Irresistible Oregon Hazelnut Oatmeal Cookies: Your New Favorite Recipe!

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies filling your home. And when those cookies feature the rich, earthy flavor of toasted hazelnuts combined with wholesome oats, you’ve truly found something special. Our journey to these incredible Oregon Hazelnut Oatmeal Cookies began, as many great recipes do, with a happy accident – or rather, a delicious leftover. After crafting a delightful Hazelnut Cream Cake, I found myself with a generous supply of skinned hazelnuts that simply begged to be transformed into another tempting treat. The solution? These remarkably satisfying hazelnut oatmeal cookies, a recipe that perfectly balances rustic charm with sophisticated flavor.

This particular recipe comes with the esteemed endorsement of the Oregon Hazelnut Growers, a testament to the quality and natural goodness of these nuts. Oregon is renowned for producing some of the finest hazelnuts in the world, benefiting from the region’s unique climate and fertile soil. When you use Oregon hazelnuts, you’re not just adding a nut to your recipe; you’re infusing it with a distinct, sweet, and buttery flavor that truly shines. We’ve taken their excellent foundational recipe and introduced a few personal touches to elevate the experience, making it even more approachable and versatile for your home kitchen. For instance, while butterscotch chips offer a delightful sweetness, I’ve found that robust chunks of white chocolate can introduce a creamy, luxurious contrast that is simply divine. But the beauty of this recipe is its flexibility – feel free to experiment and discover your own favorite combination!

Why Oregon Hazelnuts Make All the Difference

Hazelnuts, also known as filberts, are celebrated globally for their exquisite flavor and nutritional benefits. However, Oregon hazelnuts hold a special place. The Willamette Valley in Oregon provides the ideal growing conditions – mild winters, warm summers, and abundant rainfall – that nurture hazelnuts to perfection. This results in nuts that are consistently larger, sweeter, and more intensely flavored than those from many other regions. When toasted, these Oregon hazelnuts release an even deeper, more complex aroma and flavor, transforming any dish they grace. They bring a rich, nutty sweetness with subtle earthy undertones, a flavor profile that is utterly indispensable in these oatmeal cookies.

Beyond their exceptional taste, hazelnuts are a nutritional powerhouse. They are packed with healthy monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, fiber, and antioxidants, contributing to heart health and overall well-being. Incorporating them into your baking not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beneficial boost. The combination of wholesome oats and nutrient-rich hazelnuts creates a cookie that is satisfying not just for its taste, but also for its fulfilling qualities, making it a perfect snack or a delightful treat with your morning coffee or afternoon tea.

The Art of Crafting the Perfect Oatmeal Cookie

Oatmeal cookies are a classic for a reason – their chewy texture, comforting warmth, and versatility make them a beloved staple in many households. What sets a truly great oatmeal cookie apart is the balance of chewiness and tenderness, along with a rich, full-bodied flavor. This recipe achieves that balance by combining quick oats, which provide a delicate chew without being overly dense, with a blend of granulated and brown sugars that contribute to both sweetness and moisture. The addition of butter flavor shortening (such as Crisco or a non-hydrogenated alternative) ensures a tender crumb and helps the cookies spread just right, resulting in a delightfully soft center and lightly crisp edges.

The beauty of this particular recipe also lies in its thoughtful inclusion of complementary flavors. Dried apricots, finely diced and tossed in flour, add bursts of tangy sweetness and prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cookie. This simple trick ensures the apricots are evenly distributed, enhancing every bite. And, of course, the star of the show – the toasted Oregon hazelnuts – provides a delightful crunch and unparalleled nutty depth that truly elevates these cookies from good to extraordinary. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe is designed to be straightforward and rewarding, promising a batch of cookies that will disappear as quickly as they were made.

Oregon Hazelnut Oatmeal Cookies – The Recipe

Yields approximately 3 dozen cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup butter flavor shortening (Crisco or one of the new non-hydrogenated types)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1-½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
¾ teaspoon salt
2-½ cups quick oats, uncooked (do not use instant or steel-cut)
1 cup finely chopped Oregon hazelnuts (toasted for enhanced flavor)
1 cup finely diced dried apricots tossed in 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup butterscotch chips or chopped white chocolate chunks (your choice!)

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Baking Sheets

Before you begin mixing, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Have a couple of ungreased cookie sheets ready. While some recipes call for parchment paper, these cookies tend to release well from an ungreased sheet, producing a slightly crispier bottom.

Step 2: Creaming the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter flavor shortening with both the granulated sugar and the firmly packed light brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat these ingredients together until they are light and fluffy. This creaming process incorporates air into the mixture, which is crucial for the cookies’ texture. Once light and fluffy, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract until just combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combining the Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the 1-½ cups of all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures that the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is vital for uniform rising and seasoning in your cookies.

Step 4: Mixing All Ingredients Together

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the creamed wet ingredients. Begin mixing on low speed until the flour is just incorporated, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tough cookies. As soon as the flour streaks disappear, stir in the quick oats, the toasted chopped Oregon hazelnuts, and your chosen chips (butterscotch or white chocolate chunks). Finally, gently fold in the flour-tossed dried apricots. Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough using a spoon or spatula.

Step 5: Shaping and Baking Your Cookies

Shape the cookie dough into 1-½-inch balls. For a classic oatmeal cookie appearance, gently flatten each ball slightly before placing it on the cookie sheet. (Don’t worry if you forget this step, as I sometimes do – they will still be delicious!). Arrange the cookie balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared cookie sheets to allow for proper spreading during baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 11-13 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden brown and the centers still look slightly moist. This indicates they are perfectly chewy and not overbaked. Remove the cookie sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period on the hot sheet helps them firm up without becoming brittle.

Enjoy your approximately 3 dozen delicious Oregon Hazelnut Oatmeal Cookies!

Customizing Your Hazelnut Oatmeal Cookies

One of the joys of baking is the ability to customize recipes to suit your personal taste or what you have on hand. This Oregon Hazelnut Oatmeal Cookie recipe is wonderfully adaptable:

Chip Choices: As mentioned, while butterscotch chips offer a lovely caramel-like sweetness, large chunks of white chocolate provide a richer, creamier counterpoint. Dark chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips would also be fantastic, adding different layers of chocolatey goodness.
Other Dried Fruits: If apricots aren’t your favorite, consider swapping them for dried cranberries, cherries, or even finely chopped dates. Remember to toss them in a tablespoon of flour to prevent them from sinking.
Spices: A pinch of cinnamon (½ teaspoon) or a ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg could add a warm, inviting spice note that complements the hazelnuts beautifully.
Nut Variations: While Oregon hazelnuts are the star, if you happen to have a mix of other nuts like pecans or walnuts, a small amount could be added for extra texture and flavor complexity.
Recipe Halving: If you don’t need three dozen cookies (though they freeze wonderfully!), this recipe can easily be halved. Simply divide all ingredient quantities by two. This is perfect for smaller households or when you just want a fresh, warm batch without too many leftovers.

Storage Tips for Freshness

To keep your Oregon Hazelnut Oatmeal Cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. If you’ve baked a large batch and want to save some for later, these cookies freeze exceptionally well. Once completely cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm them in a microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-baked feel.

Conclusion

These Oregon Hazelnut Oatmeal Cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a celebration of wholesome ingredients and comforting flavors. From the buttery richness of the Oregon hazelnuts to the satisfying chew of the oats and the delightful bursts of apricot and your chosen chips, every bite is an experience. Whether you’re looking for a special dessert, a delightful snack, or a thoughtful gift, this recipe delivers on all fronts. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of these truly exceptional cookies. Happy baking!