Delicious and Easy Recipe: Scottish Oatcake Cookies
Welcome to my kitchen, where today we’re going to make a recipe that’s been passed down from generation to generation – Scottish Oatcake Cookies Recipe. If you’re a fan of traditional Scottish cuisine and sweet treats, this recipe is right up your alley. Scottish oatcakes are a crispy and delicious cracker made with rolled oats, whole wheat pastry flour, and olive oil or butter. They’re usually served with cheese or as a side dish for savory meals. However, in this recipe, we’ll be making a sweet version of oatcakes that can be enjoyed as a dessert on its own or paired with your favorite hot beverage.
If you’ve never tried Scottish oatcakes before, you’re in for a real treat! These cookies have the heartiness of oatmeal cookies but are thinner and crisper in texture. They’re easy to make and require only basic pantry staples like oats, flour, sugar, and baking soda.
So let’s put on our aprons and get started on this tasty adventure. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you too can enjoy the deliciousness of traditional Scottish oatcake cookies in the comfort of your own home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen up folks, because I’ve got a recipe that’s going to knock your socks off! Scottish oatcake cookies – they’re sweet, chewy, and packed full of wholesome goodness! Trust me; you’re going to love this recipe.
So, why should you give this recipe a try? Well, for starters, these cookies are simply delicious. Made with whole wheat pastry flour, rolled oats, and dried cherries, these oatcakes have a wholesome taste that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. The combination of nuts and cherries adds a depth of flavour and crunchy texture that make every bite better than the last.
But the reasons to love Scottish oatcake cookies don’t stop there. They also come packed with nutrients thanks to healthy ingredients like olive oil and low-fat milk. This means you’ll feel good while indulging in your favourite snack – what could be better?
Plus, these cookies are versatile too! Whip up a batch for breakfast, snack time or dessert. They are equally at home bringing together all kinds of family occasions – from weeknight dinners to dinner parties. Trust us; they’ll completely wow your guests!
Last but not least – adding this recipe to your repertoire will show off your culinary skills and impress everyone with your knowledge of traditional Scottish cuisine (even if you’re not Scottish!). So what are you waiting for? Get baking those Scottish oatcake cookies!
Ingredient List
To make these Scottish oatcake cookies, you will need traditional Scottish oatcakes which are the star ingredient of this recipe. You will also need rolled oats and brown sugar. These cookies are made with olive oil instead of butter, which makes them a healthier version of traditional Scottish oatcakes.
Here’s the complete list:
- 2 cups of rolled oats
- 1 cup of crumbled traditional Scottish oatcakes
- ½ cup of olive oil
- ½ cup of brown sugar
- 1 tsp of baking soda
- 1 tsp of salt
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
You can add your favorite mix-ins such as chopped pecans, walnuts, and dried cherries to give them a nutty and fruity flavor. Also, if you are looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute the white flour for oat flour or whole wheat pastry flour.
Ingredients substitutions and variations:
- Use 1% low-fat milk instead of water for a more tender texture.
- If you want to give a more savory touch to your cookies, add salt flakes and some cheddar cheese on top.
- For a spin-off Berwick oatcake recipe, use porridge oats instead of rolled oats.
Now that we know the list of ingredients, let’s move on to the next section where we explore how to make these delicious Scottish oatcake cookies.
The Recipe How-To
Now comes the fun part – making the Scottish oatcake cookies themselves! The instructions for this recipe are quite simple, so even if you’re not an experienced baker, you’ll find them easy to follow.
Step 1: Combine dry ingredients
Start by measuring out your rolled oats and putting them in a large mixing bowl. Add the flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt, and use a spoon or whisk to mix everything together thoroughly.
Step 2: Add wet ingredients
Next, pour in the olive oil, vanilla extract, and milk, and stir until all the ingredients are combined. The mixture should be fairly thick, but still pourable.
