IRISH OAT COOKIES HEADER WITH A STACK OF OAT COOKIES ON A WOOD BLOCK

Irish Oat Cookies: A Traditional Irish Staple [With Video]

Name: IRISH OAT COOKIES
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 2 Sticks (8 ounces) Softened Irish Butter; ¾ Cup Muscovado Sugar (Substitute with Dark Brown Sugar if you can’t find it); 1 Tsp Vanilla Extract; 1 Cup Whole Wheat Flour; 2 Tsp Baking Powder; 2 ¾ Cups Rolled Oats

by JennaMarch 16, 20230 comment

Crispy and packed with wholesome flavor, Irish Oat Cookies are the perfect snack for anytime of the day. These tasty treats are made with the same high-quality oats that Ireland is known for and have been a staple in Irish homes for centuries. Plus, they’re packed with fiber, protein, and other important nutrients that make it a better alternative than other desserts!

Table of Contents

Making Irish Oat Cookies at Home
History of Irish Oat Cookies
Are Irish Oat Cookies Healthy?
Variations to Try
Tips for Making Irish Oatcakes
Difference Between Rolled Oats and Quick Cooking Oats
What Are Irish Oats
Irish Oat Cookie Recipe
Celebrating with Irish Oat Cookies

MAKING OAT COOKIES AT HOME

You may have seen variations of these cookies in stores and with different variations. The commercial versions often feature additives and syrups that can create a synthetic taste to the cookies. By making them at home, you can control the ingredients that go into the cookies and make sure that you’re making the most authentic cookie.

The Kilbeggan family is one of the most famous bakers of the cookie globally. Their cookies can be found in some specialty stores and also on amazon for a hefty price. If you’re looking to try the real-deal authentic cookies, this is your best bet if you’re living in North America.

HISTORY OF IRISH OAT COOKIES

Oats have been a staple food in Ireland for centuries and have long been recognized for their nutritional benefits. In fact, Irish oats are so prized, they’ve earned their own protected geographical indication (PGI) from the European union! How’s that for specialty oats?

Irish oat cookies, also known as oatcakes, have been a popular snack in Ireland for just as long. Traditionally, they were made from only three ingredients: oats, water, and salt. Sometimes butter was used in place of the water to make a richer cake. These simple cookies were eaten by farmers who needed a filling snack to get through a hard day’s work.

Over time, more ingredients were added to the cakes to make them tastier. Many variations of Irish oat cookies exist–and each one is just as delicious as the next. But no matter how you make them, these cookies remain a beloved part of Irish culinary tradition.

ARE IRISH OAT COOKIES HEALTHY?

While most foods are healthy in moderation, Irish oat cookies have some extra nutritional value. They’re lower in sugar than some cookies and oats pack a nutritional punch. Oats are a fantastic source of fiber and help to keep you feeling full and satisfied longer.

After all, that’s why farmers ate them.

Oats are naturally rich in protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles. They’re also a great source of vitamins and minerals like iron, magnesium, and zinc. Not only do oats make this a healthier option than other cookies, but they’re made with whole wheat flour that makes these cookies a more complex carbohydrate.

Irish oat cookies are a great snack for anyone who wants to choose a healthier option compared to other cookies that are higher in fats and sugars. Best of all? There’s no sacrificing flavor or satisfaction!

VARIATIONS TO TRY

This recipe for Irish oat cookies is a very basic batter that tastes amazing on its own. This is one of the cookies that I didn’t have high hopes for because I’m not a fan of oatmeal. But these were so good, I just kept eating them! They remind me of Anzac biscuits because of their crunchy sweetness.

If you’re like me and you’re not big on oats, definitely still give this one a try. You’ll have a hard time keeping your hand out of the cookie jar. I promise.

There are countless ways to make Irish oat cookies when you factor in the add-ins. Think of this recipe as a vanilla ice cream–you can add anything into it you want, or just enjoy them as is. Either way, here are a few variations you should try:

Irish Coffee: Add in ½ cup chopped chocolate-covered espresso beans and a splash of Irish cream essence. This variation is perfect for a Saint Patrick’s Day treat with a twist!

