Irresistible Harvest Grains Oatmeal Cookies: Thomas Keller’s Recipe, Elevated

Life often presents us with moments that are wonderfully complex, a blend of joy and wistfulness. Last week brought such a moment as my daughter, Fuzz, embarked on her return to campus in New England. After a prolonged period of remote learning, necessitated by global circumstances, she was absolutely ecstatic to head back to the vibrant energy of college life. While I share in her excitement for this new chapter and the resumption of in-person experiences, I can’t deny the quiet pang of missing her presence at home. Our kitchen has certainly felt a little less lively, and I’ve particularly missed my number one, most honest, and enthusiastic cookie tester. Her departure left a small, sweet void that only the aroma of freshly baked cookies can sometimes fill, prompting me to seek comfort and creativity in the kitchen.

Fortunately, my wonderful husband, Todd, knows just how to soften such a bittersweet transition. During a recent drive through scenic Vermont, he made a special detour to the renowned King Arthur Baking Company store. Anyone who loves baking understands the magic of a King Arthur visit – it’s a treasure trove of high-quality ingredients, innovative tools, and inspiring finds. He arrived home with a delightful haul of baking goodies, a thoughtful gesture that immediately brightened my spirits. Among these culinary treasures was a bag of their fantastic Harvest Grains Blend. This unique mix, comprising an assortment of seeds and grains, is specifically designed to infuse baked goods with extra crunch, texture, and a boost of nutrition. It’s perfect for breads, rolls, and, as I discovered today, absolutely magnificent in cookies. I decided it was the perfect ingredient to put to the test, incorporating it into a batch of big, flat, wonderfully chewy oatmeal cookies, transforming a classic into something truly special.

The foundation for these extraordinary cookies comes from an esteemed culinary master: Thomas Keller’s Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, as featured in his iconic Bouchon Bakery Cookbook. Ah, the very mention of Bouchon Bakery brings back a flood of cherished memories – particularly those spent indulging in their colossal, perfectly crafted cookies at the Columbus Circle location. While my personal preference at the bakery always leaned towards their sensational chocolate chip cookies, Keller’s homemade oatmeal version is every bit as delightful and deserving of high praise. What truly elevated this already superb recipe, in my opinion, was the addition of the Harvest Grains Blend. While the original oatmeal cookies are undeniably delicious and satisfying on their own, the inclusion of this carefully curated grain mix introduces a delightful new dimension. It bestows an exquisite crunch and a varied texture from the assortment of seeds and millet, turning a beloved classic into an even more dynamic and exciting treat. This wasn’t just baking; it was an experiment in textural enhancement, proving that even perfection can be refined.

Below, you’ll find Thomas Keller’s timeless oatmeal cookie recipe, now with my unique Harvest Grains twist! This adaptation offers not only incredible flavor but also an appealing visual texture and added nutritional benefits, making these cookies a truly superior experience.

Insights from the Bouchon Bakery Cookbook

As a passionate baker, I often refer to culinary masterpieces, and the Bouchon Bakery Cookbook by Thomas Keller stands out as a true gem. For those who appreciate the precision and artistry of baking, this book is an invaluable resource. I feel it’s important to provide an update regarding the recipe I’m sharing: while it is wonderfully similar to Keller’s original, it’s not an exact replication from the book. The Bouchon Bakery Cookbook, as you might expect from a chef of Keller’s caliber, offers incredibly detailed instructions and nuanced ratios that are a testament to his dedication to perfection. My adaptation here provides absolutely amazing cookies, and the ratios are indeed quite close, ensuring a successful bake every time. However, if you possess a genuine interest in the intricate world of Bouchon Bakery’s recipes and a desire to delve deeper into the art of professional-level baking, I wholeheartedly recommend acquiring a copy of the book. I admit I initially missed its release in 2012, likely due to the demanding schedule of a new job, but since discovering it, it has quickly become one of the most comprehensive and informative baking books I’ve ever encountered. Its pages are filled with an abundance of good information, precise techniques, and invaluable insights that go far beyond a simple ingredient list, truly enhancing one’s baking prowess.

Recipe

Harvest Grains Oatmeal Cookies

Thomas Keller’s oatmeal cookie recipe with a bit of extra grains thrown in. If you don’t have any Harvest Grains blend, just use more oatmeal or any 7 grain cereal for a similar textural boost.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Dough Chilling and Cooling 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour (plus an extra teaspoon) (I use 140 grams for precision)
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 ¼ teaspoons Diamond Kosher or ¾ teaspoon Morton Kosher salt (see notes for important details on salt types)
½ cup plus 3 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar (140 grams for consistent sweetness)
¼ cup plus 1 ½ tablespoons tightly packed dark or light brown sugar (I prefer dark for depth of flavor) (70 grams for rich, moist cookies)
11 tablespoons unsalted butter, at ideal room temperature (154 grams, essential for proper creaming)
1 large egg, also at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract (Note: Thomas Keller uses 1 ¼ teaspoon vanilla paste for intense flavor)
1 ¾ cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant)
¼ cup King Arthur Harvest Grains Blend or a similar 7-Grain Cereal (If unavailable, simply use more oats for a classic texture!)
¾ cup raisins (feel free to adjust quantity to your preference, or omit for a purist cookie)

