Crispy Oatmeal Macadamia Chocolate Chip Cookies
These delightful Crispy Oatmeal Macadamia Chocolate Chip Cookies are a healthier twist on traditional cookies, adapted from JANIC412's Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies II. By reducing both sugar and fat, these cookies are lighter yet incredibly satisfying. The addition of Rice Krispies adds a delightful crunch, while the combination of quick-cooking oats and macadamia nuts provides a chewy texture and nutty flavor. A touch of vanilla and the sweetness of white or semi-sweet chocolate chips elevate these treats to a whole new level. Perfect for those who crave a delicious cookie that’s not too heavy, these treats are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, as the Rice Krispies may lose their crunch over time. For a different twist, consider substituting corn flakes for an even better texture.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
2 1/4 cups (measured)
brown sugar or white sugar
1 cup (packed or measured)
baking soda
1 teaspoon (measured)
salt
1 pinch (optional, depending on nuts and butter)
butter
1/2 cup (softened to room temperature)
applesauce
1/2 cup (unsweetened preferred)
large eggs
2 (beaten)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (measured)
quick-cooking rolled oats
1 3/4 cups (measured)
Rice Krispies
1/2 cup (measured)
macadamia nuts
1 cup (chopped)
white chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup (measured)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Spread the quick-cooking rolled oats and macadamia nuts on a baking sheet and toast them in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes or until they're golden and fragrant.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar (or white sugar), baking soda, and salt (if using). Mix well.
4
Add the softened butter, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Mix until the ingredients are combined into a smooth batter.
5
Gently fold in the toasted oatmeal, macadamia nuts, Rice Krispies, and chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto an ungreased baking sheet, making sure to leave about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are golden around the edges.
8
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main characteristic of these cookies?
These cookies are a healthier, crispy twist on traditional oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, featuring a lighter profile with reduced sugar and fat.
How is the fat content reduced in this recipe?
The recipe uses a combination of softened butter and unsweetened applesauce to reduce the overall fat content while maintaining moisture.
What provides the unique crunch in these cookies?
The addition of Rice Krispies cereal provides a delightful crunch that complements the chewy oats.
What oven temperature is required?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) before baking.
How should the oats and nuts be prepared?
The quick-cooking rolled oats and macadamia nuts should be toasted on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes until they are golden and fragrant.
Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either 1 cup of brown sugar or 1 cup of white sugar.
Is salt a required ingredient?
Salt is optional and its use depends on whether your butter and macadamia nuts are already salted.
How much flour is needed?
The recipe requires 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour.
What type of applesauce is best?
Unsweetened applesauce is preferred to keep the sugar content lower and the flavor balanced.
How many eggs does the recipe call for?
You will need 2 large eggs, which should be beaten before being added to the mixture.
What kind of oats are used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 3/4 cups of quick-cooking rolled oats.
Can I substitute the Rice Krispies with something else?
Yes, you can substitute corn flakes for the Rice Krispies to achieve an even better crunchy texture.
What type of nuts are used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of chopped macadamia nuts for a nutty flavor and chewy texture.
What are the chocolate chip options?
You can use 1 cup of either white chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips depending on your preference.
How do I mix the dry ingredients?
Combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, and optional salt in a large mixing bowl and mix well.
When do I add the wet ingredients?
Add the softened butter, applesauce, beaten eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry flour mixture and mix until smooth.
How are the toasted ingredients incorporated?
Gently fold the toasted oatmeal, macadamia nuts, Rice Krispies, and chocolate chips into the batter until evenly distributed.
How do I portion the cookie dough?
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto an ungreased baking sheet.
How much space should be between the cookies?
Leave about 1 inch of space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.
How long do the cookies need to bake?
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are ready when they are golden around the edges.
What is the cooling process on the baking sheet?
Allow the cookies to rest and cool on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes before moving them.
Where should the cookies finish cooling?
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely after their initial rest on the baking sheet.
Are these cookies best eaten immediately?
Yes, they are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven because the Rice Krispies may lose their crunch over time.
Does the baking sheet need to be greased?
No, the instructions specify using an ungreased baking sheet.
Who is the original inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe is an adaptation of Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies II by JANIC412.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients used in this cookie recipe.
Is vanilla extract used in this recipe?
Yes, one teaspoon of vanilla extract is included to elevate the flavor.
What is the preparation for the butter?
The 1/2 cup of butter should be softened to room temperature before mixing.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as a dessert or snack, specifically under cookies.