Starbucks Copycat Outrageous Oatmeal Cookies: Your Guide to the Best Chewy Homemade Recipe
For many years, Starbucks delighted customers not just with coffee, but also with charming little brown recipe cards. These cards, often promoting new menu items focusing on simple ingredients and wholesome grains, shared beloved recipes for treats like their famous Banana Bread and the much-coveted Outrageous Oatmeal Cookies. While Starbucks’ menu and online presence have evolved considerably since those days, the memory of these classic recipes, particularly the oatmeal cookies, continues to inspire home bakers.
This recipe aims to recreate the magic of those original Starbucks Outrageous Oatmeal Cookies. While I can’t guarantee an identical match to today’s coffee shop offerings, this is a truly solid, incredibly delicious oatmeal raisin cookie recipe that has earned its place as a family favorite. It’s the kind of cookie that brings warmth and comfort with every bite, reminiscent of a simpler time and the inviting aroma of a Starbucks cafe.
The Allure of Starbucks Outrageous Oatmeal Cookies
These chewy, sweet oatmeal cookies have consistently been a hit in our home, adaptable to various tastes and preferences. The original Starbucks recipe, and this copycat version, stands out for its perfect balance of textures and flavors. It’s not just an oatmeal cookie; it’s an “outrageous” experience – wonderfully soft, delightfully chewy, and packed with the hearty goodness of oats and your chosen mix-ins. The robust flavor profile, often enhanced with warm spices like cinnamon, makes it a comforting treat perfect for any time of day.
Over the years, I’ve often customized this recipe to suit different cravings or dietary preferences. For instance, I frequently swap out all-purpose (AP) flour for white whole wheat flour, adding a nutritional boost without significantly altering the texture or taste. The biggest point of contention in our household, however, often revolves around the raisins! While I adore the classic dark raisins, the rest of my family tends to lean towards the brighter, milder flavor of cranberries and golden raisins. For an added crunch, I typically incorporate pecans or walnuts, though any nut that complements the flavors would work beautifully. Regardless of these minor tweaks, one thing remains constant: the cookies consistently turn out sweet, satisfyingly chewy, and utterly delicious.
Why These “Outrageous” Cookies Deserve a Spot in Your Recipe Box
The “outrageous” in Outrageous Oatmeal Cookies isn’t just a catchy name; it refers to the irresistible combination of texture and flavor that sets them apart. These aren’t your average thin, crispy oatmeal cookies. Instead, they boast a substantial, chewy texture that gives way to a tender interior. The careful blend of sugars contributes to their moistness, while the oats provide that signature rustic charm and satisfying chew. The spices, typically a hint of cinnamon, tie all the flavors together, creating a harmonious and truly memorable cookie experience.
What makes a copycat recipe truly shine is its ability to capture the essence of the original while allowing for personal touches. This recipe does exactly that. Whether you stick to the classic dark raisins and walnuts or venture into a medley of cranberries and pecans, the core integrity of the cookie remains. It’s a versatile base that encourages creativity, making it a perfect project for bakers of all skill levels. Plus, the satisfaction of pulling a batch of these warm, fragrant cookies from your own oven is truly unmatched.
Essential Ingredients for Your Copycat Starbucks Oatmeal Cookies
Crafting the perfect oatmeal cookie starts with understanding the role of each ingredient. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why it matters:
The Foundation: Old-Fashioned Oats and Flour
- Old-Fashioned Oats: These are crucial for the characteristic chewy texture. Unlike quick-cooking or instant oats, old-fashioned oats (also known as rolled oats) hold their shape better during baking, providing a more substantial and satisfying bite. Avoid using quick oats, as they can result in a mushier texture.
- Flour: The recipe calls for either white whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour. White whole wheat flour offers a slightly healthier profile due to its higher fiber content, but it’s milled from a lighter wheat berry, so it behaves much like all-purpose flour in baked goods, resulting in a soft and tender crumb. All-purpose flour will also yield excellent results, providing a slightly lighter texture.
