Get ready to fall in love with the irresistible charm of homemade Oatmeal Cookies! These gems are perfectly chewy, just sweet enough, and packed with cozy flavor, thanks to hearty oats, rich brown sugar, and a hint of cinnamon if you like. They come together quickly and always disappear in a flash, making them a treasured treat in my kitchen for everything from lunchbox snacks to midnight cravings. Whether you load them up with raisins or indulge with chocolate chips, every bite tastes like a warm, comforting hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of my favorite things about Oatmeal Cookies is how simple yet essential each ingredient is. From the creamy butter that gives these cookies their softness, to the classic rolled oats offering that perfect chew, every item plays a crucial role in building flavor and texture you’ll crave again and again.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Softened butter creams beautifully with sugar for a tender, flavorful cookie base.
- Packed brown sugar (1 cup): Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness and helps achieve extra chewiness.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Lightens up the sweetness and gives the perfect balance alongside brown sugar.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and add structure to the cookies.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings an aromatic warmth that enhances every bite.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Provides the framework for the cookie so they’re sturdy but still soft.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Gives a delicate lift and slight crispness to the edges.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Works with the soda to ensure the cookies rise just enough.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances all the sweetness and brings out the other flavors.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (3 cups): The star ingredient, giving the cookies that wonderful hearty chew and rustic charm.
- Raisins or chocolate chips (1 cup, optional): Add classic bursts of sweetness—choose whichever makes you happy!
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For a subtle spice that makes these cookies taste like nostalgia.
How to Make Oatmeal Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets
Start by firing up your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepping two baking sheets with parchment paper. This little step guarantees easy release and keeps your Oatmeal Cookies from sticking or over-browning on the bottom.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until it’s pale, creamy, and fluffy. This process whips air into the mixture and sets the stage for perfectly tender cookies.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to make sure everything is luscious and well-mixed. Pour in the vanilla extract and give it one more good mix for that extra note of warmth.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon if you’re using it. This helps evenly disperse the rising agents and spices, so every Oatmeal Cookie bakes beautifully.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be gentle—overmixing can make cookies tough, so stop when there are no flour streaks left.
Step 6: Stir in Oats and Add-ins
Fold in the rolled oats and, if you like, toss in a handful of raisins or chocolate chips. The oats should be fully incorporated, giving the dough that signature texture.
Step 7: Portion and Bake
Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your lined baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart. Pop them in the oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden but the centers look set yet soft. They’ll firm up as they cool!
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let your Oatmeal Cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes so they finish setting, then transfer them carefully to a wire rack to cool completely. The hardest part? Waiting before you sneak one!
How to Serve Oatmeal Cookies
Garnishes
Dress up your Oatmeal Cookies with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking for a fancy, bakery-style touch. If you opted for chocolate chips, a light dusting of powdered sugar makes them extra tempting and photo-ready!
Side Dishes
You can’t go wrong with a classic glass of cold milk, but these cookies also pair wonderfully with a mug of hot coffee or chai tea. For special occasions, serve them alongside fresh fruit or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Oatmeal Cookies in a cellophane bag tied with baker’s twine for a thoughtful homemade gift. Arrange them on a rustic wooden board with berries and nuts at your next gathering, or crumble a few over yogurt parfaits for a delicious breakfast treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Oatmeal Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to five days, and you can always tuck an apple slice in the container to maintain that perfect texture.
Freezing
Oatmeal Cookies freeze like a dream—just let them cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. You can also freeze the unbaked dough and bake straight from the freezer whenever a craving strikes.
Reheating
If you enjoy a warm, gooey cookie, simply microwave a cookie for about 10 seconds or reheat in a low oven for a few minutes. They’ll taste (and smell) as fresh as the day you baked them.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?
You can, but the texture will be softer and less chewy. For classic Oatmeal Cookies with hearty texture, old-fashioned rolled oats are best.
How do I make Oatmeal Cookies gluten-free?
Swap in a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. The results are just as delicious!
What’s the secret to soft and chewy cookies?
Creaming the butter and sugars well and not overbaking are key. Also, slightly underbake the cookies and let them finish setting on the tray for extra softness.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure you use a big enough mixing bowl, and rotate your baking sheets if your oven can’t fit them all at once, so every Oatmeal Cookie bakes evenly.
Are there other mix-ins I can try?
Definitely—chopped walnuts, pecans, dried cranberries, or even white chocolate chips all taste incredible in these cookies. Mix and match to suit your cravings!
Final Thoughts
If there’s one recipe that everyone should have in their repertoire, it’s these Oatmeal Cookies. They’re simple, cozy, and undeniably satisfying. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself making them again and again—go ahead, bake a batch and spread the joy!
Print
Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These classic oatmeal cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with wholesome oats. Easy to make and customize with your favorite mix-ins, these cookies are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup 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 salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins or chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon if using.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Add Oats and Mix-Ins: Stir in the oats and raisins or chocolate chips if desired.
- Bake: Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra texture, add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
