Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 100 g butter (softened)
• 70 g sugar
• A pinch of salt
• 8 g vanilla sugar
• 80 g neutral oil (such as sunflower or canola oil)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 200 g flour

For the Oat Topping:

• 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons oats

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
   • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter, sugar, and vanilla sugar.
   • Use a hand mixer or whisk to cream the mixture until it’s light and fluffy. This ensures that the cookies have a tender texture.
3. Incorporate the Wet Ingredients:
   • Add the oil to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Mix until well combined.
4. Add the Dry Ingredients:
   • Sift the flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt into the bowl.
   • Mix gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until a dough forms. Avoid overmixing to ensure the cookies remain tender.
5. Shape the Dough:
   • Scoop small portions of the dough (about a tablespoon each) and roll them into balls.
   • Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between each.
   • Flatten each ball slightly using the back of a spoon or your fingers.
6. Prepare the Oat Topping:
   • In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, powdered sugar, and oats.
   • Stir until the oats are coated with the buttery, sweet mixture.
7. Add the Topping:
   • Sprinkle a small amount of the oat mixture onto the center of each cookie.
   • Gently press the topping into the dough to ensure it adheres.
8. Bake the Cookies:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the edges of the cookies turn golden brown.
   • Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)

• Calories: Approximately 110 kcal
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 25 mg

These cookies are a perfect balance of sweetness and buttery richness, with a hint of oat flavor from the topping, making them an irresistible snack for any occasion. Enjoy these delicious shortbread treats!The Simplicity of Sugar Cookies with an Oat Twist

Sugar cookies have been a beloved treat for generations, and it’s easy to see why. They are versatile, quick to make, and can be dressed up in a variety of ways. The beauty of sugar cookies lies in their simplicity. With just a few staple ingredients, you can create a batch of cookies that taste as if they’ve come from a professional bakery.

However, sometimes even the most classic recipes need a bit of an upgrade. The addition of oats as a topping in this particular sugar cookie recipe brings a new dimension to the flavor and texture. The oats give the cookies a subtle nutty taste and a satisfying crunch, which perfectly complements the tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie base. It’s this contrast in textures that make these cookies stand out from regular sugar cookies.

Key Ingredients: What Makes This Recipe Special?

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in the final result. From the creamed butter and sugar that form the base to the oat topping that adds a delightful crunch, let’s break down what makes these cookies so special.

1. Butter: Butter is the star ingredient in any cookie recipe, and it’s no different here. Softened butter provides the base for the dough, giving it a rich, creamy flavor. When creamed with sugar, it creates air pockets that make the cookies light and tender.
2. Sugar and Vanilla Sugar: A combination of regular granulated sugar and vanilla sugar contributes to the sweetness and aroma of the cookies. The vanilla sugar, in particular, adds a hint of vanilla fragrance that elevates the overall flavor profile.
3. Neutral Oil: The addition of oil helps keep the cookies soft and moist. Neutral oils like sunflower or canola oil are ideal because they don’t overpower the flavor of the other ingredients. The oil also helps the cookies hold their shape better during baking.
4. Cornstarch: Cornstarch is a key ingredient for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture. It softens the cookie dough and contributes to the cookies’ delicate crumb.
5. Flour: All-purpose flour forms the structure of the cookies, providing the foundation for the dough. It’s important to measure the flour correctly to avoid overly dense cookies.
6. Oats: The oats are the star of the topping. They add texture, flavor, and a subtle nutty note to the cookies. When baked, the oats create a crisp, golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the tender, chewy cookie base.
7. Butter and Powdered Sugar for the Topping: The melted butter and powdered sugar in the topping mixture help bind the oats together while adding sweetness. The powdered sugar also ensures that the topping remains smooth and doesn’t become too granular.

The Technique Behind Perfect Oat-Topped Sugar Cookies

While the ingredients are important, the technique used in making the dough and assembling the cookies is what ensures they turn out perfectly every time. Here are some tips for achieving the best oat-topped sugar cookies:

1. Creaming Butter and Sugar: The process of creaming butter and sugar is crucial for achieving the right texture. It’s important to mix them until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, as this will create air pockets in the dough, making the cookies softer.
2. Chilling the Dough: Though not required, chilling the dough for 10-15 minutes before shaping the cookies can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. This is especially helpful when you want your cookies to maintain a thicker shape.
3. Shaping the Dough: Use a spoon to scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough. Roll them into balls and gently flatten them with the back of a spoon or your fingers. This method ensures that the cookies bake evenly and are not too thick or thin.
4. Adding the Oat Topping: When it comes to the oat topping, don’t be afraid to be generous! The oats add a delightful texture, but they need to be pressed gently into the dough so that they bake into the cookie instead of falling off.
5. Baking at the Right Temperature: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F), and make sure it’s fully heated before placing the cookies inside. Baking at the right temperature ensures that the cookies bake evenly, turning golden brown on the outside while remaining soft and chewy on the inside.

Customization and Variations

One of the best things about this oat-topped sugar cookie recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt the basic recipe to suit your preferences. Here are a few ways you can customize the cookies:

1. Flavor Variations: Add different extracts to flavor the dough, such as almond or lemon. You could even experiment with cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced version of these cookies.
2. Add-Ins: To enhance the flavor and texture, consider adding a handful of mix-ins such as chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit to the dough before baking. These additions will add both flavor and a new texture to the cookies.
3. Glaze: After baking, drizzle the cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for an extra touch of sweetness and decoration. You can also top them with sprinkles or colored sugar for special occasions.
4. Vegan or Gluten-Free Options: For a vegan version, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter and use a flax or chia seed egg replacement. For a gluten-free option, swap the regular flour for a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the oats are certified gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions and Storing Tips

Once your oat-topped sugar cookies are baked and cooled, you can serve them in a variety of ways:

• Tea Time: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a comforting afternoon snack.
• Gift Giving: Package them in a cute tin or box to give as homemade gifts. They make great presents for holidays, birthdays, or other special occasions.
• Dessert Platter: Add these cookies to a dessert platter alongside other sweet treats like brownies, cupcakes, or fruit tarts for a diverse spread.

For storage, keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them fresh for a longer period, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. These cookies also freeze well for up to 3 months. Just make sure to place parchment paper between layers of cookies before freezing to prevent sticking.

Conclusion

Oat-topped sugar cookies are an easy-to-make, satisfying treat that can be enjoyed by bakers of all skill levels. The combination of a tender, buttery cookie base with a crisp, sweet oat topping creates the perfect balance of textures. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering, gifting them to loved ones, or simply enjoying them with a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to be a hit.

By using simple, everyday ingredients and following a few straightforward steps, you can create cookies that are not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit any taste. With the ability to customize the recipe to suit dietary preferences, flavor profiles, and occasion themes, these oat-topped sugar cookies are a timeless recipe that will remain a favorite for years to come.

So, next time you’re in the mood for something sweet, why not bake a batch of these cookies? They’re easy, delightful, and guaranteed to put a smile on your face.