Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients and Weight:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional ingredients: chocolate chips, walnuts, dried fruits (available at most supermarkets in the United States)

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, oats, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
3. In a large bowl or mixer, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix well.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Add any optional ingredients (chocolate chips, walnuts, dried fruits) and mix gently.
7. Drop cookie dough by spoonful onto an ungreased cookie sheet, leaving enough space for spreading.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
9. Remove from oven and let cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Information: (Per cookie assuming no optional ingredients) Calories: 250, Fat: 14g, Carbohydrates: 32g, Protein: 3g

Dish Characteristics:

• These cookies are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a slightly chewy texture.
• The oatmeal gives the cookies a unique flavor and texture that many Americans enjoy.
• The use of optional ingredients adds variety and enhances the flavor profile.

User Comments:

1. "These oatmeal cookies are delicious! The perfect balance of sweet and crunchy."
2. "I added chocolate chips and they were a hit! Great recipe."
3. "My family loves oatmeal cookies, this recipe is a keeper."
4. "The texture of these cookies is perfect, not too hard and not too soft."
5. "Easy to make and came out great, thanks for the recipe!"

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be sure to use softened butter and not melted butter for the best results.
• If adding optional ingredients like chocolate chips or walnuts, make sure they are well distributed throughout the dough.
• For best results, use a spoon or ice cream scoop to drop the dough onto the cookie sheet, ensuring even sized cookies.