A Southern Grace: inconceivable!

March 10, 2010

inconceivable!

Yum

Don't you hate when someone asks you to name your favorite cake, pie, cookie, or--gimme a break--dessert in general? I detest it. To me, that's like asking a mother to name her favorite child--completely absurd and impossible to do.

Who cares if the morsels are an extremely unnatural color of orange?
Not only do I strive to be an equal-opportunity eater of treats, but my tastes also change at least once a week. One day I may decide impossible coconut pie is the best dessert ever simply because I'm eating a sliver slab of it at the time, but the next day, as I snack on some apple dapple cake, I might convince myself that nothing can compare to it.

It's futile to even attempt to name my favorite cookie, but one that's always high on the list is the good ol' oatmeal scotchie. These bad boys are chewy and hearty and packed with sweet, rich butterscotch morsels (which, incidentally, taste nothing like butterscotch to me)(clearly, I don't mind).

You don't often see many deviations from Nestle's classic recipe, but when I came across a version including a bit of coconut, I got pretty excited. How excited? Perhaps the equivalent of brushing past Bruce Springsteen in the street. Okay, maybe not that excited. Let's say the equivalent of seeing Bruce Springsteen from afar.

Anyway, my excitement was warranted because the addition of coconut (I added flakes and a bit of extract) made these palatable pucks even better. Other changes? I increased the cinnamon and baked the batter in pie plates. Fun!

This is totally my favorite type cookie. For today.

Blimp-style.
So, in the name of hypocrisy, what's your favorite cookie? In the same vein, mothers, do you have a favorite child? :)

Cocoatmeal Scotchies
(I have Nika to thank for the inspiration!)

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
3 cups quick or old-fashioned oats
1 2/3 cups (11-oz. pkg.) butterscotch morsels
1 cup sweetened coconut flakes

Preheat oven to 350°F and grease two 9-inch pie plates or a 15x10" jelly-roll pan.
Combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a small bowl. In a larger bowl, beat together the butter, sugars, eggs, and extracts. Gradually beat in the flour mixture. Stir in the oats, morsels, and coconut. Spread into the prepared pan(s) and bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until light brown. Keep your eye on them--'tis better to be a bit gooey than as hard as a rock!

For cookies:
Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets and bake for 7 to 8 minutes for chewy cookies or 9 to 10 minutes for crisp cookies. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

78 comments:

Lucie said...

I love oatmeal scotchies! Might have to try this one... And baking it in a pie pan is a great idea! You can cut yourself half of it and say you're only eating a slice. Perfect!

CC11 said...

If we had butterscotch morsels down under I would be making this tomorrow.
On another note, your blog post title made me chuckle as it brought up memories of Vizzini, with his 'inconceivable' catchphrase.

Rosa's Yummy Yums said...

I feel the same as you when I get asked that question!

Those scotchies look marvelous!

Cheers,

Rosa

pam said...

I don't know. I can pretty much say flourless chocolate cake all the time. Nothing tops it in my book. And I do have a favorite child. If stranded on a dessert island, and I could only have one, I know which one I would bring!

Sinful Southern Sweets said...

LOL! All cookies are my favorite, and the same with my children :)

shaz said...

Oooh, I've never heard of an oatmeal scothcie..they look a bit like an Anzac biscuit on steroids! (I mean that in a good complimentary way).

Today, one child had a mini-tantrum and refused to wear her gumboots, instead choosing to walk a fair distance in just her socks, resulting in mud caked socks. Favourite child for today? The other one who wore shoes :)

Teanna said...

Can I just tell you that I don't think I've ever seen anything quite like this in cookie form! But I think that this would become my favorite cookie for at least 2 weeks!

Anonymous said...

mmm......giant cookie scotchie wedges! Those look delicious. As for favorite cookie, I can't name one. It's always whatever cookie is most readily available for consumption.

And as for Bruce Springsteen - I'd go without cookies for a month for just a far off glimpse!

Julie said...

These look scrumptious! I think maybe even more exciting that seeing Bruce Springsteen. I can't really name a favorite cookie either.

Amanda said...

Wow. I dont think those would make it 2 hours in my house. Wow. They look amazing!!

Blessings-
Amanda

Amy from She Wears Many Hats said...

I'm gonna surprise my husband with these. He's a coconut fan and loves oatmeal cookies. Yum.

lisa is cooking said...

This could easily be my favorite cookie for today! Oatmeal and coconut together sounds pretty fantastic. In general, when asked that cookie question, I always seem to answer 'sugar cookies.'

Barbara said...

No way can I pick a favorite dessert. Nor a favorite child. BUT I can pick a favorite cookie. I am soooo boring. I dearly love an old fashioined chocolate chip, right out of the oven with a glass of cold milk. God, I AM getting old!

Mixing oatmeal, butterscotch morsels and coconut together is an inspired cookie. Or is is a pie?

Melanie said...

