Gluten-Free Oatmeal Scotchies Recipe

Remember that classic, buttery oatmeal cookie packed with sweet, melty butterscotch chips? The kind that makes your whole kitchen smell like a hug? If you thought going gluten-free meant saying a permanent goodbye to that nostalgic treat, I have the most wonderful news for you. These Gluten-Free Oatmeal Scotchies are here to bring all that chewy, butterscotch-y joy right back to your cookie jar. They’re the perfect solution for when you need a quick dessert for a playdate, a comforting snack with your afternoon coffee, or just a little something sweet that everyone—yes, everyone—can enjoy.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love These Gluten-Free Oatmeal Scotchies

• Incredibly Easy: This is a simple, one-bowl recipe that comes together faster than you can preheat your oven. No fancy techniques required!
• Nostalgically Delicious: They taste just like the classic version, with a perfect chewy texture and pools of melted butterscotch.
• Family-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing: These cookies are a total hit with kids and adults alike. They’re the first to disappear at any gathering!
• Perfect for Gifting: A plate of these homemade cookies is a beautiful and thoughtful gift for neighbors, teachers, or friends.

Gather Your Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful cookies. The best part? You probably have most of this in your pantry already.

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• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups certified gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (I love using King Arthur Flour’s blend)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 cups certified gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 (11 oz) package butterscotch chips

How To Make Gluten-Free Oatmeal Scotchies

1. Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer.
3. Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is just combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
5. Bring It Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until no streaks of flour remain. Gently fold in the gluten-free oats and the entire bag of butterscotch chips. The dough will be thick!
6. Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers still look slightly soft.
7. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This is the hardest part—resisting that warm cookie!

My Favorite Tips for Cookie Success

I’ve made these more times than I can count, and here are my secrets for the absolute best results every single time.

• Flour Matters: Not all gluten-free flours are created equal! Make sure to use a certified gluten-free blend that contains xanthan gum, which helps bind the cookies. My go-to is Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 or King Arthur’s Measure for Measure.
• Don’t Overbake: The secret to a perfectly chewy cookie is taking them out when they still look a tiny bit underdone in the middle. They will continue to set up as they cool on the hot baking sheet.
• Room Temp is Key: Using room temperature eggs and butter isn’t just a suggestion—it helps the ingredients emulsify properly, creating a better texture. If you forget, place cold eggs in a bowl of warm water for 5 minutes to quickly bring them to temp.
• Mix-Ins: Feel free to get creative! Swap half the butterscotch chips for chocolate chips or add a half cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.

What to Serve With Your Cookies

These cookies are a star all on their own, but they also love company! They’re heavenly dunked in a tall glass of cold milk or crumbled over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy, last-minute dessert. For a fun dessert board, pair them with my popular Gluten-Free Lemon Bars and some fresh fruit. They also make the perfect companion to your morning coffee or afternoon tea.

Storing Your Cookies and Making Ahead

Storage: Keep cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They probably won’t last that long!

Freezing: These cookies freeze beautifully! You can freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls on a parchment-lined sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When a cookie craving hits, just bake from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the bake time.

Your Gluten-Free Oatmeal Scotchies Questions, Answered

Can I make these cookies dairy-free as well?

Absolutely! For a dairy-free version, use your favorite plant-based butter sticks (I find the ones made for baking work best) and ensure your butterscotch chips are dairy-free. Many brands, like Enjoy Life, make dairy-free options.

My dough is really crumbly. What did I do wrong?

This can happen with some GF flour blends that are extra thirsty. Don’t panic! Just add a tablespoon of milk (dairy or non-dairy) at a time to the dough until it comes together nicely. It should be thick but not dry.

Are oats really gluten-free?

Oats are naturally gluten-free, but they are often cross-contaminated with wheat during processing. That’s why it is crucial to buy oats that are specifically labeled “certified gluten-free.”

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned?

You can, but the texture will be different. Old-fashioned oats give the cookies that classic, hearty chew. Quick oats will result in a softer, more uniform texture. Both will be delicious, so use what you have!

More Gluten-Free Favorites You’ll Adore

If you loved baking these cookies, you simply have to try more of my tried-and-true gluten-free recipes. They’re all designed to be simple, reliable, and utterly delicious.

• For a show-stopping breakfast or brunch, my Gluten-Free Coffee Cake is a must-make.
• When you need dinner on the table fast, this Easy Gluten-Free Pasta dish never fails.
• And if you’re a chocolate lover, you will swoon over these decadent Gluten-Free Brownies.

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of pulling a batch of perfect cookies out of the oven, especially when they’re a treat you thought was off the menu. These Gluten-Free Oatmeal Scotchies are proof that with a few simple swaps, you don’t have to miss out on any of life’s sweetest moments. So go ahead, bake a batch, share them with someone you love, and enjoy every single bite.