Ali'S Oatmeal Cookies
Chewy oatmeal cookies loaded with hazelnuts, dried apricots, and white chocolate chips, offering a delightful combination of nutty, fruity, and sweet flavors perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter flavor shortening ⓘ
- 1 cup granulated sugar ⓘ
- 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups plus 1 tablespoon sifted all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups old-fashioned or quick cooking oatmeal
- 1 cup finely chopped hazelnuts ⓘ
- 1 cup finely diced dried apricots ⓘ
- 1 cup white chocolate chips ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix shortening, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well blended using an electric mixer.
- Combine 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt; stir into the shortening mixture.
- Stir in oatmeal.
- Stir in chopped hazelnuts.
- Toss dried apricots with remaining 1 tablespoon of flour.
- Stir the apricots into the dough.
- Stir in white chocolate chips.
- Shape the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls.
- Flatten slightly and place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 11 to 13 minutes until cookies are slightly moist in the center and just beginning to brown around the edges.
- Remove immediately and place on wax paper-covered paper towels to cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nuttier flavor, lightly toast the chopped hazelnuts before adding them to the dough. If you don't have hazelnuts, walnuts or pecans can be great substitutes. For a chewier cookie, slightly underbake them by a minute or two. Ensure your butter flavor shortening is at room temperature for easier mixing, and consider using quick-cooking oatmeal if you prefer a smoother texture.
Serving Suggestions
These oatmeal cookies are delicious on their own but can also be enhanced with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a delightful dessert. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a festive twist, serve them alongside Amish Marshmallow Cream Fudge during holiday gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, microwave for a few seconds or place in a preheated oven for a few minutes until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ali'S Oatmeal Cookies contains roughly 159 calories, with 3g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of chocolate chips instead of white chocolate?
Absolutely! You can substitute semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a mix of chocolate chips for a unique taste experience. Just keep in mind that the sweetness level may vary depending on your choice.
What can I do if my dough is too dry?
If your dough feels too dry, add a tablespoon of milk or water gradually until the desired consistency is reached. This will help bind the ingredients better without altering the flavor significantly. Ensure that the oats are not overly absorbing moisture.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can make these cookies gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that the oats are certified gluten-free, as some brands may be processed in facilities that handle gluten-containing grains.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).