Instructions

In a medium bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, fragrant ground cinnamon, reliable baking soda, and essential salt. Ensure all dry ingredients are well combined for even distribution in the final cookie.
In a separate bowl, whisk together both the granulated sugar and the brown sugar until any lumps are completely gone. This step ensures a smooth, consistent cookie dough.
Using the paddle attachment of a stand mixer, cream the room temperature unsalted butter on medium speed until it is light and fluffy. Gradually add the whisked sugars and continue mixing for 3-4 minutes, allowing the mixture to lighten further and become airy. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl periodically to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
Stir in the large egg by hand or on the lowest speed of your mixer, just until it is fully blended into the butter-sugar mixture. Next, with the mixer on low, gradually add the flour mixture, mixing only until just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Finally, add the vanilla extract, the old-fashioned oats, and the Harvest Grains Blend, stirring gently until everything is combined. Once those are blended, fold in the raisins, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
For this particular recipe, portioning the dough before baking is highly recommended; it simplifies the shaping process and helps achieve consistent cookie sizes. Turn the dough out onto a clean silicone mat or lightly floured surface and divide it into either six (for truly giant, bakery-style cookies) or twelve (for generously sized, large-ish cookies). Roll each portion into a smooth ball, then gently flatten it into a disk approximately ¾ inch thick. Arrange these disks on a plate or place them in a resealable zipper bag, cover, and chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes, or ideally, overnight. This chilling period is crucial for flavor development and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
When you are ready to bake these delicious treats, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper; this prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
Place the chilled cookie dough disks onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving ample space between them to allow for spreading. For the giant cookies, bake at 325°F (160°C) for approximately 21 to 23 minutes. Keep a close eye on them and feel free to check for doneness a bit earlier if you prefer a softer cookie. For the slightly smaller, large-ish cookies, bake at the same temperature for about 15 to 20 minutes, adjusting based on your oven’s performance and desired crispness. The edges should be golden brown, and the centers should still look slightly soft.
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 to 10 minutes. This allows them to set and firms up their structure. After this initial cooling, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these magnificent Harvest Grains Oatmeal Cookies as a well-deserved treat!

Notes

A note on salt: When baking, the type of kosher salt you use can significantly impact the final taste, as different brands have varying crystal sizes. Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt, for instance, has larger flakes, which means you’ll need a greater volume to achieve the same salinity as a finer-grained salt like Morton Kosher Salt. The original Thomas Keller recipe called for 1 ¼ teaspoons of kosher salt, a quantity that suggested to me he likely used Diamond Crystal due to its lighter weight per volume. In my experience, ¾ teaspoon of Morton Kosher Salt was perfectly sufficient. It’s also worth remembering that baking soda, while primarily a leavening agent, also contributes a subtle saltiness to the overall flavor profile. Always adjust salt to your personal preference and consider the brand you are using for the best results.

Keyword Harvest Grains, Oatmeal, Thomas Keller’s, cookies, baking, wholesome, gourmet

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Why These Harvest Grains Oatmeal Cookies Are a Must-Try

There’s something inherently comforting about a classic oatmeal cookie, but these Harvest Grains Oatmeal Cookies transcend the ordinary. The addition of the King Arthur Harvest Grains Blend is a game-changer, introducing a symphony of textures that truly sets these cookies apart. Imagine the satisfying chewiness of perfectly baked oatmeal, complemented by the delicate crunch of millet, sesame, and other wholesome grains. This blend doesn’t just add texture; it infuses each bite with a subtle nutty flavor and a boost of nutritional value, making these treats feel both indulgent and surprisingly wholesome. They are generously sized, providing a substantial, satisfying snack or dessert that feels straight out of a gourmet bakery. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Thomas Keller’s precision or simply searching for a superior oatmeal cookie recipe, this elevated version is guaranteed to impress.

Tips for Perfecting Your Harvest Grains Oatmeal Cookies

Achieving bakery-quality cookies at home is entirely possible with a few key considerations. Firstly, always ensure your butter and egg are at proper room temperature. This allows them to cream together effectively, creating an emulsified mixture that traps air and contributes to a light, tender crumb. Secondly, resist the urge to overmix your dough once the dry ingredients are added. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to tough, dense cookies instead of the desired chewy texture. Thirdly, the chilling period for the dough is not optional; it’s crucial. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, ensuring those beautiful, flat, chewy results. Lastly, when portioning the dough, aim for consistency. Using a kitchen scale or a cookie scoop can help you create uniform cookies that bake evenly. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the amount of raisins, or even add other dried fruits or nuts if you desire a personalized touch. These small details collectively contribute to a truly exceptional batch of Harvest Grains Oatmeal Cookies.

Beyond the Cookie: Versatile Uses for Harvest Grains Blend

While the King Arthur Harvest Grains Blend shines brightly in these oatmeal cookies, its versatility extends far beyond just this one recipe. This delightful mix of seeds and grains can be a fantastic addition to a variety of baked goods and even savory dishes. Consider incorporating it into your morning routine: stir a tablespoon into your hot oatmeal or yogurt for an added crunch and nutritional boost. For bread bakers, it can be kneaded into whole wheat loaves, sprinkled on top of rustic rolls, or even used in savory crackers to create a complex flavor and texture profile. It’s also excellent in savory applications like meatloaf or as a crunchy topping for casseroles. The blend typically includes ingredients like rolled oats, sunflower seeds, millet, sesame seeds, and flax seeds, offering a rich source of fiber and essential nutrients. So, don’t let any leftover blend sit idle in your pantry; explore its potential to enhance both sweet and savory creations, bringing texture and goodness to countless meals.

I genuinely hope you take the opportunity to try this incredible recipe for Harvest Grains Oatmeal Cookies. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a classic with a sophisticated, textured twist, perfect for sharing with family, friends, or simply savoring by yourself with a cup of coffee or tea. Baking these cookies brought a bit of warmth and comfort to our home, reminding me that even when loved ones are far away, the joy of creating something delicious can bridge the distance. Happy baking!