Amish Friendship Starter Oatmeal Cookies

🍪 Amish Friendship Starter Oatmeal Cookies 🍪

What is it?
Amish Friendship Starter Oatmeal Cookies are a delightful twist on the traditional Amish Friendship Bread. They are a sweet, chewy, and hearty treat made with oatmeal and a special starter dough that has been passed down through generations. These cookies are a symbol of friendship and community as they often begin with a shared starter that friends give to one another.

History:
The tradition of Amish Friendship Bread and its variations, including the starter for these cookies, can be traced back to the Amish and Mennonite communities in the United States. The concept behind it is to foster a sense of community and sharing. Friends exchange a portion of the starter dough, and then they continue to feed and use the starter to create various baked goods, such as bread, muffins, and, in this case, cookies.

Components:
To make Amish Friendship Starter Oatmeal Cookies, you’ll need the following components:

1. Amish Friendship Bread Starter: This is a fermented dough mixture that serves as the base for the cookies. It typically consists of flour, sugar, and water, and it’s a crucial element in the recipe.

2. Oatmeal: Old-fashioned rolled oats are used to give the cookies their hearty texture and nutty flavor.

3. Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and flavor to the cookies.

4. Sugar: Granulated sugar is used to sweeten the cookies.

5. Egg: A fresh egg helps bind the ingredients together and gives the cookies structure.

6. Vanilla Extract: Adds a touch of warmth and depth to the flavor.

7. Flour: All-purpose flour is used as a base for the dough.

8. Baking Soda: This leavening agent helps the cookies rise and become soft.

9. Cinnamon and Nutmeg (optional): These spices can be added for extra flavor, but they are optional.

Steps to Prepare:

Day 1: Receive the Amish Friendship Bread Starter from a friend. Keep it in a glass or plastic container. Do not use metal utensils.

Day 2-4: Stir the starter with a non-metal spoon.

Day 5: Add 1 cup each of flour, sugar, and milk to the starter. Mix well. Divide the starter into four equal portions.

To Make the Cookies:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Amish Friendship Bread Starter
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

4. Stir in the Amish Friendship Bread Starter.

5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and spices (if using).

6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.

7. Finally, fold in the old-fashioned oats until evenly distributed.

8. Drop rounded spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.

9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown.

10. Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.

Total Time:
The entire process from receiving the starter to baking the cookies takes about 5 days. However, the actual preparation of the cookies can be done in around 20-25 minutes, plus baking time. So, you can enjoy these delicious Amish Friendship Starter Oatmeal Cookies within a few hours once the starter is ready.

Enjoy your homemade Amish Friendship Starter Oatmeal Cookies 🍪, and share them with friends to spread the love and tradition! 😊

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Amish Friendship Starter Oatmeal Cookies:

Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximate):

• Calories: 150-200 calories per cookie (varies based on size)
• Total Fat: 7-10 grams
• Saturated Fat: 4-6 grams
• Cholesterol: 20-30 milligrams
• Sodium: 80-120 milligrams
• Total Carbohydrates: 19-25 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 1-2 grams
• Sugars: 10-15 grams
• Protein: 2-3 grams

Health Information:

1. Moderation is Key: While Amish Friendship Starter Oatmeal Cookies can be delicious, they are still sweet treats that should be enjoyed in moderation due to their sugar and fat content.

2. Oats for Heart Health: Oatmeal is a key ingredient and is a good source of dietary fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels and support heart health.

3. Calorie Awareness: Be mindful of portion sizes, as the calorie count can add up quickly, especially if you have larger cookies.

4. Fat Content: These cookies contain moderate amounts of fat, primarily from butter. While fat is an essential nutrient, it’s best to limit saturated fat intake, so enjoy these cookies in moderation.

5. Added Sugar: The sugar content is relatively high in these cookies, so be aware of your overall daily sugar intake, especially if you have dietary restrictions related to sugar.

6. Balanced Diet: While these cookies can be a delightful treat, it’s important to incorporate a variety of nutrient-rich foods into your diet for overall health.

Remember, enjoying these cookies as an occasional treat within a balanced diet can be a delightful way to indulge in the tradition of Amish Friendship Bread while being mindful of your health.