Sweetness, Structure, and Lift: Sugars, Butter, and Leavening Agents
- Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the cookies. It provides richness and contributes to the tender texture. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature for optimal creaming with the sugars.
- Dark Brown Sugar: This is a key player for chewiness and moisture. Dark brown sugar contains molasses, which adds a deeper, caramelized flavor and keeps the cookies soft and moist. Packing it firmly ensures you’re using the correct amount.
- Granulated Sugar: While brown sugar contributes chewiness, granulated sugar helps with the spread of the cookies and provides a crispier edge, balancing the rich texture of the brown sugar.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: This dynamic duo acts as the leavening agents. Baking soda reacts with the acidic brown sugar to help the cookies rise and spread, contributing to their characteristic texture. Baking powder provides an additional lift, ensuring a soft and slightly puffy cookie.
- Salt: A pinch of salt is essential to balance the sweetness and enhance all the other flavors in the cookie.
Flavor Enhancers and Delicious Mix-ins
- Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon is the classic spice companion for oatmeal cookies, adding a warm, comforting aroma and taste that perfectly complements the oats and dried fruits.
- Large Egg: The egg acts as a binder, helping to hold the ingredients together and adding to the cookie’s structure and richness.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract provides a depth of flavor that elevates the entire cookie, enhancing the sweetness and spice.
- Chopped Toasted Walnuts/Pecans: Nuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Toasting them beforehand (either in a dry pan or oven) significantly boosts their flavor. While walnuts are traditional, pecans offer a slightly milder, buttery alternative.
- Dried Cranberries/Raisins: This is where customization really comes into play. Dark raisins offer a classic, rich sweetness. Golden raisins are a bit milder and sweeter, while dried cranberries introduce a lovely tartness and vibrant color, especially when combined with nuts. You can use any combination that your family prefers. The recipe suggests reserving some for pressing into the tops of the cookies for a beautiful finish.
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Recipe: Starbucks Outrageous Oatmeal Cookies
Starbucks Outrageous Oatmeal Cookies
Anna
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups old fashioned oats not quick cooking
- ½ cup white whole wheat or all purpose flour (70 grams)
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (84 grams)
- ½ cup dark brown sugar, packed (100 grams)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ⅓ cup chopped toasted walnuts plus 3 T.
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries plus 3 T
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
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Combine oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon; set aside.
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Beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; beat until combined.
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Add oat mixture to butter mixture and stir until partially mixed. Add ⅓ cup nuts and ⅓ cup cranberries and stir until fully blended. Scoop dough up by rounded tablespoons and shape into balls. Flatten slightly. Mix the reserved nuts and cranberries together and press a few gently into the top . Arrange 2 inches apart on cookie sheets and b on center rack for 12-15 minutes, until cookies are golden brown, but still soft. Cool on sheets for a few minutes and then transfer to a rack.
Mastering the Art of Baking Your Starbucks Copycat Cookies
Baking these “Outrageous Oatmeal Cookies” is a straightforward process, but a few key steps will ensure you achieve that perfect chewy texture and rich flavor. Follow these tips to make your homemade batch truly shine:
Preparation is Key for Seamless Baking
Before you even think about mixing, ensure your oven is accurately preheated to 350°F (175°C). An oven thermometer can be a great tool to verify your oven’s temperature, as many can run hotter or colder than indicated. Next, take a moment to combine all your dry ingredients – the oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon – in a separate bowl. Whisking them together thoroughly ensures that these critical components are evenly distributed throughout the dough, which is vital for consistent texture and flavor in every cookie. This simple step prevents pockets of unmixed leavening or spice.
The Art of Creaming and Combining Wet Ingredients
The foundation of a great cookie often lies in the creaming of butter and sugar. Using softened unsalted butter is essential here. Beat the butter and both sugars (dark brown and granulated) together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the butter, which contributes to the cookies’ tenderness and slight lift during baking. Once creamy, beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until they are fully combined. Don’t overmix at this stage; just enough to integrate everything smoothly.
