Delightful Irish Lace Cookies – Perfect for Tea Time
Friends, countrymen, lend me your ears! I come before you with a recipe that has been passed down through generations of Irish families. This is no ordinary cookie recipe – this is the recipe for Irish Lace Cookies. These delicate and lacy cookies are made with oatmeal, flour, butter, and brown sugar to create a sweet and crispy texture that melts in your mouth.
In the world of desserts, these cookies are one of my favorites – dare I say they might even be my all-time favorite. Whenever I have the chance to share these with my loved ones or guests, they disappear almost instantly. And now, it’s time for me to pass along this delicious recipe to you.
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s light, crisp, and is easy to make, then look no further than Irish Lace Cookies. You won’t regret giving this delightful recipe a try. So let’s get started and see how we can make these scrumptious Irish lace cookies in our own kitchens!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Folks, let me tell you something – if you’re a lover of cookies, then this recipe is right up your alley! Irish Lace Cookies might sound delicate and intricate, but let me tell you – they pack a flavor punch that will knock your socks off.
What makes these cookies so special? First off, they’re made with oatmeal, giving them that homey and cozy feeling with every bite. Plus, with only a few key ingredients like light brown sugar, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, and unsalted butter (just to name a few), you won’t need to run to the store for any fancy or elusive ingredients.
But what really sets these cookies apart is their texture. These cookies are thin and crispy on the outside but chewy on the inside, making them both satisfying to sink your teeth into and fun to eat. It’s what makes them perfect for dunking in tea or coffee (or even hot cocoa!).
One of the best parts about these cookies is that they’re incredibly versatile. You can serve them plain and they’ll still be delicious, but you can also dip them in chocolate or add a cream filling for something extra special. And because they’re so thin and delicate-looking, they make for an impressive gift or party treat – no one will ever guess how easy they were to make!
So if you love oatmeal cookies or just want to try something new, give Irish Lace Cookies a go. With their perfect balance of sweet and crispy-chewy texture, I have no doubt these cookies will become a staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredient List
Gather these Irish Lace Cookies ingredients for a delicious treat:
- All-purpose flour (2 cups)
- Oatmeal (2 cups of rolled oats)
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons)
- Light corn syrup (1/4 cup)
- Heavy cream (1/4 cup)
- Golden brown sugar (2 and 1/4 cups packed)
- Unsalted butter (1 and 1/2 cups or 3 sticks, softened)
For the cookies cream filling, you will need:
- Heavy cream (1/4 cup)
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup packed)
Enjoy them as they are or add your favorite variations to the recipe for an exciting twist.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have gathered all the ingredients let’s dive into making these scrumptious Irish Lace Cookies. This recipe is perfect for when you have some unexpected guests over and want to serve them something homemade but simple. Don’t be nervous, these cookies are just like Alice’s sweet and friendly neighbors from Wonderland who appeared intimidating at first, but became amicable after giving them a chance!
Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 8-10 minutes | Yield: Approximately 30 cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper so that those delicate lace cookies don’t stick to the baking sheets.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter and 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar until it becomes light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, sift together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp of salt, and stir in 2 cups of rolled oats and mix well.
Step 4: Mix it Up!
Add the dry ingredients mixture little by little into the creamed mixture while stirring continuously. Finally, add ½ cup of light corn syrup, ¼ cup of heavy cream, and 2 tsp of vanilla extract to form thick and smooth batter.
Step 5: Bake ’em up!
Take about a tablespoonful of the batter or less and drop it onto the prepared baking sheet at least two inches apart as they will spread once baked. Ideally, you should be able to fit about six to eight balls on each sheet.
Bake for between 8 to 10 minutes until they turn golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them because they tend to burn easily! Once the edges are golden brown, remove from the oven and let them cool for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Step 6: Create your Lace Cookie Cream Filling
Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add ¼ cup of light brown sugar and stir continuously until the sugar dissolves. Add 2 tablespoons of purpose flour and stir until it forms a smooth mixture. Next, add 1/4 cup of heavy cream and stir continuously until it forms a smooth consistency.
