Perfect Oatmeal Cookies Recipe for Your Sweet Cravings
Bill Clinton’s Oatmeal Cookies Recipe is hands down one of the best oatmeal cookie recipes you’ll ever come across. This recipe has been a longtime Clinton family favorite, and for good reason – they’re simply delicious!
As a baker, I can attest to the fact that oatmeal cookies are a classic baked good that have stood the test of time. However, not all oatmeal cookie recipes are created equal. That’s where Bill Clinton’s recipe comes in – it takes the traditional oatmeal cookie to a whole new level with the addition of chocolate chips and walnuts.
But these cookies aren’t just any ordinary baked treat; they hold a special place in history as they were often made by the Clintons during Bill Clinton’s presidency. The recipe was first introduced to the public through Family Circle magazine, where it won a cookie contest against other political wives’ recipes such as Hillary Clinton’s Chocolate Chip Cookies and Barbara Bush’s Butter Cookies.
I invite you to join me on this baking adventure as we explore the perfect combination of chewy oats, crunchy walnuts, and sweet chocolate chips in one iconic recipe – Bill Clinton’s Oatmeal Cookies Recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of oatmeal cookies, then Bill Clinton’s recipe is something that you’ll definitely want to try. As a self-proclaimed oatmeal cookie aficionado, I can confidently say that this recipe brings the perfect balance of chewy and crunchy textures to the table.
One of the reasons why I think you’ll love this recipe as much as I do is because it uses a combination of both old-fashioned rolled oats and quick-cooking oats. This gives the cookies a complex texture and depth that will keep you coming back for more.
But what truly sets this recipe apart from other oatmeal cookie recipes is the addition of walnuts and chocolate chips. The walnuts bring some much-needed crunch, while the chocolate chips add a hint of sweetness that perfectly complements the nuttiness of the oats.
Perhaps the biggest reason to love this recipe is its origins. Not only was it developed by former President Bill Clinton himself, but it has also been a longtime favorite in the Clinton family cookbook. It’s said that Bill’s cook, Oscar Flores, worked tirelessly to perfect these cookies and they were even entered into a presidential cookie contest against First Lady Melania Trump’s butter cookies and Sherry Yard’s peanut butter cookies.
So if you’re looking for a tried-and-true oatmeal cookie recipe with a rich history behind it, Bill Clinton’s oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are worth giving a shot.
Ingredient List
Let’s Gather Our Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need to prepare Bill Clinton’s oatmeal cookies recipe:
- Unsalted butter: The recipe calls for 1 cup of room temperature unsalted butter. It ensures that the cookies are not too salty and also gives them a rich flavor.
- Brown sugar: Use 1 cup packed light brown sugar to add sweetness to your cookies.
- Granulated sugar: White granulated sugar is an essential component of this recipe. You’ll use 1/2 a cup of it.
- Eggs: 2 large eggs, also at room temperature. Eggs help in forming the right texture and structure of the cookie, and also some richness as well.
- Vanilla extract: with about 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, you’re creating a distinct flavor that lights up your taste buds when you take a bite
- All-purpose flour: The recipe calls for 2 cups of unsifted purpose flour. Flour holds everything together and makes the cookies chewy.
- Baking soda: You’ll need 1 teaspoon baking soda to help your cookies rise properly
- Salt: Salt enhances flavors and balances out sweetness, adding just the right amount to bring out all flavors in these cookies.
- Quick-cooking oats: You will need 2 cups quick-cooking oats for this cookie recipe
- Walnuts: Finally shelled and chopped walnuts makes your cookies extra textured and gourmet; feel free to swap them out for other nuts though!
- Chocolate chips (optional): Feel free to add in about a cup or so of chocolate chips if you want a more chocolate-y treat
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gathered all the ingredients, let’s get started with Bill Clinton’s Oatmeal Cookies recipe.
Preheat the Oven to 350 Degrees
The first step in making these cookies is to preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that the cookies bake evenly and turn out just right.
Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
Beat Together the Wet Ingredients
Using a different bowl, beat together 1 cup (2 sticks) of softened unsalted butter with 1 cup of packed light brown sugar and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Then add two large eggs one at a time and beat until well blended.
Add Vanilla Extract and Quick-Cooking Oats
When properly beaten, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 3 cups of quick-cooking oats to the mixture while continuing to beat it in.
Add Flour Mixture and Walnuts
Slowly add the flour mixture into the bowl with wet ingredients beating afterwards until sooth. Put some extra effort into stirring in by hand before adding in 1 cup of chopped walnuts.
Fold in Chocolate Chips
The last step to making your perfect Bill Clinton Oatmeal Cookies recipe is to fold in 2 cups of chocolate chips – this is a great time for Clinton Chocolate Chip Cookies fans!
Bake Till Golden Brown
Roll into small balls or use a scoop to create similarly sized cookie dough balls. Bake them for approximately 12-15 minutes until golden brown before removing them from the oven – this way you will get soft oatmeal cookies.
Enjoy your freshly baked oatmeal cookies!
Substitutions and Variations
Now, if you’re looking to put your own twist on these classic Clinton Oatmeal Cookies, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try. Here are some ideas to get you started:
– Swap out the quick-cooking oats for old-fashioned oats for a heartier texture that’s perfect for oatmeal cookie purists.
– Add in raisins or dried cranberries for a sweet and chewy addition to the classic recipe.
– Try using different nuts in place of walnuts, such as pecans or almonds, for a nuttier flavor profile.
– If you’re feeling extra indulgent, substitute chocolate chips for white chocolate chips or peanut butter chips.
– For a gluten-free version, use almond flour or coconut flour in place of all-purpose flour.
– If you’re vegan or dairy-free, try using coconut oil or vegan butter in place of unsalted butter.
Remember to adjust your ingredient amounts accordingly if you’re making any substitutions. These variations may take the classic Clinton oatmeal cookies To The Next Level, yet they still make amazing cookies that will be sure to please anyone. Experiment with these substitutions and variations to find your favorite version of this classic cookie recipe.
Serving and Pairing
It’s hard to find something that doesn’t pair well with a good cookie. However, these Clinton Oatmeal Cookies are especially delicious when served alongside a warm cup of milk or tea.
For an added touch, you can crumble these cookies over some vanilla ice cream for a fun and easy dessert idea. Additionally, if you’re feeling adventurous, try making an ice cream sandwich by putting a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two Clinton Oatmeal Cookies!
These oatmeal chocolate chip cookies also make for an excellent snack on the go. Whether you’re heading out on a road trip or just running errands around town, these cookies are a quick and easy treat to pack along with you.
No matter how you choose to serve them, these delightful oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are sure to be a hit amongst your family and friends. Don’t forget to save a few for yourself!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you’re planning to make Bill Clinton’s Oatmeal Cookies ahead of time or you have leftovers, there are a few things you can do. One option is to freeze the dough or the cookies themselves. To freeze the dough, shape it into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until firm, then transfer them to a resealable plastic bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake them, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw for about 20 minutes before baking as usual.
If you have leftover cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, but keep in mind that they may become slightly softer. To reheat cookies that have been stored in the refrigerator, simply place them on a baking sheet and heat in a 350-degree oven for about 5 minutes.
When storing oatmeal cookies with chocolate chips or other melting ingredients like peanut butter, ensure they are completely cooled before storage so each individual cookie does not melt together. You can also separately store freeze-dried fruit and nuts repurposed by crushing them finely to add extra flavor as cookie toppings.
Make sure to submerge (if freezing) or cover the cookies well so that moisture does not get into the container. This will keep help preserve their texture and deliciousness for longer periods. Be mindful not to crush them as this may result in crumbles instead of cookies
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve perfect results with our Bill Clinton’s Oatmeal Cookies recipe, you have to consider these tips that will help you achieve the best tasting cookies ever.
Firstly, it is advisable to chill the dough before baking. Although this may seem like an unnecessary step, it does make a difference. Chilling your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking allows the flavors of the ingredients to meld together, resulting in richer and more flavorful cookies.
