cooking oats (1-minute oats)
Baking Pioneer Woman’s Brown Sugar Oatmeal Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating these delightful cookies is a straightforward process, perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Follow these simple steps to cookie perfection:
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Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper. This step is optional but highly recommended for easy cleanup and preventing cookies from sticking.
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Cream Butter and Brown Sugar: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or using a hand mixer, cream together the softened butter and packed brown sugar. Beat on medium-high speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, and noticeably lighter in color. This may take 3-5 minutes. Scraping down the bowl occasionally ensures everything is evenly mixed.
Creaming Butter and Brown Sugar for Oatmeal Cookies
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Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the vanilla extract and eggs to the creamed mixture. Beat until well combined, again scraping down the bowl to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
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Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in batches, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
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Fold in Oats: Add the quick-cooking oats to the dough and mix on low speed until just incorporated. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.
Brown Sugar Oatmeal Cookie Dough
- Scoop and Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared cookie sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Scooping Oatmeal Cookie Dough onto Baking Sheet
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Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-17 minutes, depending on your desired cookie texture. For chewy cookies, bake for around 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. For crispier cookies, bake for 15-17 minutes, or until the cookies are a deeper golden brown and slightly crisp around the edges.
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Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a couple of minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This allows them to firm up slightly.
Freshly Baked Brown Sugar Oatmeal Cookies Cooling
Tips for Perfect Brown Sugar Oatmeal Cookies
- For Chewy Cookies: Bake for the shorter end of the baking time and avoid overbaking.
- For Crispy Cookies: Bake for a longer time, until they are nicely browned. You can also let them cool completely on the baking sheet in the oven with the door slightly ajar for extra crispness.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough develops gluten, which can result in tougher cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Use Parchment Paper: Parchment paper makes for easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
- Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness.
Brown Sugar Oatmeal Cookies Ready to Eat
A Simple Cookie with Extraordinary Flavor
Pioneer Woman’s Brown Sugar Oatmeal Cookies are a testament to the fact that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most rewarding. With just a handful of ingredients and a straightforward method, you can create cookies that are bursting with warm, comforting flavor. The brown sugar truly makes these oatmeal cookies something special. Whether you prefer them chewy or crispy, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite. Give this recipe a try and experience the delightful twist on a classic for yourself! You might just find, like me, that Pioneer Woman has completely changed your outlook on oatmeal cookies.
