Description
Oatmeal Crunchies are delightful, crispy oatmeal cookies enhanced with crispy rice cereal for extra crunch. Made with wholesome oats, a mix of sugars, and optional walnuts, these cookies offer a perfect balance of chewiness and crisp texture, making them a satisfying treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
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 cup crispy rice cereal
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening is well distributed and the oats and flour are combined properly.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer or sturdy spoon to cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until all wet ingredients are fully incorporated and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry oat-flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can toughen the cookies.
- Fold in Cereal and Nuts: Gently stir in the crispy rice cereal and chopped walnuts if using, distributing them evenly throughout the dough for added crunch and flavor.
- Form Cookies: Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers are just set, ensuring a perfect chewy yet crunchy texture.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This lets them set properly and prevents breakage.
Notes
- For extra crunch, toast the oats lightly before adding them to the batter to deepen their flavor and texture.
- Swap walnuts for pecans if preferred or omit nuts entirely to make a nut-free version.
- These cookies freeze well in an airtight container for up to 3 months, making them great for make-ahead treats.
