Monday, April 8, 2013

Oatmeal Refrigerator Cookies



From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...Several years ago, I learned a trick from my oldest daughter that helped put my love-hate relationship with cookies on a more even keel. When my children were in high school, I actually stopped baking cookies because they disappeared so quickly. It was not unusual for a batch of them to be eaten on the same day they were made and I thought my efforts, though probably appreciated, were not savored. Rather than fuss about it, I stocked the cookie jar with vanilla wafers and ginger snaps and let it go at that. There were no complaints. They had cookies and my ego and hurt feelings were kept at bay. Now it happens that while both my girls are great cooks, their kitchens are quite different from each other and certainly different than mine. They both bake cookies. The oldest, who is responsible for my searching out recipes like the one I'm sharing with you tonight, freezes portioned cookie dough and bakes small quantities of pre-shaped cookies as her boys demand them. Her cookie jar is never full, but she always has cookies for them in the house. I've been collecting recipes for slice and bake cookies for several years now and when I saw this recipe in Bon Appetit magazine, I knew it would fit right into my collection. It makes basic oatmeal cookies that are more flavorful than most, because they have a mild nutty flavor that comes from the whole wheat flour used to make them.



The cookies are easy to make, but the dough is a sticky mess that can be hard to work with. You'll want to roll the dough into two 12 inch logs and you'll need parchment paper and plastic wrap to do that. You'll also need to keep your hands damp to prevent the dough from sticking to your fingers as you work with it.



The logs are placed in the freezer for at least 4 hours before they are sliced. I cut the logs into 1/2 inch slices and bake the cookies in their frozen state for about 15 minutes. The dough must be kept cold to be workable and you will need a sharp knife to cut through it. This recipe will make 4 dozen crisp oatmeal cookies that are perfect for dunking. I know you'll enjoy them. Thank you, Bon Appetit.



Oatmeal Refrigerator Cookies...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite courtesy of Jenny Rosenstarch and Andy Ward via Bon Appetit magazine

Ingredients:
1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup (packed) light brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups old-fashioned oats
2 cups raisins

Directions:
1) Whisk both flours, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg in a medium bowl.
2) Using an electric mixer, beat butter and both sugars on high speed until light and creamy, 2-3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating to blend and scraping down bowl between additions. Beat in vanilla.
3) Reduce speed to low. Gradually add dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Fold in oats and raisins.
4) Divide dough between 2 large sheets of parchment paper. Using paper as an aid, roll up each piece of dough into a 1-1/2-inch diameter log. Wrap in plastic; freeze for at least 4 hours and up to 3 weeks.
5) When ready to bake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Unwrap dough and cut into 1/2-inch-thick rounds (return unused dough to freezer); place 2-inch apart on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
6) Bake cookies until edges are golden brown, 15-18 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack; let cool. Yield: 48 cookies. Store in an airtight container or freeze.

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19 comments :

Unknown said...

dear mary here we don't find kosher salt... but these cookies are realy yummy blessing my dear friend

Kim said...

This is the kind of recipe everyone wants. So perfect to have 1 log or two in the freezer!

Priya Suresh said...

Very attractive and marvellous cookies.

Unknown said...

I love cookies like this. I unfortunately, don't have the willpower to just bake a few at a time... I'm a "my cookie jar is always full" type girl!! lol

Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes said...

I love this idea! Fresh cookies whenever you want them without all the effort!

Diane said...

I will certainly try this recipe, we both love anything with oats in it. Thanks Mary for another great recipe. Have a good week, Diane

Mr. & Mrs. P said...

They came out beautiful. Last time we made oatmeal cookies, we had a mini disaster!! We mixed up the flour jar for powdered sugar!!

We all make mistakes right!!

Mr. & Mrs. P
www.cristyandmichael.blogspot.com

teresa said...

i often have the same problem, all my hard work gobbled down and forgotten! this is a fantastic idea and the cookies look delicious!

Joanne said...

When I bake cookies I do have a habit of eating a few too many so if I could just slice off one and bake it, it would make portion control so much easier! Great idea.

Chiara said...

looks so delicious mary!Blessings...

Melinda said...

These look very yummy.

M :)

JG said...

Mary, your daughter reminds me of myself when my sons were young. There were always cookie logs of raw dough in our large freezer. Saved me from buying packaged cookies for the guys & their friends. :)
~Judy

Sugar et al said...

This is a great technique! Ready for baking whenever you want some. And as always your pictures look so fantastic!

David said...

Mary, This is a great idea! Now we can bake up a few Oatmeal cookies when we want them... Up to now, we bake the whole batch and then I feel obligated to eat them before they go stale! Take Care, Big Daddy Dave

Tricia @ Saving room for dessert said...

I completely agree about taking the time to bake something that disappears in minutes! We should be flattered right? Love this recipe and the cookies look beautiful.

Cindy said...

I love yummy treasures that are hidden in the freezer--to be consumed at any time! These look delicious.

Unknown said...

That is great advice on freezing the cookies!

Anonymous said...

I made these and they turned out great!!!! had to come tell you!

Tanna said...

Just catching up today and I love all three recipes I've read! The chicken and rice, the egg and spinach AND especially the oatmeal cookies! LOL! Thank you, Mary!! blessings ~ tanna

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