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip: Add in ½ to 1 cup of chocolate chips, depending on your preference for a decadent and Americanized version of this recipe.

Cranberry Oat: Add in ½ cup of chopped dried cranberries, which add a tart and tangy flavor to the sweet oats. They’re perfect for anyone who loves a balance of sweet and sour. They’re also perfect for the holiday season!

Savory Cheese: If you’re looking for a savory snack, try making some cheese oatcakes. Add in ¼ cup of an aged cheese like Pecorino Romano or just some black pepper for a zestier bite. Serve with brie and jam.

Just note that adding mix-ins to the dough might change the consistency of your batter. The flour and butter might need to be adjusted accordingly.

TIPS FOR MAKING IRISH OATCAKES

Making Irish oat cookies is a pretty simple and straightforward process. It basically involves dumping all of the ingredients into a bowl and giving it a good mix until it comes together. The dough should be crumbly, but still hold together when pressed into the palm of your hand. Once it comes together, roll it out about ¼ inch thick and cut into circles. Bake until crispy and browned.

To make the best Irish oat cookies, here are some things to keep in mind:

Toasting the Oats: Many recipes call for toasting the oats before making the dough. Toasting the oats dries out any of the moisture in the oats and makes a crispier cookie. This recipe is designed to make a cookie that is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. If you’re team crispy, toast your oats first. To do that, place them on a lined cookie sheet and bake at 350 until the oats are golden brown. Let them cool, then follow the recipe as listed.

Use Irish Butter: I like using real Irish butter in this recipe for two reasons. First, it’s an Irish recipe and they use Irish butter in Ireland. It makes sense. And two, because Irish butter gives these cookies a richer taste than American butter. If you live in an area where you can’t find Irish butter, try finding a European brand that uses a fat content of about 85%.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ROLLED OATS AND QUICK COOKING OATS?

Rolled oats, also known as old-fashioned oats, are made by steaming and flattening oat groats with large rollers. This process results in a flatter, larger oat that takes longer to cook than quick cooking oats. Rolled oats have a hearty texture and a nutty flavor, and they’re often used in recipes like oatmeal cookies, granola, and oatmeal. They’re also the preferred oat for most Irish oat cookie recipes.

Quick cooking oats, on the other hand, are made by steaming and flattening oat groats with smaller rollers. This process creates a smaller, thinner oat that cooks more quickly than rolled oats. Quick cooking oats have a softer texture and a milder flavor than rolled oats, and they’re often used in recipes like instant oatmeal, smoothies, and some baked goods.

The main difference between these two types of oats is their texture and cooking time. Rolled oats are thicker and take longer to cook, while quick cooking oats are thinner and cook more quickly.

Be sure to use rolled oats in your Irish oat cookies for the best results. You’ll also need to let the dough rest for at least 30 minutes before cooking so that the oats can soften. This will help keep the dough together as you roll. It will also help the cookies crisp up better in the oven.

WAIT, WHAT ARE IRISH OATS?

Irish oats are known as “steel cut” oats outside of Ireland. They’re minimally processed compared to other oats and are cut into 2-3 pieces. Irish oats have a PGI from the European Union, which means that only oats grown and processed in Ireland can legally be labeled as “Irish Oats.”

This PGI status recognizes the unique characteristics and quality of Irish oats, which are grown in a cool and moist climate that’s ideal for producing high-quality oats.

To be considered “Irish oats,” the oats must be grown, harvested, and processed in Ireland, and they must meet specific standards for quality and purity. These standards are designed to ensure that only the best-quality oats are labeled as “Irish oats,” and that consumers can trust that they’re getting a high-quality product.

Some popular brands of Irish oats include Flahavan’s, McCann’s, and Odlums, which are all known for their high quality and delicious flavor. They’re prized for their rich, nutty flavor and hearty texture! If you can find them in your local market, try added them to this recipe for a more authentic flavor!

IRISH OAT COOKIES

Yield: 12-20 Cookies