Ingredients
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, 1 stick)
- Granulated sugar (2 cups)
- Milk (1/2 cup)
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (3 cups)
- Fresh lemon zest (1 tablespoon)
- Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons)
- vanilla powder (1 teaspoon)
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon)
Instructions
- Step 1: Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, granulated sugar, milk, and salt. Bring the mixture to a full, rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
- Step 2: Once the mixture reaches a rolling boil, stop stirring and allow it to boil vigorously for exactly 60 seconds (1 minute). Immediately remove the saucepan from the heat source.
- Step 3: Quickly stir in the vanilla bean paste, fresh lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice until well incorporated into the cooked sugar mixture.
- Step 4: Add the rolled oats to the saucepan. Stir quickly and thoroughly until all the oats are completely coated and the mixture thickens significantly. Work fast, as the mixture will begin to set.
- Step 5: Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of the oatmeal mixture onto the prepared parchment paper. Allow the cookies to cool completely at room temperature or chill them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes until they are firm and fully set.
Notes
- Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or chill them in the refrigerator for extended freshness up to a week.
- If your cookies become too hard after refrigeration, allow them to sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes to achieve a softer, chewy texture before serving.
- For an extra vibrant finish, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt or a light dusting of powdered sugar over the unset cookies just before they firm up.
- Work extremely quickly after removing the saucepan from the heat; the acidity of the lemon juice rapidly cools the sugar mixture, reducing the window you have to successfully incorporate the oats and drop the cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American