If you have a soft spot for chewy, comforting treats that bring a nostalgic smile to your face, this Oatmeal Cookies Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Bursting with wholesome oats, just the right amount of sweetness, and the option to add raisins or chocolate chips, these cookies strike the perfect balance between hearty and indulgent. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon snack or a crowd-pleasing dessert, this recipe promises an easy, foolproof way to create classic oatmeal cookies that taste like warm memories fresh from the oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Oatmeal Cookies Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—whether it’s creating tender chewiness, adding a rich depth of flavor, or delivering that inviting golden color that makes your mouth water.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Provides a creamy richness and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Brings moisture, sweetness, and a hint of caramel flavor to enhance the oats.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of crispness to balance the chewiness.
- 2 large eggs: Act as the glue to bind all the ingredients, lending structure and tenderness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, inviting aroma and flavor that elevates the whole cookie.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Combines with the oats for body and stability while keeping the texture light.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough to be fluffy without losing their hearty chew.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a little extra lift to keep each bite tender.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats: The star grain that delivers wholesome texture, nutty flavor, and a satisfying chew.
- 1 cup raisins or chocolate chips (optional): Add bursts of sweetness or melty chocolate for delightful surprises.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional): Offers a cozy hint of spice that complements the oats beautifully.
How to Make Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly without sticking to the pan, making for flawless results every time.
Step 2: Cream Together Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both the brown and granulated sugars until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the batter, giving your cookies a lovely lift and softness.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time to make sure they fully combine and help maintain the batter’s smooth consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract for that irresistible aroma and depth of flavor that makes each bite so comforting.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon if using. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and spices, which helps each cookie bake consistently.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mix, stirring until just combined. Over-mixing here could toughen the cookies, so blend gently for the best texture.
Step 6: Stir in Oats and Optional Extras
Fold in the rolled oats along with raisins or chocolate chips if you’re using them. This step brings all the flavors together and adds those chewy, melty textures that make these cookies truly special.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are golden and the centers just set—this ensures a chewy center with slightly crisp edges.
Step 8: Cool Before Enjoying
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This finishing touch helps the cookies firm up just right, making them perfect for handling and savoring.
How to Serve Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these oatmeal cookies are delightful on their own, you can spice up your presentation with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate. For an extra touch, consider topping them with a few whole oats or chopped nuts right after baking.
Side Dishes
Pairing your oatmeal cookies with a glass of cold milk, a warm cup of tea, or a rich latte turns them into an indulgent snack. You might also enjoy them alongside fresh fruit or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert with variety and contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, stack your oatmeal cookies in pretty jars or wrap them individually in cellophane tied with rustic twine. Another fun idea is to sandwich two cookies with a layer of cream cheese frosting or peanut butter for a decadent twist everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep your oatmeal cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their chewy texture.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready for a sweet treat.
Reheating
If you prefer your oatmeal cookies warm, simply pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or heat briefly in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. The warmth revives their soft texture and melty goodness, making every bite irresistible.
FAQs
Can I substitute the raisins with other add-ins?
Absolutely! You can swap raisins for chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or various chocolate chips to customize the flavor and texture to your liking. Each option brings its own character to the cookies.
How do I make my oatmeal cookies chewier?
For chewier cookies, try slightly underbaking them and allowing them to cool on the baking sheet. This technique retains moisture and gives you that irresistibly soft and chewy bite.
Are these oatmeal cookies gluten-free?
This particular Oatmeal Cookies Recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free as well.
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?
While quick oats can work in a pinch, old-fashioned rolled oats provide the best texture and chewiness. Quick oats tend to make the cookies denser and less textured.
Is it necessary to use both baking soda and baking powder?
Yes, using both baking soda and baking powder helps balance the rise and tenderness of the cookies. Baking soda reacts with the brown sugar acidity to create lift, while baking powder adds gentle puffiness for a softer crumb.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something wonderfully comforting about baking a batch of oatmeal cookies that fill your home with that warm, inviting aroma. This Oatmeal Cookies Recipe truly shines with its perfect blend of chewy oats, sweet hints of vanilla and cinnamon, and your choice of mix-ins. I can’t wait for you to try it and share these simple joys with your family and friends. Happy baking!
Print
Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic oatmeal cookies recipe yields deliciously chewy and flavorful cookies made with rolled oats, brown sugar, and a hint of cinnamon. Perfectly balanced in sweetness with optional raisins or chocolate chips, these cookies bake up crisp on the edges and soft in the center, making them a favorite for any occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins or chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes a few minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to incorporate them fully, then mix in the vanilla extract to enhance the cookie’s flavor profile.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon if using, ensuring the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed.
- Mix Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed wet mixture, mixing gently until fully combined without overmixing, to keep the cookies tender.
- Stir in Oats and Optional Add-ins: Fold in the rolled oats and the optional raisins or chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough for texture and added sweetness.
- Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges turn golden brown and the centers are just set, ensuring a chewy texture.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess.
Notes
- You can swap out raisins for chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or white chocolate chips depending on your preference and to vary texture and flavor.
- For chewier cookies, slightly underbake them and allow them to cool on the baking pan to finish setting.
- Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.
