Brown Butter Oatmeal Sandwich Cookies Recipe

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• Brown Butter: 1 cup unsalted butter
• Cookies:
• 1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon dark corn syrup
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cups quick oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• teaspoon ground cinnamon
• teaspoon salt
• teaspoon ground nutmeg
• teaspoon baking soda
• teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• Filling:
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• teaspoon salt
• 2 cups sifted powdered sugar, or as needed

Directions:

1. Place butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat. Stir often, cooking until the butter has browned and emits a nutty aroma, approximately 7 to 10 minutes.
2. Measure out cup of the browned butter and pour it into a large mixing bowl to cool to room temperature (15 to 20 minutes). Reserve the remaining to cup of browned butter for the filling.
3. In the bowl with the cooled brown butter, stir in the brown sugar and corn syrup until completely combined. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth.
4. Gradually incorporate the oats, flour, cinnamon, teaspoon of salt, nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder, cloves, and allspice into the mixture. Stir until just combined.
5. Scoop out 2 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball. Repeat this process with the remaining dough. Place the dough balls in the fridge and chill for about 30 minutes.
6. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Line two baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper. Arrange the chilled dough balls about 3 inches apart on the sheets (6 dough balls per sheet). Bake one pan at a time for 10 to 11 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown.
7. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. While the cookies are cooling, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with a mixer until smooth and soft.
9. Gradually add the reserved to cup of brown butter, beating until incorporated. Then, mix in the salt and vanilla extract. Gradually add 1 cup of powdered sugar and beat until smooth. Add the remaining 1 cups of powdered sugar as needed, to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
10. Transfer the filling to a piping bag and refrigerate until ready to use.
11. To assemble the cookies, match up two cookies of similar size and shape. Place one cookie top-side down and pipe about cup of filling onto it. Top with the second cookie and press gently until the filling almost reaches the edges.
12. Repeat the process with the remaining cookies and filling. Store the finished cookies in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 641
• Total Fat: 34g (44% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 20g (102% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 113mg (38% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 499mg (22% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 79g (29% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 2g (6% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 59g
• Protein: 6g (12% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 0mg (0% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 118mg (9% Daily Value)
• Iron: 5mg (25% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 141mg (3% Daily Value)

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. If you are following a medically restricted diet, consult your doctor or dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

These brown butter oatmeal sandwich cookies prove that brown butter makes everything taste better. Pairs of warmly-spiced oatmeal cookies are filled with a sweet vanilla cream cheese filling. This irresistible dessert is perfect for those who enjoy a soft, flavorful treat with a delightful texture and a rich, buttery taste.

History of Brown Butter Oatmeal Sandwich Cookies

The concept of oatmeal cookies dates back to the 19th century when oats became a widely available ingredient. However, the idea of brown butter in baking is more recent, emerging as a technique to add depth and nutty richness to various desserts. Brown butter has become a beloved flavor enhancer in modern baking, particularly in cookies and cakes. Combining this with oatmeal results in a cookie that offers a balance of warmth from spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, with the unique flavor of browned butter complementing the oats. The idea of sandwiching these cookies with a sweet cream cheese filling was likely inspired by the popularity of sandwich cookies in the 20th century, with the combination offering a creamy contrast to the textured oats.

Regional Variations

While oatmeal cookies are a staple in many regions of the United States, the addition of brown butter and the cream cheese filling adds a unique twist, making this recipe more luxurious and rich than traditional versions. In some parts of the U.S., brown butter might be used in more gourmet recipes, while oatmeal cookies remain a comfort food found in nearly every American household. The filling, which uses cream cheese, gives this recipe a slightly tangy sweetness, distinguishing it from other oatmeal cookies, which are often paired with simple buttercream or chocolate chips. In regions where homemade desserts are prized, this recipe could be found at bake sales, family gatherings, or holiday celebrations, as the cookies' combination of flavors has a broad appeal.

Difference from Similar Dishes

Brown butter oatmeal sandwich cookies differ from classic oatmeal cookies in several ways. Traditional oatmeal cookies often rely on simple butter, sugar, and spices for flavor, with ingredients like raisins or chocolate chips commonly added for extra sweetness. The brown butter in this recipe, however, imparts a rich, nutty flavor that adds complexity to the otherwise familiar taste of oatmeal. Additionally, these cookies are sandwiched with a cream cheese filling, which is not typically found in standard oatmeal cookie recipes. This filling provides a smooth, tangy contrast to the chewy texture of the cookies, making it an elevated version of the classic treat. The warm spices and brown butter combination set these apart from similar oatmeal-based desserts.

Where Are Brown Butter Oatmeal Sandwich Cookies Typically Served?

These brown butter oatmeal sandwich cookies are a versatile dessert that can be served in a variety of settings. They're perfect for casual gatherings like family picnics, coffee dates, or birthday parties, thanks to their nostalgic, comforting appeal. At the same time, the rich flavor of the brown butter and the decadent cream cheese filling make them suitable for more formal occasions, such as holiday dinners, tea parties, or even weddings. These cookies can also be an impressive addition to a homemade gift basket or a special treat at a bake sale. Their texture and unique flavor profile make them a memorable choice for any event where cookies are expected to stand out.

Interesting Facts

• The process of browning butter, known as "beurre noisette" in French, has been used for centuries in culinary traditions, particularly in French and Italian cuisines.
• The oatmeal cookie, originally popularized in the United States, was first documented in the late 1800s. Oats were recommended for their health benefits, which made them an appealing ingredient for many households.
• Brown butter has gained significant popularity in recent years in modern baking and cooking, thanks to its ability to enhance flavors with its deep, nutty, caramel-like taste.
• Using cream cheese in the filling of sandwich cookies adds a tangy balance to the sweetness, making it a popular choice for elevating traditional desserts like whoopie pies and cookie sandwiches.
• Though often baked during the colder months, these oatmeal sandwich cookies can be enjoyed year-round, especially with their warm, comforting flavors making them ideal for fall and winter.

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