Irish Oatmeal Biscuits

Ingredients

While the original Dutch Ijzerkoekje is a thin, crispy biscuit made with almond paste, the Irish Oatmeal Biscuits are a heartier and more wholesome version. The use of Irish oats gives the biscuits a distinct nutty flavor and a rustic texture. Additionally, the Irish version incorporates brown sugar for a subtle caramel sweetness, which sets it apart from the Dutch counterpart. We alse have the original recipe for Ijzerkoekje, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (200g) Irish oats 2 cups (200g) Irish oats
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 3.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 6g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the Irish oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
3. 3.
   Add the cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, rub the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. 4.
   In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk and vanilla extract. Pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. 5.
   Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together.
6. 6.
   Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm). Use a cookie cutter to cut out biscuits of your desired shape and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
7. 7.
   Bake the biscuits for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown around the edges.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and let the biscuits cool on a wire rack before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Irish oats — Use traditional Irish oats for an authentic flavor and texture. Avoid using instant oats as they will result in a different texture.
• Brown sugar — Ensure the brown sugar is packed firmly into the measuring cup to get an accurate measurement.
• Butter — Make sure the butter is cold and cubed before incorporating it into the dry ingredients. This will help create a flaky texture in the biscuits.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, you can sprinkle some cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough before kneading.
• If you prefer a sweeter biscuit, you can brush the tops with a little melted butter and sprinkle some granulated sugar before baking.
• These biscuits can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Serving advice

Serve these Irish Oatmeal Biscuits warm or at room temperature. They pair perfectly with a cup of Irish breakfast tea or a glass of cold milk.

Presentation advice

Arrange the biscuits on a rustic wooden platter or a traditional Irish linen napkin for an authentic Irish presentation. Dust them with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.