Recipe: Oatmeal Cookies with Black Currants

Recipe: Oatmeal Cookies with Black Currants

Oatmeal cookies with black currants are a delightful variation of the classic oatmeal cookie, adding a burst of tart fruitiness that perfectly complements the chewy texture of oats. These cookies are a great way to enjoy the health benefits of oats while indulging in the natural sweetness of fruit. Packed with fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C from the black currants, they’re both delicious and nutritious.

These cookies are simple to make and can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making them a perfect treat for any time of the day. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a dessert to share with friends, these oatmeal cookies with black currants will not disappoint.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup black currants (fresh or frozen)
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or almonds (optional)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)

Equipment:

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper (optional for easy cleanup)
• Spoon or cookie scoop

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

1. Combine the Dry Ingredients
   In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This dry mix will form the base of your cookie dough.

2. Prep the Black Currants
   If you’re using fresh black currants, rinse and remove any stems. If using frozen currants, allow them to thaw before adding them to the dough. Gently pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar
   In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together using an electric mixer or a whisk. Continue mixing until the butter and sugar are light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes.

2. Add the Egg and Vanilla
   Once the butter and sugar mixture is light, add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 3: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Add the Dry Ingredients to the Wet Mixture
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Stir with a spoon or spatula until the dough begins to form. It should be thick but soft.

2. Fold in the Black Currants and Nuts
   Gently fold in the black currants and optional chopped nuts. Be careful not to break the currants too much, as they add a nice burst of flavor in each bite.

Step 4: Form the Cookies

1. Scoop the Dough
   Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.

2. Flatten the Dough
   Lightly flatten each cookie dough ball with the back of a spoon to help them spread evenly while baking. This will give your cookies a nice round shape.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Bake
   Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown around the edges. The centers should still be slightly soft.

3. Cool the Cookies
   Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve
   Serve the oatmeal cookies with black currants warm, or store them in an airtight container for up to a week. These cookies can be enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat or as a healthy snack anytime.

Tips and Variations

1. Use Other Berries
   If you don’t have black currants, feel free to swap them out with other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries. Each berry brings a unique flavor to the cookies.

2. Make It Vegan
   To make this recipe vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) in place of the egg.

3. Add Chocolate Chips
   For a richer flavor, add a handful of dark chocolate chips to the dough. The combination of black currants, oats, and chocolate is irresistible!

4. Sweeten with Honey
   For extra sweetness and a subtle floral flavor, drizzle some honey into the dough along with the brown sugar. This will enhance the overall taste.

Health Benefits

1. Oats
   Oats are a great source of fiber, particularly beta-glucan, which helps lower cholesterol levels and supports heart health. They also provide a steady source of energy and keep you feeling full longer.

2. Black Currants
   Black currants are packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids, which promote skin health and boost the immune system. They are also high in fiber, making them great for digestion.

3. Nuts
   Adding nuts like walnuts or almonds provides healthy fats, protein, and additional fiber. These help promote heart health and improve brain function.

Conclusion

Oatmeal cookies with black currants are a delightful and nutritious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of chewy oats, tangy black currants, and optional nuts makes these cookies a balanced and satisfying snack. Easy to make and full of flavor, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Try this recipe today and enjoy the sweet, tart, and nutty flavors of these homemade oatmeal cookies with black currants in every bite!