My kitchen has long been a sanctuary where the aroma of freshly baked goods perpetually lingers, a testament to my profound and enduring love for cookie baking. As a devoted enthusiast, you’ll frequently find me enveloped in flour and sugar, experimenting with new recipes or perfecting cherished classics. While the simple act of baking brings immense personal joy, there’s an even deeper satisfaction found when those efforts extend beyond the kitchen, especially when contributing to a truly noble cause. This September, a month dedicated to Childhood Cancer Awareness, the opportunity arose once again to partner with OXO. They extended an invitation to bake for the benefit of Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, and without a moment’s hesitation, I enthusiastically signed up. It’s a privilege to transform a passion into a tangible contribution, knowing each cookie baked helps bring hope and support to young heroes battling cancer.
So, let’s talk about the stars of today’s baking adventure: these magnificent Butterscotch Oatmeal Sandwich Cookies!
At their heart, these are not just any oatmeal cookies; they are a variation of my foundational, tried-and-true oatmeal cookie recipe – the one I consistently return to for its unparalleled perfection. They boast that ideal chewy texture, generously studded with hearty oats, and infused with just the right hint of warm cinnamon. For many, simply baking a batch of these classic oatmeal cookies would be a fulfilling endeavor, delivering pure, unadulterated comfort and flavor. However, I decided to elevate them to an extraordinary level by introducing what has quickly become my latest frosting obsession: a rich, decadent butterscotch creation. The transformation from a delightful cookie to a truly spectacular sandwich cookie is nothing short of magical when this luscious frosting is generously spread between two soft, chewy oatmeal halves.
This isn’t merely a frosting; it’s a flavor revelation. Despite its incredibly rich taste, this butterscotch frosting is surprisingly simple to prepare, requiring only a handful of common ingredients. Yet, the depth of flavor it brings is absolutely astounding – a perfect blend of sweet caramel notes with a delicate, buttery richness that truly lingers on the palate. Imagine that delightful, slightly spiced chewiness of the oatmeal cookie meeting the smooth, velvety embrace of this butterscotch dream. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes, creating a harmonious balance that makes these sandwich cookies utterly irresistible. Each bite delivers a comforting warmth from the oats and cinnamon, beautifully contrasted by the luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth butterscotch. This combination doesn’t just make a delicious cookie; it creates an experience, one that is perfect for sharing, celebrating, or simply savoring a quiet moment.
Beyond the sheer indulgence of these cookies, there’s a profound purpose underpinning today’s baking: “Baking a Difference.”
September is more than just a month for harvest and changing leaves; it’s Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time when the baking community rallies together to shine a light on this critical cause. My contribution of these Butterscotch Oatmeal Sandwich Cookies is just one small piece of a much larger, heartening mosaic. Many of my esteemed fellow bloggers are also diligently baking and sharing their creations this month, all in solidarity with Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. The incredible generosity of OXO makes this campaign even more impactful: for every blog post like this one, they are donating $100 to Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. This collective effort amplifies our individual voices and baking endeavors into a significant wave of support.
The spirit of this campaign extends far beyond our blogs and into the vibrant world of social media. I encourage everyone to follow the hashtag #OXOGoodCookies to witness the incredible variety and creativity of cookies being shared by bakers across the community. It’s an inspiring feed showcasing delicious treats and a unified commitment to fighting childhood cancer. You can also explore all the wonderful cookies made for this vital cause by visiting OXO’s Good Cookies Pinterest Board. This board is a delightful visual feast, offering endless inspiration and a heartwarming reminder of the power of collective action. Moreover, OXO’s commitment goes even further: keep an eye out for specially marked OXO products adorned with Cookies for Kids’ Cancer stickers. For every one of these products sold, OXO will generously donate 25 cents directly to the charity, turning everyday purchases into meaningful contributions. This campaign embodies the idea that every small action, whether baking a cookie, sharing a post, or making a thoughtful purchase, contributes to a much bigger impact, bringing us closer to a future where every child can live a healthy, cancer-free life.
