Delightful Extra Virgin Oatmeal Cookies: A Unique Citrus-Infused Baking Experience
Embarking on the journey of selecting a new extra virgin olive oil can often feel like a culinary adventure with an unpredictable outcome. Sometimes you strike gold, discovering a rich, vibrant oil that elevates every dish. Other times, despite the price tag, you might find a bottle that doesn’t quite hit the mark for your preferred taste profile. This happened to me recently. I currently have four different bottles gracing my kitchen counter – two are simply magnificent, one is a dependable, budget-friendly staple, and the fourth, unfortunately, was a rather expensive misstep. While it possesses a distinct flavor, it wasn’t the nuanced, peppery note I was seeking for drizzling over salads or finishing dishes. However, a true culinary enthusiast knows that every ingredient has its purpose. This particular olive oil, with its robust character, turned out to be perfectly suited for baking, where its flavor could be transformed into something truly spectacular. And what better way to kick off this new baking endeavor than with a batch of delightful Extra Virgin Oatmeal Cookies?
The Perfect Pairing: Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Orange in Baking
The marriage of extra virgin olive oil and fresh orange zest creates a truly exceptional flavor profile that harmonizes beautifully in these oatmeal cookies. This combination lends a brightness and subtle peppery note from the olive oil, balanced by the sweet, aromatic citrus. Beyond the incredible taste, these cookies boast a remarkable texture: soft and dense on the inside, with a satisfyingly crispy edge that makes each bite a delightful experience. What’s more, they maintain their freshness wonderfully. I tested this by leaving a few in the cookie jar overnight, and to my pleasant surprise, they were just as moist and flavorful the next morning as they were straight out of the oven. This enduring freshness is often a characteristic benefit of baking with olive oil, as its monounsaturated fats contribute to a longer shelf life compared to butter-based cookies.
Another fantastic bonus of this recipe is its simplicity. It’s a true one-bowl wonder, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum enjoyment. There’s no need to haul out a heavy electric mixer; a sturdy spoon and a large mixing bowl are all you require. Just combine your ingredients, give them a good stir, and you’re well on your way to homemade cookie bliss. For recipes involving citrus, having a reliable citrus zester can make a world of difference. I personally use a zester from Deiss. It was a thoughtful gift I received some time ago, and initially, I was reluctant to switch from my old trusty tool. However, after using the Deiss zester, I found it to be incredibly efficient, making quick work of zesting oranges without much effort. In retrospect, I’m actually quite pleased that my recent olive oil purchase didn’t quite meet my initial expectations, as it serendipitously led to the creation of these unexpectedly delicious and unique oatmeal cookies.
Why Bake with Extra Virgin Olive Oil? The Healthier, Flavorful Choice
For many home bakers, butter is the go-to fat, but extra virgin olive oil offers a compelling alternative, especially if you’re looking to introduce unique flavors or opt for a healthier profile. Unlike butter, extra virgin olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are known for their heart-healthy benefits. It also contains antioxidants, contributing to a more nutritious baked good. When used correctly, olive oil can impart a subtle, fruity, and sometimes peppery note that enhances the overall complexity of a dessert without making it taste “oily.” For these oatmeal cookies, the olive oil provides a moistness and tenderness that is distinct from butter, resulting in a lighter yet equally satisfying texture. Choosing a good quality, mild extra virgin olive oil is key for baking, as a very strong or bitter oil can sometimes overpower delicate flavors. Its use can also make these cookies suitable for those following a dairy-free diet, adding another dimension to their appeal.
The Humble Oat: A Nutritional Powerhouse in Your Cookies
Oatmeal cookies are a classic for a reason, and much of that comes down to the star ingredient: oats! Beyond their comforting texture and nutty flavor, oats are incredibly beneficial. They are a fantastic source of dietary fiber, including beta-glucan, which is known to help lower cholesterol and regulate blood sugar levels. Incorporating oats into your cookies not only adds a wonderful chewiness but also boosts their nutritional value, making them a more wholesome treat. This recipe specifically calls for quick-cooking oats, which lend themselves to a softer, more uniform texture. These oats absorb moisture quickly, contributing to the dense yet tender crumb of the cookies. If you prefer a chewier, more robust cookie, old-fashioned rolled oats can also be used, though you might need to adjust the liquid slightly or let the dough rest longer to ensure they soften adequately and prevent a dry outcome.
