When it comes to baking something wholesome, easy, and incredibly delicious, oatmeal cookies are a classic treat that never disappoints. These cookies are perfect for quick meals, snack breaks, and even packed lunches. They are known for their soft texture, balanced sweetness, and the health benefits that oats bring to the table.
In this recipe, we will show you how to make the perfect oatmeal cookies with simple ingredients like oats, butter, and brown sugar. You’ll also learn how to enhance the cookies with extras like raisins, chocolate chips, or nuts for added flavor and texture. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just want to whip up a batch of cookies to enjoy with your morning coffee, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients for Oatmeal Cookies
- How to Make Oatmeal Cookies
- Serving Suggestions for Oatmeal Cookies
- Storage Tips for Oatmeal Cookies
- Nutritional Information
- FAQs About Oatmeal Cookies
- Other Similar Recipes
Ingredients for Oatmeal Cookies
These oatmeal cookies come together with basic pantry staples. Feel free to customize the recipe by adding extras like dried fruits or chocolate.
Essential Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional Add-ins
- 1 cup raisins or chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Dietary Substitutions
- For vegan oatmeal cookies, replace butter with a vegan butter substitute and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg).
- To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
How to Make Oatmeal Cookies
Follow these simple steps to create the best oatmeal cookies you’ve ever had:
First Step: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.
Second Step: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. This step helps create the signature chewiness of oatmeal cookies.
Third Step: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is well incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract. This provides the cookie dough with rich flavor and moisture.
Fourth Step: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon (if using), and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
Fifth Step: Stir in Oats and Add-ins
Using a wooden spoon or spatula, stir in the oats until evenly distributed throughout the dough. If you’re adding raisins, chocolate chips, or nuts, fold them into the dough now. The oats give these cookies their hearty texture, while the add-ins provide bursts of flavor.
Sixth Step: Shape and Bake
Scoop out cookie dough using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, and place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.
Seventh Step: Bake
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers are still slightly soft. For chewier cookies, be sure not to overbake them.
Eighth Step: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm, or store them for later.
Serving Suggestions for Oatmeal Cookies
These oatmeal cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:
- With a Glass of Milk: The classic pairing of cookies and milk is always a winner. The creamy richness of the milk balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
- As an Ice Cream Sandwich: For a special treat, sandwich a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two oatmeal cookies.
- Paired with Coffee or Tea: The earthy flavor of oats pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or herbal tea.
For a fun variation, try crumbling these cookies over a bowl of vanilla yogurt or using them as a base for a layered dessert with whipped cream and fruit.
Storage Tips for Oatmeal Cookies
One of the best things about oatmeal cookies is how well they store. Follow these storage tips to keep your cookies fresh:
Room Temperature
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Place a slice of bread in the container to help maintain the cookies’ softness, as the bread will absorb any excess moisture.
Freezing
If you’d like to make a larger batch and save some for later, oatmeal cookies freeze well. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw the cookies at room temperature or reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to regain their freshly baked texture.
Reheating
For crispy edges and a chewy center, warm the cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information
Oatmeal cookies are not only delicious but can also be a healthier alternative to other cookie varieties, especially when you include add-ins like raisins or nuts. Below is an approximate nutritional breakdown per cookie, assuming you make a batch of 24 cookies:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g
For those watching their calorie intake, you can reduce the sugar by using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, or omit the chocolate chips to lower the sugar content further.
FAQs About Oatmeal Cookies
Q: Can I make oatmeal cookies without eggs?
A: Yes! You can substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg) for a vegan-friendly version.
Q: How do I keep my oatmeal cookies soft?
A: To keep your cookies soft, avoid overbaking them. Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to help maintain their moisture.
Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and make sure to use certified gluten-free oats.
Q: Why are my oatmeal cookies too hard?
A: If your cookies are coming out too hard, it could be because they were overbaked or too much flour was added. Be sure to measure your ingredients carefully and take the cookies out of the oven when the edges are golden, but the centers are still soft.
Q: Can I freeze oatmeal cookie dough?
A: Yes, you can freeze the dough. Scoop the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag, and bake them directly from frozen when you’re ready. Just add a minute or two to the baking time.
Other Similar Recipes
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Conclusion
These oatmeal cookies are a go-to recipe for anyone looking for a simple yet delightful treat. Whether you enjoy them plain, or with your favorite mix-ins, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Plus, with easy adjustments, you can make them vegan, gluten-free, or lower in sugar to suit any dietary needs. Enjoy these cookies fresh out of the oven or store them for a delicious snack anytime!