In a large bowl, combine the quick oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, and salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the sugars and coat the oats.
Use the back of a spoon to make a well in the center of the dry mixture.
Pour the melted (and cooled) butter, beaten egg, and vanilla extract into the well.
Stir from the center outward until a soft, cohesive batter forms. It will look loose at first but thickens as it rests.
Let the batter sit for a minimum of 30 minutes covered at room temperature, some flours may benefit from a longer rest - I usually do an hour or so to be sure. This gives the oats time to hydrate, helping the cookies spread evenly during baking.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.*
Drop ½ teaspoonful portions of batter onto your lined baking sheets, spacing each mound at least 2½ inches apart.
These cookies spread significantly and will bake into very thin, lacy discs.
Bake for 5-7 minutes, watching closely. They are done when they are golden brown and the centers appear bubbly.
Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet -they will be too delicate to move while hot. Once cooled, they crisp up beautifully.
*Parchment paper will tend to yield slightly crisper more golden cookies than the Silpat and is my preference.
Notes
How to Shape Lace Cookies:These cookies can be shaped while they are still warm and pliable—about 10–20 seconds after coming out of the oven.For Rolled Tubes:
Use a wooden spoon handle, cannoli form, or metal dowel.
Lift a warm cookie gently with an offset spatula, drape it over the handle, and roll into a tube. Allow it to set before removing.For Cookie Cups or Bowls:
Drape a warm cookie over the back of a small bowl, ramekin, or muffin tin cup.
Let it cool and harden into a crisp shell perfect for mousse, ice cream, or whipped cream.Chocolate-Bottom Lace Cookies (My Favorite!)Let cookies cool fully.
Brush the bottoms with melted chocolate, then place onto parchment to set.
This creates a smooth, glossy chocolate base that makes them even more irresistible (and picture-perfect!).