Onion cookie, also known as onion oatmeal cookies, are a variety of oatmeal cookie that contain onion as one of the main ingredients. Onions add a savory, aromatic quality to these cookies that make them unique from traditional sweet oatmeal cookies.
What are the main ingredients in onion cookies?
The main ingredients in onion cookies are:
- Rolled oats
- Onion
- Butter or oil
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Spices like cinnamon or nutmeg
The key ingredients that distinguish onion cookies are the onion, oats, and spices. Onion can be used in different forms such as diced raw onion, caramelized onion, or onion powder. The oats and spices complement the onion flavor.
Why are onions used in cookies?
Onions are included in cookies for several reasons:
- They provide a savory, aromatic quality that balances the sweetness.
- They add moisture and texture.
- They enhance the flavor of the oats and spices.
- The onion flavor becomes milder and sweeter when baked.
- They make the cookies more complex, unique and interesting.
While onions might seem unconventional in cookies, their flavor profile works well when combined with sweet ingredients like sugar and spices. The pungent onion mellows out and complements the oats and spices after baking.
What texture and taste do the onions add?
Onions contribute the following qualities to onion oatmeal cookies:
- Texture: Onions add moisture which gives the cookies a chewy, slightly soft texture.
- Taste: When cooked, onions turn sweeter and take on a more subtle, earthy flavor. They are not overpowering but add an undertone of aromatic onion taste.
- Flavor enhancement: Onions boost the flavor of the spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to make them more robust.
- Balance: The onion taste balances the sweetness from the sugar and any dried fruits. This prevents the cookies from being too one-note sweet.
The onions give onion oatmeal cookies more depth while contributing a pleasant, moist texture. Their presence is noticeable but they blend well with the classic cookie flavors.
What are good onion types to use?
These are good types of onions to use when making onion oatmeal cookies:
- Yellow or white onions – Their sharp, pungent taste mellows into a subtly sweet flavor when baked.
- Shallots – Impart a delicate onion-garlic flavor.
- Sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla – Contribute a very mild, sweet onion taste.
- Caramelized onions – Deeply sweetened onions that add rich flavor and soft texture.
- Red or green onions – For a fresh, bright flavor.
- Onion powder – Adds concentrated onion taste without moisture.
In general, milder onion varieties are best so their flavor can blend into the background. Caramelizing onions before adding to the dough brings out their natural sweetness.
What is a good onion to oats ratio?
A good rule of thumb for onion oatmeal cookies is:
- 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 cup finely diced onion per 1 cup of uncooked oats
So for example, if a recipe calls for:
- 3 cups oats, use 3⁄4 to 1 1⁄2 cups onion.
- 2 cups oats, use 1⁄2 to 1 cup onion.
The onion to oats ratio can be adjusted based on personal taste and the type of onion used. More pungent onion varieties may need less quantity. Caramelized onions with concentrated flavor need smaller amounts. Powdered onion can work in smaller ratios since the flavor is very concentrated.
Should the onions be cooked first before adding to the batter?
Cooking the onions first before adding to the cookie batter is optional, but recommended for the best results. Here are the benefits of sautéing or caramelizing the onions first:
- It cooks off the raw, pungent taste of raw onion, turning it sweeter and milder.
- It removes moisture from the onion so the cookies don’t get too wet.
- Browned, caramelized onions have a deep, rich flavor that adds complexity.
- Pre-cooking jumpstarts the cooking process so the onions soften faster when baking.
If using raw onions, finely mince them so they soften during baking. Overall, cooking the onions first provides the most flavor and texture benefits when making onion oatmeal cookies.
What are good spice combinations with onion cookies?
These spices complement and enhance the flavor of onion oatmeal cookies:
| Spice | Flavor Notes |
|---|---|
| Cinnamon | Warm, sweet, pairs well with onion |
| Nutmeg | Sweet and pungent, brings out onion flavor |
| Ginger | Zesty bite, brightens the onion taste |
| Allspice | Slightly peppery, balances onion |
| Cloves | Bittersweet and strong, complements onions |
Start with 1-2 teaspoons of these spices in the dough. Cinnamon is commonly paired with onion cookies, but experimenting with other spices can make each batch unique.
Should onion cookies include dried fruits?
Dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, cherries, apricots or dates work very well in onion oatmeal cookies. The sweetness and chewiness of the dried fruits offset the savory onion taste. Good combinations include:
- Chopped dates and onions
- Diced apricots and caramelized onions
- Raisins or cranberries with minced raw onion
Chop any larger dried fruits into smaller pieces so they are evenly distributed. Use 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 cup dried fruit per 1 cup of oats. Adjust to taste based on sweetness desired.
What variations can be made with onion oatmeal cookies?
Some tasty variations on the classic onion oatmeal cookie include:
- Onion poppy seed cookies – Add 2-3 tablespoons poppy seeds to the dough
- Onion rosemary cookies – Use 1-2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, pairs well with onions
- Onion parmesan cookies – Add 1⁄4 cup grated parmesan for more savory flavor
- Onion thyme cookies – Nice herbal accent from 2 teaspoons thyme
- Onion Asiago cookies – Sharp Asiago cheese enhances the onion taste
Get creative with different herb and spice combinations! The onion pairs well with many flavors, so the possibilities are endless for inventive variations.
What are some recipe tips for the best onion oatmeal cookies?
Here are some helpful tips for making delicious onion oatmeal cookies:
- Chop the onions finely or give them a rough mince so they are evenly incorporated.
- If using raw onion, let it sit for 5-10 minutes after chopping to mellow out strong flavors.
- Cook onions over medium heat until well softened and golden brown.
- Add a pinch of sugar when sautéing onions to balance flavor.
- Use onion powder sparingly as it has concentrated flavor.
- Combine spices like cinnamon or nutmeg with the dry ingredients.
- Make sure the dough is well chilled before baking for optimal texture.
- Portion cookies with a cookie scoop for uniform sizing.
- Bake on the middle rack until edges are lightly browned.
With well-caramelized onions and the right spice blend, these cookies are sure to impress!
What are potential substitutes for onions in the cookies?
If you want an onion oatmeal cookie without onions, here are some potential substitute ingredients:
- Shallots – Similar flavor to onions but more mild.
- Scallions – Impart a fresh, bright onion taste.
- Garlic – Savory flavor, use roasted garlic for sweetness.
- Onion powder – Provides concentrated onion taste.
- Diced celery – Adds crunch and vegetal notes.
- Carrots – Natural sweetness balances the spices.
While the cookies won’t have the same depth without onion, using a small amount of shallot or onion powder can still provide an subtle onion undertone. Play around with proportions to get the right savory-sweet balance.
Are there any tips for vegan onion oatmeal cookies?
Here are some tips for making tasty vegan onion oatmeal cookies:
- Use coconut oil, olive oil or vegan butter instead of dairy butter.
- Replace the egg with a flax or chia “egg” – 1 tbsp seed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water.
- Add a splash of non-dairy milk if the dough seems too dry.
- Use a dairy-free chocolate like dark chocolate chips or chunks.
- Chop the onions finely to prevent a slimy texture.
- Bake at 300°F for chewy cookies with a slight crunch.
- Let the cookies cool completely before removing from the pan.
With the right substitutions and baking adjustments, vegan onion oatmeal cookies can be just as delicious!
What are good storage methods for onion oatmeal cookies?
Here are some tips for storing onion oatmeal cookies to keep them tasting fresh:
- Room temperature: Store in airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in sealed container for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer: Place cooled cookies in freezer bag or airtight container for 2-3 months.
- To refresh: Crisp up refrigerated or frozen cookies by heating at 300°F for 2-3 minutes.
The onion taste may become stronger over time so consume within a week for best flavor. Cookies with dairy will last longer refrigerated or frozen.
What are some of the best ways to serve onion oatmeal cookies?
Here are delicious ways to serve and enjoy onion oatmeal cookies:
- Crumble them up and use as onion dip croutons
- Sandwich two cookies together with herb cream cheese
- Enjoy alongside a bowl of French onion soup
- Use cookie crumbs as the topping for gratin potatoes
- Serve cookies with apple slices and sharp cheddar cheese
- Crumble on top of roasted brussels sprouts or green beans
- Pair with a glass of bold red wine or a mug of black coffee
With their unique savory-sweet taste, onion oatmeal cookies work nicely as a snack, party nibble, or complement to many meals and beverages!
Conclusion
With their blend of sweet cookie dough and aromatic baked onions, onion oatmeal cookies make for an intriguing cookie experience! Onions add moisture, texture and flavor complexity while the oats, spices and optional dried fruits balance out the savory taste. Adjust the amount and type of onions to suit your flavor preferences. Bake up a batch to enjoy alongside soups, appetizers, or as a unique anytime treat.