Every year on March 18th, cookie enthusiasts and dessert lovers across the United States come together to celebrate National Lacy Oatmeal Cookie Day. This delicious holiday pays homage to the delicate and flavorful lacy oatmeal cookie, a beloved treat that has stood the test of time.
Lacy oatmeal cookies trace their origins back to traditional oatmeal cookies, which have been a staple in households for generations. Oatmeal cookies first gained popularity in the late 19th century, with recipes appearing in cookbooks and household manuals of the time.
The lacy variation of oatmeal cookies distinguishes itself with its thin, delicate texture and crispy edges. The name “lacy” refers to the thin, lace-like appearance of the cookies, achieved by spreading the dough thinly on the baking sheet before baking. This technique creates a cookie that is light, crispy, and filled with irresistible flavor.
Lacy oatmeal cookies stand out from their thicker, chewier counterparts due to their unique texture and taste. The combination of oats, butter, sugar, and flour results in a cookie that is simultaneously light and crispy, with a satisfying crunch in every bite. The addition of oats not only adds a hearty texture but also infuses the cookies with a subtle nuttiness and earthiness that is hard to resist.
One of the most appealing aspects of lacy oatmeal cookies is their versatility. While the classic recipe typically includes oats and basic cookie ingredients, there is ample room for creativity and customization. From adding chopped nuts or dried fruits to incorporating spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, there are endless variations to suit every taste preference.
There are countless ways to celebrate National Lacy Oatmeal Cookie Day and indulge in this delightful treat. Here are a few ideas to make the most of this special day:
- Bake Your Own: Gather your ingredients and whip up a batch of homemade lacy oatmeal cookies. Experiment with different add-ins and flavors to create a unique twist on the classic recipe.
- Host a Cookie Swap: Invite friends, family, or coworkers to participate in a lacy oatmeal cookie swap. Everyone can bake their favorite version of the cookie and exchange them for a fun and delicious tasting experience.
- Try New Variations: Venture beyond the traditional lacy oatmeal cookie recipe and explore new variations. From chocolate-dipped toffee oatmeal lace cookies to coconut almond lace cookies, there are endless possibilities to discover.
- Share the Joy: Spread the joy of lacy oatmeal cookies by sharing your homemade creations with others. Whether you gift them to neighbors, donate them to a local charity, or surprise a loved one, sharing these delectable treats is sure to bring smiles all around.
- Visit a Bakery: If baking isn’t your forte, support your local bakery or café by purchasing lacy oatmeal cookies to enjoy. Treat yourself to a freshly baked batch and savor every delicious bite.
National Lacy Oatmeal Cookie Day is a delightful celebration of a beloved sweet treat that brings joy to cookie lovers everywhere. Whether you prefer them plain and simple or loaded with extra goodies, lacy oatmeal cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you craving more. So, on March 18th, take a moment to indulge in the crispy, crunchy goodness of lacy oatmeal cookies and join in the celebration of this delicious holiday.
Classic Lacy Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This can be done with a hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Oats: Gently fold in the old-fashioned oats until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Form Cookies: Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each mound of dough slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. Keep an eye on them as they bake, as they can quickly go from golden to overdone.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will crisp up as they cool.
- Enjoy: Once cooled, enjoy your lacy oatmeal cookies with a glass of milk or cup of coffee. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Note: Feel free to customize this classic recipe by adding chopped nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture. Additionally, you can experiment with different spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to create unique variations of these delicious cookies.
Gourmet Lacy Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or cherries, chopped
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
- Zest of 1 orange (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and well combined.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is creamy and slightly pale in color.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fold in Add-Ins: Gently fold in the old-fashioned oats, chopped toasted pecans, dried cranberries or cherries, dark chocolate chips (if using), and orange zest (if using), until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For optimal results, cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and enhances their flavor.
- Form Cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball of dough slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. The cookies should have a lacy appearance and a slightly crisp texture.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. As they cool, they will firm up and become even crispier.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, serve your gourmet lacy oatmeal cookies with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat. These cookies also make a wonderful gift when packaged in a decorative tin or box.
Note: Feel free to experiment with different add-ins and flavorings to customize these gourmet lacy oatmeal cookies to your taste preferences. From chopped nuts and dried fruits to spices and extracts, the possibilities are endless for creating your own gourmet cookie masterpiece.
Keto-Friendly Lacy Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 1/4 cup powdered erythritol or monk fruit sweetener
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or almonds (optional)
- 1/4 cup sugar-free dark chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, coconut flour, powdered erythritol or monk fruit sweetener, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until a thick dough forms.
- Fold in Add-Ins: Gently fold in the unsweetened shredded coconut and chopped pecans or almonds (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough. You can also add sugar-free dark chocolate chips for extra flavor.
- Form Cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball of dough slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cookies are set. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. As they cool, they will firm up and become crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, serve your keto-friendly lacy oatmeal cookies as a satisfying snack or dessert. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Note: These keto lacy oatmeal cookies are low in carbs and sugar-free, making them a perfect treat for those following a ketogenic lifestyle. Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite keto-friendly nuts, seeds, or sugar-free chocolate chips for added flavor and texture.