Step 3: Mix in nuts and cherries
Add the chopped pecans, walnuts, and dried cherries to the bowl, and mix them in so that they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 4: Form the dough
Now it’s time to shape the cookie dough. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to form small balls about 2 inches in diameter, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten each ball slightly with your fingers or a fork – this will help the cookies bake more evenly.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F/(180°C). Once it’s ready, pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges. Pro-tip: try to resist eating them right away – they’ll be hot!
Making these delicious Scottish oatcake cookies couldn’t be easier. With simple instructions and baking tips throughout this article, you can have these tasty treats baking in no time!
Substitutions and Variations
One wonderful aspect of this Scottish oatcake cookies recipe is the flexibility it allows for ingredient substitutions and variations. Whether you’re looking to make a healthier version, accommodate dietary restrictions, switch up the flavors, or use what you have in your pantry, there are plenty of ways to adjust the recipe to your liking.
For instance, if you prefer gluten-free treats, replace the white flour with oat flour and use gluten-free rolled oats. Similarly, for vegan or dairy-free options, swap 1% low-fat milk with plant-based milk, such as almond or soy milk, and use olive oil instead of unsalted butter.
If you want to experiment with the texture and taste of these oatcakes, consider adding other fruits or nuts that complement each other well or reflect your personal preference. Dried cherries, pecans, and walnuts are classic examples that go great in this recipe.
To make it traditional scottish oatcakes, substitute white flour for whole wheat pastry flour and add Scottish oatmeal into the mix. This will give these cookies a more authentic texture and flavor that Scots have enjoyed for centuries.
Finally, if you want to try something savory instead of sweet or contribute a touch of cheese to your baked goods, stir grated cheese into the mix just before rolling out the dough. That makes a terrific snack that’s perfect with tea or coffee.
The possibilities are endless with this Scottish Oatcake Cookies Recipe. Try some of these ideas or create your own variation as you experiment with different ingredients and methods.
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve baked the delicious Scottish Oatcake Cookies, it’s time to serve them up and enjoy! These crumbly and slightly sweet cookies are perfect for snacking anytime of day. They’re great with a cup of hot tea or coffee, providing a wholesome and comforting treat that’s also satisfying.
If you want to take these cookies up a notch, try incorporating other flavors and textures for a unique pairing experience. One option is to add some dried cherries or cranberries, which will provide a sweet and tart contrast to the nutty flavor of the oatcakes. Alternatively, you could add some finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the mix, for a crunchy dimension that complements the oats.
If you want to go savory with your oatcakes, try serving them with some cheese or charcuterie platter. The traditional Scottish oatcake is actually more like a cracker than a cookie and is often served as an accompaniment to cheese. Try it out with your favorite creamy cheese or aged cheddar for an indulgent treat.
Overall, these versatile oatcakes are great in any setting – they’re perfect for snacking on-the-go, as well as entertaining guests at home. Don’t be afraid to get creative with what you pair them with – there’s many delicious options out there that can complement these tasty treats. Enjoy!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you’re like me, you love being able to plan ahead and simplify your week. Luckily, these Scottish oatcake cookies can be made ahead of time and stored for later munching.
After baking, let the cookies cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. Store them at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh for even longer, consider freezing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to a month.
When it’s time to reheat the cookies, it’s best to use an oven or toaster oven instead of a microwave. The microwave tends to make the cookies soggy rather than crispy. Simply preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake the cookies for 5-7 minutes until they’re warmed through and delightfully crunchy.
Also, if you’re planning on serving the cookies at a party or gathering, try baking them a day or two ahead of time so that you have one less thing to worry about on the day of the event.
With these simple make-ahead and storage tips, you can enjoy delicious Scottish oatcake cookies whenever you crave them.
Tips for Perfect Results
If you are looking to make the perfect batch of Scottish oatcake cookies, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you along the way. Here are some expert tips that I’ve learned from my experience as a chef specializing in British cuisine:
1. Use old-fashioned oats: Rolled oats have been steam-rolled, which means that they’ve lost some of their natural oils and nutrients, which affects the texture of your oatcakes. Old-fashioned oats have a better texture for this recipe.
2. Toast your nuts: If you plan on using pecans or walnuts in your oatcakes, toast them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes before adding them to the mixture. Toasting them will enhance their flavors and give them an extra crunch.