I love the wedge cookie and oatmeal/scotcharoo mixes have to be among my top favorites, too. The addition of coconut? Simply brilliant.

kat said...

I guess I'd be a bad mother because I can easily say my favorite it shortbread, no wait maybe its snickerdoodle....

Anonymous said...

The addition of coconut is great and the more cinnamon the better :) Yum!

vanillasugarblog said...

sweet sarah! man that is my kind of cookie! those ingredients are perfect. is it all gone already?

Erica said...

I love coconut dessert!Actually, I love to use coconut in savory dishes, too! This looks delicious.

Josie said...

Haha.. I have no idea what my favorite dessert is (or my favorite band which some guy harassed me about in a bar last week but that's a whole 'nother topic). But just about anything with oatmeal or cinnamon in it makes me happy :)

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

Cake, cookie, side...anything with coconut has to be my favourite.

Hungry Dog said...

I just love the name. Cocoatmeal scotchies, brillieant!

Lisa said...

Favorites? Well I think we all have them but, as you say, it is situational. In the summer Baklava and Gelato are divine. In winter, Pecan Pie. All the time it could be chocolate. Still I wouldn't say no to these cookies!

Cara said...

I hate when people ask me what my favorite dish is, or what is my "specialty", or even what my husband's favorite thing that I make is! No way we can pick just one, nevermind one favorite dessert!

Dolce said...

I am so baking this tonight at home!
I have to say that in general I can say that my favorite cookie is a chocolate chipper but else, I can never ever choose (anything) over (anything else)...!

La Bella Cooks said...

Anything with butterscotch morsels has to be a piece of heaven. My favorite child would be my dog. He listens when I speak and can be put in his crate when I leave. Easy! THe other two....totally different story. As for cookies, today I would pick chocolate chip but tomorrow ask me again.

noble pig said...

Love the name & escpecially the coconut...very nice indeed!

Lisa-Marie said...

Favourites? hahaha!Mon all the cakes I say!

A day of Springsteen and cakes, now that would be good!

Mimi said...

Pretty much if it's sweet, I like it. I'm the same way with my kids...
Mimi

Sook said...

My tastes change at least once a day! :) This looks great!

Bob said...

Oh man, those sound wicked good! I love oatmeal scotchies, I will be trying this.

My favorite cookie? Hm... I couldn't tell you really, but if I had to pick one for a final meal it would be chocolate chip. Because I'm like that. :D

Nutmeg Nanny said...

Mmmmmm adding a little coconut to an already delicious scotchie sounds great to me! BTW I had the whole "whats your favorite dessert" question too. I never know what to say...uggg to many delicious choices.

Pam said...

Two sticks of butter and coconut - it MUST be delicious!

Mrs. L said...

I'm with you, my favorites change on a weekly basis! Though these sound good enough to be a favorite for more than a week...

Hornsfan said...

Grace you crack me up but you're also 100% right - no way to name a favorite :)

Faith said...

Your variation on this classic sounds delicious, Grace! I think the coconut is a really great addition. I agree, my favorite tastes change frequently! :)

Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella said...

I always get asked my favourite restaurant and it's so hard to choose! I couldn't even narrow it down to 2. 12 maybe! And I can see why this is your current favourite!

sweetlife said...

My fav cookies all of them especially if someone else baked them..thank you
my fav child--hands down my hubby
sweetlife

Leslie said...

You might have just dated yourself with that Bruce Springsteen comment!!! lol Come on girl, get up w/ the times and say the Jonas Brothers or something. They are over 18 right???? Call me a cougar!

jillian said...

I love the idea of having a 'slice' of cookie. I agree it is impossible to pick favorites... and my favorite things to bake aren't always my favorite things to eat.

Carolyn Jung said...

Only for now -- I love it! I guess we'll have to tune in tomorrow to see what your new fave will be then. ;)

Kathleen said...

Every time I answer this question I have a different answer. LOL! Your oatmeal scotchies look delicious!!!!

Lori said...

I totally love this creation. And I so loved the name too!

Ingrid_3Bs said...

Well, you know how I feel about cookies versus bars so, baking these cookies into cookie pies is a fantastic idea! Totally doable for me.

No, favorites.
~ingrid

Jacque said...

Looks like you've got a winner there! I like the texture that coconut gives to cookies... especially bar cookies.

Hmmm, favorite cookie? yea, that's a tough one. One of my favorites is fresh apple cookies... you might like those too http://daisylanecakes.blogspot.com/2008/06/fresh-apple-cookies.html. Favorite kid? My husband. juuuust kidding.

Anonymous said...

Choose a favorite? HA! Mine changes daily, too. And oh dear does my bookmarks folder overfloweth....

LilSis said...

Oh. My. Goodness. This is something that I would be afraid to make because I'd probably devour the entire pan before I could share it! I love the butterscotch and coconut!