Tips for Perfect Extra Virgin Oatmeal Cookies Every Time
Achieving the perfect cookie can sometimes feel like a science, but with a few simple tips, you can ensure your Extra Virgin Oatmeal Cookies turn out beautifully every single time:
- Measure Flour Correctly: For consistent results, always weigh your flour if possible (6.8 oz as specified in the recipe is ideal). If measuring by volume, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge, rather than scooping directly from the bag. This prevents compacting the flour and adding too much, which can lead to dry, crumbly cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the wet ingredients to the dry, mix just until combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in tougher, less tender cookies. A light hand will ensure a delicate crumb.
- Quality Zester Matters: As mentioned, a good zester like the Deiss one can make orange zesting a breeze, ensuring you get only the fragrant, brightly colored zest and not the bitter white pith beneath. The zest is where all the concentrated citrus flavor resides.
- Uniform Cookie Size: Use a cookie scoop or generously rounded tablespoons to portion your dough. This ensures even baking across the entire batch, so all your cookies are perfectly cooked and have a consistent appearance.
- Slightly Press Down: The recipe suggests pressing the balls down slightly to make ¾ inch thick rounds. This helps them spread evenly during baking and achieve that lovely crispy edge while keeping the center soft and chewy. Don’t flatten them completely, just a gentle press.
- Watch Your Oven: Ovens can vary significantly, so keep an eye on your cookies. They are typically done when the edges are golden brown and the centers are set but still look a little soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
- Cooling Process: Allowing the cookies to cool for about 3 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack helps them set completely and prevents them from breaking apart. This initial cooling period allows the internal structure to stabilize.
Enhance Your Cookies: Delicious Variations and Additions
While the Extra Virgin Oatmeal Cookies with orange and cranberries are delicious as is, there are many ways to customize them to your liking. Feel free to experiment with different additions to create your signature batch:
- Chocolate Chips: A classic addition to any oatmeal cookie! Dark chocolate chips, in particular, would beautifully complement the orange and subtle olive oil notes, creating a sophisticated flavor combination.
- Other Nuts: Instead of walnuts, try pecans, almonds, or even a mix of your favorite nuts for added crunch and flavor. Toasted nuts can bring out an even deeper, more complex taste.
- Spices: A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a touch of cardamom could add warmth and complexity, especially if you’re baking during cooler months. These spices pair wonderfully with both orange and oats.
- Different Dried Fruits: Swap cranberries for golden raisins, dried cherries, chopped dried apricots, or a mix of dried berries. Each will bring its own unique sweetness and chewiness.
- Citrus Variations: While orange is fantastic, lemon zest or grapefruit zest could also offer intriguing flavor twists, providing different levels of tartness and aroma.
- Coconut: Shredded coconut, either unsweetened or sweetened, would add another layer of texture and tropical flavor that harmonizes surprisingly well with the existing ingredients.
Update! The versatility of this cookie dough is another unexpected joy. After baking my initial batch, I had some leftover dough. Instead of just making more rounds, I decided to press it into a square-shaped cupcake pan. The result was equally delightful, and I confess, I think I might even prefer this unique, squared-off shape! It creates a slightly thicker cookie bar, perfect for a heartier bite, and perhaps makes for an interesting presentation, especially for a grab-and-go snack. This simple experiment proved how adaptable and forgiving this recipe truly is, encouraging you to get creative with your baking.
- Olive Oil Brownies
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- Pumpkin Cupcakes with Pudding
- Whole Wheat Olive Oil Chocolate Chip
Extra Virgin Oatmeal Cookies: The Full Recipe
Ready to bake these incredible Extra Virgin Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies? This simple, one-bowl recipe yields about 24 delicious cookies, perfect for sharing with friends and family or savoring all by yourself. Gather your ingredients and get ready for a truly unique and satisfying baking experience that challenges conventional cookie recipes with its delightful olive oil twist.
Extra Virgin Oatmeal Cookies
Cookie Madness
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Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour 6.8 oz, (weigh flour or stir before measuring)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup quick cooking oats old fashioned might work
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup chopped walnuts
- ½ cup dried cranberries coarsely chopped
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Have ready parchment lined baking sheets.
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In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly stir together flour, baking soda and salt. When thoroughly mixed, add the sugar and oats. Stir until blended.
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Make a well in the center and add olive oil, eggs, orange zest and vanilla. Stir everything together, then stir in the nuts and cranberries. You should have a thick, smooth, dough, though the oil may make it slightly crumbly.
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Using generously rounded tablespoons shape dough into about 24 balls.
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Arrange balls 2 ½ inches apart on each baking sheet. Press the balls down slightly to make ¾ inch thick rounds.
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Bake one sheet at a time on center rack for about 10 minutes or until the cookies are set and the edges brown.. Let cool on baking sheet for about 3 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.