Someone asked my daughter what her favorite cookie of mine was. Without any hesitation at all, she claimed oatmeal as her all time favorite. You’re probably thinking that’s a little odd. Most kids love chocolate chip cookies the best. But, most kids’ moms probably make them really well!
It’s confession time. This is really awkward, I know, coming from a food blogger. I’m so embarrassed, but my chocolate chip cookies suck. They do. Probably because I try so hard to make them healthy. It’s not easy to do folks. Don’t worry though, I’m still working on them.
But, these…
These oatmeal cookies have also gone through lots and lots of trial and error. I’ve used varying amounts of oils, butter and eggs with different textures and moisture every time. None were perfect, but over time they’ve improved. I really wanted these perfect. I didn’t want them in the same category as my chocolate chippies. So, in the past two weeks I’ve made three batches, gained five pounds and finished off a huge box of oatmeal. But, guess what? These don’t suck.
White Chocolate Pecan Oatmeal Cookies
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
1 large egg
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
1/2 cup pecans, chopped (optional)
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
In a medium mixing bowl, cream the butter with the sugars with a hand mixer on high for about 2 minutes. Add the egg, applesauce and vanilla extract. Beat for about 45 seconds on medium high speed. Set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon to combine.
Pour the flour mixture into the wet ingredients and using a spoon or spatula, mix until the flour just begins to combine. Add the oats, chips and nuts and stir.
Using a tablespoon sized cookie scoop, drop the dough onto a baking sheet about two inches apart. They don’t spread much. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove and allow to cool on a rack.
Makes about 30 cookies
Notes:
- Substitute chocolate chips and your favorite nut in place of the white chocolate and pecans.
- I use old fashioned oats. I like the texture. If you want the cookies a bit more tender, use quick cooking oats.
Most food blogs are kinda boring to read (no offense, there are just a lot of food blogs out there), but I loved your confession of having sucky chocolate chip cookies! You are so honestly funny that I now want to try these white chocolate pecan oatmeal cookies just because of it, and because they sound wonderful and you totally sold them. Thanks for sharing!
Well, Stephany, I’m glad someone thinks I’m funny! ;) Really though, thanks for taking the time to leave me this sweet message and I’m so glad you’ll be making these cookies! If you are looking for a healthier cookie…you’ll really love these!
Caroline, I’m so sorry you had to gain five pounds (tee hee), but I sure do appreciate your noble sacrifice on this little project! These look beyond-outstanding! I love, love white chocolate (guilty pleasure!) and I can’t wait to make these! Now, I want you to know that next time you need to get all crazy and make such noble sacrifices in the quest for the perfect recipe, you have a willing partner in crime … :D
Thanks so much Shelley! Yeah, I guess when you eat five cookies at one sitting you can expect a little weight gain! So glad you like them!
Good for you working so hard to perfect a recipe! Oatmeal cookies scream fall and wholesome to me (in a little of a cheat way!) Thanks for sharing!
I agree with you, Lori…oatmeal does feel like fall! Thanks so much for your kind words!
Ha! I have the opposite problem–oatmeal cookies are often a struggle for me. Normal oatmeal raisin cookies gave me a hard time for a long time, spreading far too much. They’re getting better now. ;)
I’ve had that same problem with my chocolate chip cookies! Well, that’s not the only problem…there are many! :)
As a kid I used to think I hated oatmeal cookies. Turns out it was just the raisins polluting them that I hated and now they are some of my most favorite cookies. These look delicious, can’t wait to try them out using dark chocolate instead!
Hahaha…Kristen, you are so funny! My daughter doesn’t like the raisins either! I love the idea of using dark chocolate! I haven’t made them that way, but you may find that the cookie may need just a bit more sugar. The white chocolate chips are so sweet, so I use much less sugar in the batter. Let me know how they turn out!