Let the mixture cool before spreading it in between two cookies or piping it directly onto one cookie to create that gorgeous lace cookie cream filling.
Enjoy these Irish oatmeal lace cookies with a piping hot cup of tea or coffee during evenings when friends or family come over. Trust me, they’ll love them!
Substitutions and Variations
Well, ain’t that just like a cookie – it’s always open to new ideas and variations! If you’re feeling experimental or you’re missing one or two ingredients from the list, let me help you out with some of my favorite substitutions and variations.
– Gluten-free Irish Lace Cookies: If you need to avoid gluten, you can try using almond flour in place of all-purpose flour. The nutty flavor will complement the oatmeal beautifully, creating a whole new experience. You can even call them Almond Lace Cookies.
– Chocolate Lace Cookies: Feeling adventurous? Add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the recipe and watch how they sparkle through the delicate oatmeal threads. Remember to be gentle when folding in the chocolate chips, so as not to break up the lacy texture.
– Brown Sugar Lace Cookies: If you want your lace cookies to have a deep, caramel-like sweetness, swap out 1/2 cup of granulated sugar for brown sugar. The molasses in the brown sugar adds an irresistible earthy dimension.
– Alice Cookies (Trisha Yearwood): My friend Trisha Yearwood loves to make these cookies with rolled oats instead of traditional oatmeal. It creates a chunkier and more substantial texture that’s perfect with a glass of milk or a warm cup of tea.
– Florentine Biscuits: If you want to take your lace cookies up a notch and turn them into Florentine biscuits, add sliced almonds or chopped hazelnuts to the mix. You’ll end up with a crispy, crunchy cookie that’s perfect with ice cream or sorbet.
– Chocolate Chip Lace Cookies: Want an irresistible twist on lace cookies? Mix in some chocolate chips into your basic dough! These Chocolate Chip Lace Cookies are chewy, buttery and crisp all at once.
Remember to experiment safely and let me know what other versions you come up with!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you have baked up some scrumptious Irish Lace Cookies, it’s time to pair them with the perfect accompaniments. These lacy oatmeal cookies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed on their own or served alongside coffee, tea, milk, or even a cold glass of Guinness.
One classic pairing for these delicate lace cookies is a cup of English Breakfast tea. The rich and robust flavors of black tea perfectly complement the subtle sweetness and chewy texture of the Irish Lace Cookies. You could also opt for a more herbal variety such as peppermint or chamomile for a more soothing combination.
For those who enjoy a little indulgence, these cookies can be paired with a creamy chocolate ganache or a homemade vanilla cream filling for an extra special treat. The contrast between the crumbly texture of the cookie and the smooth, velvety filling makes for an incredible taste sensation that will leave your taste buds delighted.
If you’re looking to present your Irish Lace Cookies in an elegant dessert spread, try pairing them with other delicate biscuits such as Florentine Biscuits or Almond Lace Biscuits. You could also opt for some chocolate chip cookies if you want to mix things up!
Whether you are serving them for afternoon tea or as an after-dinner treat, these cookies are sure to impress your guests with their intricate design and delicious flavor profile. So go ahead and indulge in this classic British favorite!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you’ve baked up a batch of these delectable Irish Lace Cookies, you may be wondering how to store and reheat them. Luckily, these cookies are quite versatile and can be prepared in advance for all kinds of occasions.
To make-ahead, simply store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. You can also freeze them for up to two months in an airtight container or freezer bag.
When it’s time to enjoy your cookies, reheating them is easy. Just preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the cookies on a baking sheet for 5-7 minutes until they are warm and crisp. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds, but be careful not to overheat them as they may become chewy instead of crispy.
If you plan on serving these delicious lace cookies with cream filling, it’s best to assemble them just before serving to avoid the cookie becoming soggy. However, if you need to assemble the cookies ahead of time, store the assembled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
With these helpful tips for storage and reheating, you can be sure that your Irish Lace Cookies will always be fresh and ready to devour!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have all the ingredients for your Irish Lace cookies, let’s discuss some tips to achieve perfect results every time.