3. Don’t overmix your dough: Overmixing can lead to tough and dry oatcakes. Mix your ingredients until they are just combined – if you see streaks of flour, don’t worry as these will be absorbed as the dough rests.
4. Let the dough rest: After mixing all of the ingredients together, let the dough rest for at least 20 minutes. This will help it firm up and make it easier to handle while shaping.
5. Adjust baking time based on thickness: Depending on how thick you shape your dough, you may need to adjust the baking time accordingly. Thinner oatcakes may only take around 10 minutes to bake, while thicker ones can take up to 15 minutes.
6. Experiment with flavors: Don’t be afraid to add different flavors to your traditional Scottish oatcakes! Try adding dried cherries or even some shredded cheese for a twist on this classic recipe.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to achieve delicious Scottish oatcake cookies that are perfect in texture and flavor every time!
FAQ
Before we conclude this recipe article, it’s important to address some frequently asked questions about Scottish Oatcake Cookies. In this section, I’ll be addressing some common inquiries that readers may have. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, these FAQ’s will help you make the perfect Scottish Oatcake Cookies every time.
Are oatcakes Irish or Scottish?
Oatcakes have a long history in Scotland, dating back to the time of the Roman invasion of Britain and possibly even earlier. They have been a staple food in the Scottish diet for centuries, often regarded as a key fixture in the country’s bread selection.
What are Scottish oatcakes made of?
Scottish Oatcakes are a classic type of savory cracker that pair perfectly with cheese. Creating these delightful biscuits is incredibly easy, and the result is far superior to store-bought options. With only a few simple ingredients, including oats, salt, butter or olive oil, and water, you can make amazing homemade Scottish Oatcakes that are sure to impress even the most discerning of palates.
Are Scottish oatcakes healthy?
Oatcakes are a nutritious food option that provide essential minerals like manganese and phosphorous, which help us sustain energy throughout the day. Their low glycaemic index is beneficial for regulating blood glucose levels, particularly when combined with a high-quality protein or fat source like nut butter.
What are some facts about Scottish oatcakes?
Oatcakes have been an integral part of Scottish cuisine for centuries, with their origins dating back to ancient times. Historical accounts suggest that these cakes were made by nuns in a manner similar to the preparation of communion wafers.
Bottom Line
So there you have it, my Scottish Oatcake Cookies recipe! I hope you’re as excited to try it as I am to share it with you. The sweet and nutty oat flavor combined with the soft and crumbly texture make these cookies a unique twist on the classic oatmeal cookie. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile and can be adapted to fit your preferences or dietary restrictions.
Don’t be intimidated by the list of ingredients or the fact that this is a traditional Scottish recipe. I promise these cookies are easy to make and worth every minute spent in the kitchen. So go ahead, give them a try and let me know what you think!
And if you do happen to love them as much as I do, don’t hesitate to share this recipe with your friends and family. Spread the joy of baking and the rich cultural history that comes with these traditional Scottish oatcakes.
Thank you for reading, and happy baking!
Scottish Oatcake Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup multi-grain rolled cereal (or another cup rolled oats)
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup dried apricot, diced
- 1/4 cup dried cherries, diced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 egg yolks
- 7 tablespoons dark brown sugar (1/4c+3T)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup 1% low-fat milk
- 2 tablespoons white flour
Instructions
- Mix oats, cereal (if used), salt, and baking soda.
- Mix in nuts and fruit.
- Separately, beat oil& egg yolks until they are blended.
- Mix in brown sugar& vanilla.
- Pour egg mixture into oat mixture and blend into crumbs.
- Add milk.
- Stir 3-5 minutes, until the oats soak up most of the milk.
- Sprinkle 2T flour over the mixture and stir another minute or two until all milk is absorbed.
- Drop in large clumps on lightly-oiled cookie sheets, one dozen per 15"x10" sheet.
- Form into 1/4" thick patties.
- Bake at 350 deg.
- F for 20 minutes or until they begin to brown.
- Remove immediately from cookie sheets and let cool.
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.