Description
Oatmeal Crunchies are delightful, crunchy cookies packed with rolled oats, nuts, and crisp rice cereal for an irresistible texture. These classic American treats combine the hearty flavor of oats with the perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of cinnamon, making them an easy and satisfying homemade dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-Ins
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
- 1/2 cup crisp rice cereal (for added crunch)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow for even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon to ensure they are evenly distributed.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cookies.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar mixture, ensuring they are fully incorporated.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix which can toughen the cookies.
- Fold in Add-Ins: Fold in the chopped nuts, shredded coconut if using, and the crisp rice cereal to add texture and flavor to the cookie dough.
- Scoop Dough: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown, indicating they are ready.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps maintain their crunchiness.
Notes
- You can swap the nuts for chocolate chips or dried fruit for a different flavor twist.
- For a chewier texture, slightly underbake the cookies by reducing baking time by 1-2 minutes.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week to maintain freshness and crunch.