1. Follow the Recipe Instructions
To make your Irish Lace Cookies turn out well, it is important to follow the recipe instructions step by step. This will ensure that you get the right texture and flavor in your cookies.
2. Be Careful with Substitutions
Be careful with substitutions as they can change the texture and flavor of lace cookies. For example, replacing all-purpose flour with almond flour will give you a different result than you would get by using regular flour.
3. Measure Ingredients Accurately
To measure your ingredients accurately, use measuring cups and spoons instead of just eyeballing it. This will guarantee consistent results every time.
4. Chill Your Dough Before Baking
Lace cookies are delicate and thin, so chilling the dough makes them easier to handle when placing them on baking sheets. To chill your dough, place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before shaping the cookie dough balls.
5. Use Parchment Paper or a Silicone Mat
To prevent lace cookies from sticking to baking sheets and ensure even browning, use parchment paper or a silicone mat on your baking trays.
6. Don’t Overbake Your Cookies
Overly browned or burnt lace cookies can result in a bitter taste and tough texture. So keep an eye on them while baking and remove them from oven when light golden brown—which should take about 8-12 minutes.
7. Cool Completely before Storing
Lace cookies break easily when warm, so let them cool fully on a wire rack before storing them—they also become crispier as they cool down.
With these tips, you’ll end up with delicious, lacy oatmeal cookies with a crisp bite that everyone will rave about!
FAQ
Now that you have everything you need to make these delicious Irish Lace Cookies, let’s address some common questions about this recipe. These Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) will clarify any doubts you may have and help you get the best results possible. So, before diving into the kitchen, read on!
What is the most popular cookie in Ireland?
One of the most beloved Irish cookies is the Irish Shortbread, which has roots in Scotland but has been modified with a generous amount of delicious Irish butter. This delectable treat is typically made using a simple recipe of sugar, butter, and flour in a ratio of 1:2:3.
What are Florentine lace cookies made of?
Experience a taste of Florence, Italy with the delectable Italian Florentine Cookies – a delicate lace cookie created from a blend of chopped almonds, fragrant orange and hints of vanilla. These cookies are enhanced by the addition of a decadent chocolate filling, ensuring a delicious treat that will surely transport you to the streets of Florence. Pair these cookies with hot espresso or coffee for a truly authentic experience.
What kind of cookies did Trisha Yearwood make?
Here’s a recipe for one of the most popular holiday cookies, which is part of Trisha Yearwood’s personal selection of home-cooked recipes.
What are Alice cookies?
I am a chef who is well-versed in different versions of the whipped shortbread recipe called Alice Cookies, which involves plenty of rich butter. For those who love to experiment with their desserts, there are many ways to customize the toppings for this delicious treat.
Bottom Line
So there you have it, folks – my recipe for delicious Irish Lace Cookies! I hope you try this recipe out and enjoy the wonderful, delicate lace cookies that are both elegant and addictive.
With a few simple ingredients, a bit of patience and care, these cookies come out beautifully every time. And if you’re looking to switch things up or accommodate dietary restrictions, there are plenty of variations to try!
So why not give this recipe a go? Whether you’re an avid baker or just starting out, making Irish Lace Cookies is an opportunity to connect with tradition, experiment with flavors, and create something that’s truly special.
I guarantee that once you try these cookies, they will become a staple in your recipe book. So take a leap of faith and try your hand at making the perfect Irish Lace Cookies today!
Irish Lace Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup packed golden brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 3/4 cup quick-cooking irish oatmeal
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Using electric mixer and paddle attachment, beat first 5 ingredients in large bowl until light and fluffy. Add oatmeal, flour and salt. Beat just until soft dough forms. Transfer dough to waxed paper; shape dough into ball. Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Using 1 tablespoons dough for each, shape dough into twelve balls. Place 3 balls on prepared baking sheet, spacing evenly apart. Flatten dough balls with your palms. Bake until golden brown and "lacy", about 10 minutes. Cool cookies on baking sheet until firm, about 2 minutes. Using metal spatula, transfer cookies to rack and cool completely. Repeat with remaining dough balls,.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.