Butterscotch Oatmeal Sandwich Cookies
about 21 sandwich cookies (42 cookies)
25 minutes
20 minutes
A rich butterscotch frosting adds big flavor to these delightful Butterscotch Oatmeal Sandwich Cookies. This recipe combines classic chewy oatmeal cookies with a surprisingly simple yet incredibly decadent butterscotch filling, creating an unforgettable treat perfect for any occasion – especially when baking for a good cause!
Ingredients
For the Chewy Oatmeal Cookies:
- 1 & 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (ensure it’s properly measured for optimal texture)
- 1 & 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for that quintessential warm spice)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (helps with a tender crumb)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (enhances all the flavors)
- 3 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned oats work best for chewiness)
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (at room temperature for smooth creaming)
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar (contributes moisture and chewiness)
- 2 large eggs (also at room temperature, for better emulsification)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure vanilla for the best flavor)
For the Decadent Butterscotch Frosting:
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar (the base for our rich butterscotch)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for richness and texture)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (adds silky smoothness and depth)
- 1 teaspoon salt (balances the sweetness beautifully)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (key for authentic butterscotch flavor)
- 1 & 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar, for frosting consistency)
Instructions
To Prepare the Chewy Oatmeal Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with silicone liners or parchment paper; this ensures even baking and prevents sticking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This step ensures leavening and spices are evenly distributed. Stir in the rolled oats. Set this dry mixture aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the softened butter and packed light brown sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and thoroughly creamed. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Add the large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate them. Finally, mix in the vanilla extract.
- Reduce your mixer speed to low. Gradually add the oat mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tougher cookies.
- Drop the cookie dough by tablespoonfuls onto your prepared baking pans, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading. Gently flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the centers are set but still slightly soft. Baking times can vary, so keep an eye on them.
- Allow the baked cookies to cool on the pans for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack. Let them cool completely on the rack before proceeding to frosting, as warm cookies will melt the butterscotch frosting.
To Create the Decadent Butterscotch Frosting:
- Combine the brown sugar and butter in a medium heavy saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is completely melted and the sugar and butter are well combined. Bring the mixture to a low boil, stirring frequently, and continue to cook until it thickens slightly, which typically takes about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the heat. Carefully add the heavy cream (be aware that the mixture will bubble vigorously) and stir until it is fully combined and smooth. Stir in the salt and vanilla extract.
- Transfer the butterscotch mixture to a large mixing bowl. It’s crucial to allow this mixture to cool completely to room temperature before adding the confectioners’ sugar. This step ensures a smooth, stable frosting.
- Once cooled, gradually add the confectioners’ sugar to the butterscotch mixture while beating with an electric mixer on medium speed. Continue mixing until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and spreadable.
- To assemble the sandwich cookies: Spread a generous layer of the butterscotch frosting on the flat bottoms of half of your cooled oatmeal cookies. Then, gently top each frosted cookie with another unfrosted cookie, pressing lightly to create a delightful sandwich. Enjoy these delectable treats, knowing they contribute to a wonderful cause!
Show off your baking masterpiece!
Snap a pic, tag @bakeorbreak, and use #bakeorbreak on Instagram. We can’t wait to see your delightful creation and share in the joy of baking!
In closing, these Butterscotch Oatmeal Sandwich Cookies represent more than just a delicious treat; they are a symbol of hope, community, and the profound impact of collective effort. Baking for a cause, especially during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, transforms a simple act into a powerful statement of support for Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. Every ingredient, every stir, and every shared cookie brings us closer to a world free from childhood cancer. I extend my deepest gratitude to OXO for their unwavering support and commitment to making a tangible difference. They were kind enough to send some exceptional cookie baking tools my way, including a Cookie Spatula, a 3 Piece Spatula Set, and an Icing Knife, which certainly made preparing these cookies a breeze. Rest assured, all opinions expressed here are entirely my own, genuinely reflecting my passion for baking and my admiration for this crucial campaign. I encourage you to join us, whether by baking a batch of these delectable cookies, sharing the #OXOGoodCookies hashtag, or simply considering a purchase of specially marked OXO products. Together, we can truly bake a difference, one cookie at a time. Thank you for being a part of this meaningful journey.