Folding in the Goodness and Shaping Your Cookies
Now, gently add the dry oat mixture to the wet butter mixture. Stir until it’s just partially mixed. This is the ideal moment to introduce your chosen mix-ins: the ⅓ cup of nuts and ⅓ cup of dried cranberries (or raisins). Continue stirring until all ingredients are fully blended, being careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tougher cookies. Once the dough is ready, scoop it by rounded tablespoons and gently shape it into balls. For that classic Starbucks look, slightly flatten each ball. For an extra touch, mix the reserved nuts and cranberries together and gently press a few pieces into the top of each cookie before baking. This not only makes them visually appealing but also ensures you get a burst of flavor with every bite.
Baking to Golden Perfection and Cooling
Arrange your shaped cookie dough balls about 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake them on the center rack of your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. The key is to look for cookies that are golden brown around the edges but still appear soft in the center. They will continue to set as they cool. Overbaking can lead to dry, crumbly cookies, so err on the side of slightly underbaked for that signature chewy texture. Once removed from the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. This crucial step allows them to firm up before you transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on the rack ensures air circulation, preventing the bottoms from becoming soggy.
Customizing Your Outrageous Oatmeal Cookies: Endless Possibilities
While the recipe above yields a fantastic classic, these Starbucks copycat oatmeal cookies are incredibly versatile. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your mix-ins! Beyond the suggested cranberries, golden raisins, and walnuts, consider adding:
- Chocolate Chips: A mix of milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips can add another layer of indulgence.
- Other Dried Fruits: Chopped dried cherries, apricots, or even blueberries can offer different flavor profiles and textures.
- Additional Spices: A pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or ginger can further warm up the flavor, especially during cooler months.
- Coconut Flakes: Toasted coconut adds a tropical twist and extra chewiness.
- Different Nuts: Almonds, pecans, or even a blend of several nuts can be used based on your preference.
- Zest: A little orange or lemon zest can brighten the flavors and add a subtle citrus note.
Feel free to mix and match to discover your personal favorite “outrageous” combination!
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Once cooled, these homemade Starbucks Outrageous Oatmeal Cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 2-3 months. Simply thaw them at room temperature or gently warm them in the microwave for a few seconds for that freshly baked taste.
These cookies are perfect on their own, but they truly shine when paired with your favorite beverage. Imagine enjoying one with a hot cup of coffee (perhaps a homemade Starbucks-style latte!), a glass of cold milk, or a soothing cup of tea. For an extra decadent treat, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream – the contrast of warm, chewy cookie and cold, creamy ice cream is simply divine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Outrageous Oatmeal Cookies
What makes these cookies “outrageous”?
The “outrageous” descriptor comes from their exceptional texture – a perfect blend of tender softness and satisfying chewiness, packed with hearty oats and flavorful mix-ins. They are often larger and more substantial than a typical oatmeal cookie, delivering a more indulgent experience.
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
It’s highly recommended to stick to old-fashioned (rolled) oats for this recipe. Quick oats are pre-cooked, dried, and cut into smaller pieces, which results in a softer, almost mushy texture in cookies. Old-fashioned oats retain their shape better and provide the desired chewy consistency.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh and delicious for about 3 to 4 days. Beyond that, their texture might start to degrade, though they’ll still be edible.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! This dough freezes beautifully. Scoop the dough into balls, flatten them slightly, and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, you can bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time (typically 15-18 minutes).
Are there any gluten-free alternatives for this recipe?
Yes, you can make these cookies gluten-free! Ensure you use certified gluten-free old-fashioned oats and substitute the all-purpose or white whole wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. The rest of the ingredients are typically gluten-free. Always double-check ingredient labels to be sure.
Conclusion: Bake Your Own Starbucks Experience at Home
There’s something uniquely satisfying about recreating a beloved cafe treat in your own kitchen. These Starbucks Copycat Outrageous Oatmeal Cookies are more than just a recipe; they’re an invitation to enjoy a moment of comfort and indulgence. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can bake a batch of warm, chewy, and utterly delicious cookies that will impress family and friends alike. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to fill your home with the delightful aroma of freshly baked oatmeal goodness. Don’t forget to share your creations and tell us how much you loved them!