Swedish Oatmeal Lace Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly combines the rich, nutty flavor of oats with a delicate crispiness. These cookies are known for their thin, lace-like texture that makes them not only delicious but also visually appealing. Originating from Sweden, these cookies have gained popularity around the world, becoming a beloved snack for all ages. They’re a perfect balance of sweet, buttery goodness with a satisfying crunch, making them the ideal accompaniment to a cup of tea or coffee.
The History of Swedish Oatmeal Lace Cookies
Swedish Oatmeal Lace Cookies, often referred to simply as oatmeal lace cookies, have their roots in traditional Swedish baking. The Scandinavians have a long history of incorporating oats into their baking due to the availability and versatility of oats in their regions. These cookies are a twist on classic oatmeal cookies, offering a much lighter, crisper version. The lacy, thin structure is achieved by spreading the batter very thin on the baking sheet, resulting in a cookie that resembles lace, giving it its unique name. Over time, these cookies spread beyond Sweden’s borders, and variations began appearing in different parts of the world, particularly in the United States, where they became popular in the 20th century. The combination of oats, butter, and sugar in this delicate form has made them a favorite for many, and they continue to be baked in Swedish homes and beyond for various occasions.
Ingredients Breakdown
For Swedish Oatmeal Lace Cookies, you’ll need simple ingredients that come together beautifully to create a crispy, sweet delight. The primary ingredient is oats, which provide the signature chewy texture and nutty flavor. Butter contributes richness and tenderness to the cookies, while granulated sugar helps to create a crisp finish once baked. Brown sugar adds a subtle molasses flavor and depth to the taste. The inclusion of flour gives structure to the batter, while baking soda is used to help the cookies spread and crisp up perfectly. Vanilla extract rounds out the flavor profile with a sweet, fragrant note. Finally, a pinch of salt balances out the sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
Step-by-Step Recipe
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add in the brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing well to incorporate.
In a separate bowl, combine the oats, flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients together to ensure even distribution.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, ensuring that everything is mixed together evenly.
Once the batter is well-combined, drop teaspoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart as the cookies will spread significantly while baking.
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, enjoy the crispy, lace-like texture of the Swedish Oatmeal Lace Cookies with a cup of tea or coffee.
Tips for the Perfect Swedish Oatmeal Lace Cookies
To ensure your cookies have that perfect lace texture, make sure to space them far apart on the baking sheet. The dough will spread considerably during baking, so adequate spacing is crucial to prevent them from merging into one large cookie.
It’s important to use softened butter for the best texture, as it will blend more easily with the sugars and create a smoother dough.
Don’t skip the parchment paper—this helps the cookies bake evenly and prevents them from sticking to the baking sheet.
If you like extra crunch, feel free to add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough for additional flavor and texture.
For a slightly chewier version, reduce the baking time by a minute or two, keeping the cookies slightly softer while still maintaining that crispy edge.
Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before storing them to maintain their crispiness.
Variations and Customizations
While Swedish Oatmeal Lace Cookies are delicious as-is, there are several ways you can customize them to suit your taste. Adding a handful of chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks can make the cookies even more indulgent. For those who enjoy a bit of extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced note. You can also mix in chopped nuts such as almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts for a richer texture and added crunch. If you’re looking for a more decadent treat, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for an elegant twist. For a tropical flair, try adding shredded coconut to the batter, which will pair beautifully with the oats and butter.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
While Swedish Oatmeal Lace Cookies are a delightful treat, it’s important to remember that they are made with sugar, butter, and oats, which can be calorie-dense. Each cookie offers a good amount of carbohydrates and fats due to the oats and butter. However, oats are a healthy whole grain that provides dietary fiber and several essential vitamins and minerals. To make these cookies a bit healthier, you could try substituting some of the butter with coconut oil or a butter alternative, and reducing the sugar slightly. While these cookies are not the healthiest option, they can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Additionally, swapping out refined sugars for coconut sugar or honey could reduce the glycemic impact of the cookies.
FAQ
Can I use rolled oats instead of quick oats for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute rolled oats for quick oats, but the cookies may have a slightly thicker texture and won’t spread as much. Quick oats help create the signature delicate texture, but rolled oats will still work fine.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cookie dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. You can also freeze the dough for up to a month and bake them when you’re ready to enjoy them.
Why do my cookies spread too much or too little?
If your cookies spread too much, try reducing the amount of butter or ensuring that the dough is properly chilled before baking. If they don’t spread enough, the dough may be too thick, and you could add a small splash of milk to loosen it up.
Swedish Oatmeal Lace Cookies
Ingredients
- ¾ cup Granulated Sugar 150g
- 1 Large Egg
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 Stick Unsalted Butter 113g
- 2 cups Rolled Oats 200g
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 320°F / 160°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine the sugar, egg, and vanilla, then whisk until pale and frothy (about 20 seconds of hand whisking). There’s no need for a stand or electric mixer as this recipe comes together quickly and easily.
- Melt the butter in the microwave in 30-second intervals, then add it to the sugar and egg mixture. Whisk just until combined.
- Stir in the oats, flour, baking powder, and salt. I recommend switching to a spoon for this step so the mixture doesn’t get stuck in the whisk.
- Scoop a heaping teaspoon of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet. The dough will appear more like a blob than a perfect ball, but it will spread into a circular shape while baking.
- Bake for 12 minutes. The cookies will have spread out into thin, lacy cookies with golden brown edges. The center may look slightly underdone, but they’ll continue to bake as they cool.
- Allow the cookies to sit on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Perfectly Round Cookies – The cookies will spread into a circle, but if they aren’t perfectly round and you’d like them to be, you can use a round cookie cutter to gently shape the edges while they are still warm!