As far as a favorite cookie, I usually lean towards any with peanut butter! And, I might have a fight on my hands if I tried to choose a favorite child! :-)

Sharon said...

Thank you for understanding that its utterly impossible to pick a favorite dessert! Can I pick your cake as my favorite of the day?! :)

MaryMoh said...

I'll look blank of someone ask me that question.....too many to name...haha. Your cookie pie looks very delicious.

Lindsey @ pickyeatings said...

Does it count as one cookie if you bake it in a pie plate?

I have an array of favorite cookies, and am always adding more to the list.

cookies and cups said...

Oh WOW! I can only imagine that these would be my obsession if I made them.

Albany Jane said...

I'd also be hard pressed to pick a favorite. But oh man, coconut *and* butterscotch chips(I agree, they don't taste like real butterscotch, but they're cracktacularly addictive), talk about a winning combination.

Jennifer said...

When people ask me my favorite *anything* I get into a tizzy. From cookies to movies there are far too many thing that I like/love to pick just one.

Rich now I am fond of a chocolate fudge cookie with peanut butter chips and tiny, baby peanut butter cups folded in. They were so good.

oneordinaryday said...

My kiddos are always trying to get me to say one of them is my favorite. : ) I'm w/ you on choosing a dessert or cookie - too hard!
This looks yummy. And no surprise that you added extra cinnamon!

wine cellar said...

I'll have to try this beautiful looking recipe. Looks super yummy!

marla {family fresh cooking} said...

Agreed!! It is way to hard to name my favorite treat. Some days it is cakey, other times crumbly, sometimes warm and gooey. Heck some days even ice cream steals the show! This bar-cookie thingy you have created could swoon me anytime! Great job :)

Sandie {Inn Cuisine} said...

I'm a fickle favorite cookie eater (and baker). Just when I think traditional chocolate chip cookies are my all-time favorite, I try a new recipe (say with toffee) and am easily swayed...*sigh*

Nazarina A said...

This is a delectable bad boy or not! Would I be terribly out of line if I emailed you my address?

Deborah said...

I'm totally with you. My favorites change from day to day! But these just very well may be my favorite today!

Angie said...

Looks very good, I could never pick a favorite sweet treat either.

Marjie said...

My favorite dessert is the one in front of me at any given time.

Lisa | Authentic Suburban Gourmet said...

Butterscotch and shortbread - need I say more! These look divine and tasty!

Patty said...

I hate that too! I can never just pick one.

Suze said...

I'm just staring blankly at the title of your new recipe in complete and utter awe. You added more of my favorite things to my already favorite cookie and turned it into slab form.
I always thought you were a genius. NOW there is no denying it!

Tickled Red said...

Oh my!! I am speechless.

Kate at Serendipity said...

Lemesee....butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, coconut, oats. Grace, yer killing me! This looks like it would be my favorite. For the moment.

YUM.

Ms. Meanie said...

Hah -- "equal opportunity eater" -- I love it! I strive to be one too (not that hard I guess :p). I've never heard of this recipe but it looks great PLUS includes a bunch of my favorite ingredients: oatmeal, brown sugar, butter, YUM!

Anonymous said...

i know exactly what you mean.
i get so annoyed cos its impossible to name your favourite in general.
i would probably write down a santa-claus-list-long!
these scotchies look amazing btw :)

giz said...

Somehow I always thought your favourite cake/cookie was the one with cinnamon in it. Sorry I haven't been around - I just haven't been around (did that even make sense?)

Robin said...

Anything with 2 sticks of butter has my vote for my favorite. You are right it is to hard to pick a favorite but today I will choose a fudgy warm brownie. Maybe becasue it is raining cats and dogs and I need something gooey!

stephen said...

for me its like the weather. it varies day to day.

Diane Schmidt said...

Looks great!
I'm glad I found your blog. Can't wait to see what's next. I'm getting your rss feed :)

Anonymous said...

Oh, I have days when all I want is tall, fluffy cake. But on rainy days, I want rich, homely, flavourpacked, chewy heaven. Like this. Just like this. :)

Kerstin said...

I love you addition of coconut! My favorite cookies are sugar cookies with a bit of icing (not royal icing which is tasteless) and sprinkles! At least for the moment anyway :)

Jeanette said...

I so love pie! I lost my ability to taste and smell a few years ago and pie is one of the few sweets I still eat. The texture of pie is amazing~

Thank you for stopping in and leaving a comment.

Sophie said...

I've never had these before but the name alone tempts me to try one! :) I have the same issue with favorite desserts... so many sugary things are addicting!

Btw, when I saw the title for your post, I automatically thought of the Princess Bride :D.

Maris said...

I wouldn't call anything a favorite unless it were full of chocolate but these definitely sound like something I could stand behind!

Jessica - The Novice Chef said...

This looks fabulous! I am so glad I discovered your blog!!

Jaime said...

i am with you...it is too hard to pick a favorite!