Secondly, use room temperature ingredients. When you bake with butter or eggs straight from the refrigerator, it can negatively impact the texture and consistency of your oatmeal cookies. Softened or melted butter helps with achieving the perfect cookie structure while unrefrigerated eggs can better blend with other ingredients without compromising texture.
Thirdly, do not over-mix your cookie batter. Overworking your cookie dough results in dense cookies that may turn out tough or chewy instead of soft and tender.
Fourthly, choose high-quality ingredients when making these Oatmeal Cookies. The best quality flour and butter are key to producing a delicious set of cookies.
Furthermore, ensure that all the dry ingredients are accurately measured out for every batch of cookie dough. Too much flour, too little sugar, or too little salt could affect the final output of your dish.
Lastly, be sure to mix in add-ins such as chocolate chips, raisins or nuts as evenly as possible throughout your batch to ensure that every bite receives a similar flavor burst.
By following these tips, you will be able to create excellent and delectable bill clinton oatmeal cookies.
FAQ
As with any popular recipe, you may have some questions or concerns before attempting to make these delicious Bill Clinton’s Oatmeal Cookies. We understand that you want to get the best out of every ingredient and create a perfect batch of cookies. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you with any potential issues that you may encounter. So let’s take a look at some possible queries and their answers.
How do you make Martha Stewart oatmeal cookies?
For this recipe, we will need one cup of light-brown sugar and one cup of granulated sugar. We’ll also need half a pound of unsalted butter (equivalent to two sticks) that should be at room temperature. We’ll use two large eggs that should also be at room temperature and about a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract for added flavor. For the dry ingredients, we’ll need three cups of rolled oats, one cup plus two tablespoons of all-purpose flour, and one teaspoon of baking soda.
What makes oatmeal cookies dry?
If you’ve ever made oatmeal raisin cookies that turned out dry, you might be wondering what went wrong. One possible culprit is the use of quick oats. Using these oats can result in a dry cookie texture. Another possibility is that the ingredients were not measured correctly, which can throw off the balance of moisture in the dough. It’s important to use proper measuring techniques to ensure accuracy. Lastly, be sure to bake the cookies immediately after mixing. Waiting too long can also lead to a dry final product.
Why are my oatmeal cookies so fluffy?
Before starting the recipe, it is essential to ensure that the butter you use contains at least 70% fat. Margarines or spreads in tubs that are labeled as “diet” or have less fat content may not be suitable for this recipe. These spreads usually have a high-water content, which can result in the cookies puffing up due to the steam generated by the water.
Why do my toll house cookies come out flat?
When it comes to baking cookies, flat and spread-out treats are not ideal. The culprits behind this issue vary, but a common cause is linked to the temperature of your oven. It’s crucial to ensure that your oven is preheated to the recommended temperature for the recipe, and that the thermometer is working correctly to avoid any mishaps. In this section, we will dive deeper into the reasons behind flat cookies and explore how you can avoid this problem.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, these Bill Clinton Oatmeal Cookies are the perfect sweet treat for any occasion. Not only are they easy to make, but they also have a rich history behind them. This beloved recipe has been passed down through generations of the Clinton family and beyond.
With its simple ingredients and easy instructions, this cookie recipe is perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike. Whether you’re making them for yourself or to share with loved ones, these cookies are sure to impress.
So next time you’re in the mood for something sweet, try making these oatmeal cookies. You won’t be disappointed! And who knows? With a little practice, you might just become the next presidential baker.
Bill Clinton’s Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats (or old-fashioned works)
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F.
- Spread oats and walnuts in ungreased 15-1/2 x 10-1/2 x 1-inch baking pan. Bake 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until toasted and light brown; cool.
- In small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda and salt. Beat together brown sugar, butter or margarine, vanilla and egg in large bowl. Stir in oat mixture and then flour mixture.
- Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls about 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on pans for 3 minutes; remove from cookie sheet. Cool on wire rack.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.