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Looking to make oatmeal cookies without butter? You’re not alone, and the good news is they’re just as delicious and easy to prepare. Switching out butter with alternatives like coconut oil or vegetable oil can create a tasty and healthier treat.
Whether you’re out of butter or simply looking to cut down on dairy, there are plenty of scrumptious options available.
These oatmeal cookie recipes without butter are not only delicious but also incredibly simple to make. Using common pantry ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time. Plus, by using healthier fats, you’re making a more nutritious choice for you and your family. Don’t worry; you won’t be sacrificing flavor or texture.
By trying these recipes, you get to enjoy all the chewy, rich goodness of oatmeal cookies without the saturated fats found in butter. Give them a try; you’ll find that making these healthy and indulgent treats is a breeze.
Essential Ingredients
To make delicious oatmeal cookies without butter, you need to focus on selecting the right oats, choosing the right flour, and adding sweeteners and flavor enhancements that complement each other perfectly. These choices will impact the texture and taste of your cookies.
Choosing the Right Oats
Oats are the star ingredient in oatmeal cookies. Rolled oats are commonly used because they provide a chewy texture. They are processed by being steamed and then rolled flat, which helps them cook quickly.
You might also consider quick oats if you prefer a softer texture. Quick oats are cut into smaller pieces, so they absorb liquids faster. However, avoid instant oats; they can make your cookies too mushy.
When selecting oats, look for whole grain options that retain most of their nutritional value.
Flour Varieties for Every Need
The type of flour you choose will affect the texture and dietary suitability of your cookies. All-purpose flour is the most versatile and provides a balanced texture. If you want a heartier texture and slightly nutty flavor, use whole wheat flour.
For those with gluten sensitivities, gluten-free flour mixtures are available. They often combine rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca flour to mimic the properties of traditional flour. Match the flour to your dietary needs for the best results.
Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancements
Sweeteners add depth and richness to your cookies. Brown sugar is often preferred because it has molasses, which adds moisture and a caramel-like flavor. Combine it with white sugar to balance the sweetness.
Vanilla extract is key for a classic cookie flavor, while cinnamon can add a warming spice element. Optionally, you can add dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for a natural sweetness, or chocolate chips for a treat.
Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect balance of flavors.
Mixing and Baking Techniques
Making oatmeal cookies without butter requires attention to both creating the dough and baking the cookies correctly. Using oil instead of butter changes the texture and process slightly, but the cookies can still be delicious.
Creating the Dough
First, gather your ingredients and have them at room temperature. This ensures that everything mixes well.
Start by adding your dry ingredients like flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt to a medium mixing bowl. Use a whisk to combine these ingredients, helping to aerate the mixture.
Next, in a larger mixing bowl, combine oil, white sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about a minute. This helps in mixing everything well.
Once the wet ingredients are mixed, slowly incorporate the dry ingredients. Do this gradually to ensure even mixing.
When the dough is well combined, add the rolled oats and any other add-ins like dried fruits or chocolate chips. Mix these in using a large spoon to avoid overworking the dough.
Baking Perfect Oatmeal Cookies
Before you start baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough onto the baking sheet. This helps to ensure that all cookies are the same size and bake evenly. Space the cookies at least two inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Be careful not to overbake, as this can make the cookies too hard.
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes.
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them remain crispy on the outside while staying chewy on the inside. Enjoy your freshly baked cookies!
Dairy-Free Alternatives and Substitutions
When making oatmeal cookies without butter, you can use various dairy-free alternatives to add flavor and texture. There are healthier fats that can replace butter, as well as unique add-ins to enhance your cookies.
Healthier Fats
Coconut oil is a popular alternative. It adds a subtle coconut flavor and works well in most recipes. Use melted coconut oil for easy mixing. If you prefer a more neutral taste, opt for refined coconut oil.
Another option is vegetable oil. It is mild in flavor and helps make cookies soft and chewy.
Olive oil can also be used, though it has a stronger flavor. It is better suited for recipes where you want a hint of its unique taste.
These oils not only keep your cookies dairy-free but also provide healthier fats compared to traditional butter.
Unique Add-Ins
Enhance your oatmeal cookies with chocolate chips or raisins for extra sweetness.
Adding nuts like walnuts or almonds can give your cookies a satisfying crunch. You can also mix in seeds like chia or flax for added nutrition.
For a touch of natural sweetness, consider adding a bit of honey or maple syrup. Both pair well with the earthy flavor of oats.
Experimenting with different add-ins can create cookies with varied textures and tastes, while still keeping them dairy-free and delicious.
Storing and Enjoying Your Cookies
To keep your oatmeal cookies without butter soft and chewy, proper storage is key. Additionally, knowing how to serve them maximizes your enjoyment of this delightful dessert.
Proper Storage
Your cookies will stay moist and chewy longer if stored correctly.
First, let the cookies cool completely before putting them away.
Place them in an airtight container such as a plastic or glass container with a tight lid.
Layer the cookies with wax paper or parchment paper in between to prevent them from sticking to each other. This also helps maintain their shape and texture.
If you want to keep them for more than a week, consider storing them in the freezer.
Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a zip-lock bag. This way, you can easily grab one or two when you have a craving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your cookies when they are freshly baked or slightly warmed. A quick 10-second zap in the microwave can make a big difference. It will make them soft and warm.
Pair these cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of tea for a comforting treat.
For a twist, crumble them over yogurt or ice cream to add a sweet crunch. These cookies also make great additions to lunchboxes, providing a tasty dessert for any meal.
By following these suggestions, you can enjoy your oatmeal cookies in various delicious ways while keeping them fresh.
Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie Recipe
Prep time: 30 mins
Bake time: 12 mins per tray
Makes 24- 36 depending on size
Ingredients:
1 cup of Margarine, soften
1 cup of Golden Yellow Sugar
1/2 cup of White Sugar
2 Large Eggs
3 tablespoons Artificial Vanilla
1 1/2 cups of All-Purpose Flour
1 teaspoon of Baking Soda
1 teaspoon of sea salt
3 cups of Quick-Cooking Oats
1 package of chocolate chips, milk chocolate (what I prefer but you can use any kind)
Tools:
Hand mixer
Spoons
Small, Medium and Large bowl
2 Cooking Trays
Spatula
Oven
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Steps:
1. Preheat over to 350 F
2. In a medium bowl sift flour, salt, and baking soda together, and set aside
3. In the large bowl cream the butter, yellow sugar and white sugar together until smooth, once smooth, add the two eggs and artificial vanilla until all combined
4. Carefully and slowly mix the flour mixture into the wet ingredients once no visible flower is showing mix in the oats and chocolate chips (you can also add nuts like walnuts or pecans if you like)
5. Line the baking tray with parchment paper, in the small bowl add warm water from the tap, use this to clean your hands after each ball is made, and take a spoonful of dough and gently place it on the tray don’t over crowd make 12 on a tray. (I use two trays to make the process easier but one will do just fine)
6. Bake for 12 minutes take them out. Let them cool for an additional five minutes and then place them on the cooling rack. (Put only one tray in the oven at a time)