Bake these simple oatmeal lace cookies that feature a delicate, lacy appearance, offering a perfect balance of chewy centers and crispy, caramelized edges. These buttery toffee cookies use pantry staples.
Author:Sarah Peterson
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:10 min
Total Time:25 min
Yield:About 3 dozen 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for drizzling, optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Do not use silicone mats or grease the sheets.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just incorporated.
Stir in the rolled oats and optional nuts until evenly distributed.
Drop rounded teaspoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 3 inches apart. Remember, these cookies spread significantly.
Bake for 7 to 10 minutes. Watch closely; the edges should be golden brown and the centers will look slightly wet. For crispier cookies, bake closer to 10 minutes. For chewier cookies, pull them out closer to 7 minutes.
Remove the sheets from the oven. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes so they set up slightly.
Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
If using, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled cookies.
Notes
For the best lace effect, do not flatten the dough balls before baking. The butter and sugar will melt and spread naturally.
If you prefer a very thin, crispy cookie, you can slightly increase the baking time or use slightly less flour.
These cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
If you are looking for simple pantry cookies that fit into a meal planning routine, this recipe is a great option.