Oatmeal Cookies are the sort of treat that wraps you in comfort from the very first bite. With golden, chewy edges and a tender center bursting with the warmth of cinnamon, each mouthful offers that familiar, nostalgic flavor we all crave. You’ll love how the layers of buttery oats, brown sugar, and your choice of raisins or chocolate chips come together for a heartwarming, home-baked experience. There’s real magic in how a kitchen fills with the scent of Oatmeal Cookies—these are the cookies that bring everyone to the table and inspire second (or third!) helpings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about how delightfully straightforward this list is! Each ingredient is purpose-driven, adding something special to the final cookie, whether it’s chewiness, flavor, or that irresistible, cozy aroma. Grab these pantry staples and prepare for cookie perfection.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The creamy base that gives your Oatmeal Cookies their rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Packed brown sugar (1 cup): Brings that unbeatable moisture and deep, caramel-like sweetness.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Adds crispy edges and balance to the brown sugar’s molasses flavor.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together while delivering structure and tenderness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses a subtle, aromatic note that elevates every bite.
- All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups): Gives your cookies the perfect body and bite.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Ensures your cookies rise and spread just the right amount.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Lends irresistible warmth and spice that defines Oatmeal Cookies.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and sharpens the other flavors.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (3 cups): The star player! They create that hearty, chewy texture and signature look.
- Raisins or chocolate chips (1 cup, optional): Pick your favorite for gooey bursts of sweetness or a classic, fruity touch.
- Chopped nuts (½ cup, optional): For a delightful crunch and extra flavor dimension if you’re feeling adventurous.
How to Make Oatmeal Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking and reliable results every time. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper, which helps the cookies release easily while giving them those crisp edges we all love.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this step is all about creating a tender, airy base. Take your time here; a good three minutes with an electric mixer really does wonders for the final cookie texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs in, one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them into your creamed mixture. Stir in the vanilla extract, letting its sweet aroma meld into the dough. This step infuses the cookies with depth and richness.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisking ensures everything is evenly distributed, so your cookies bake up consistently golden and tasty.
Step 5: Mix Dry Into Wet
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid over-working the dough—stop as soon as no streaks of flour remain for the most tender oatmeal cookies!
Step 6: Fold in Oats and Goodies
Now for the star ingredient: stir in the rolled oats. If you’re feeling creative, fold in a cup of raisins, chocolate chips, or even a handful of chopped nuts here. Every bite gets a little personality when you add something extra.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Using a tablespoon (or a cookie scoop for even portions), drop rounded dough balls onto your lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. For chewier cookies, pull them out when the centers are just set. Prefer a crispier bite? Leave them in for an extra minute or two.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the pan for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This rest time lets the cookies finish setting up without overbaking, giving you that perfect contrast between a soft center and golden edge.
How to Serve Oatmeal Cookies
Garnishes
For a cozy afternoon treat, sprinkle your oatmeal cookies with an extra pinch of cinnamon right as they come out of the oven, or drizzle them with melted chocolate for a truly decadent finish. A dusting of powdered sugar makes them especially festive, especially around the holidays.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for classic comfort, or set them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert that’s surprisingly elegant. A mug of hot coffee or tea also makes a warm companion, perfect for chilly mornings or an after-dinner pick-me-up.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn oatmeal cookies into ice cream sandwiches using your favorite flavor between two cookies, or break them into chunks for sprinkling over yogurt parfaits. Stack and tie a ribbon around a few cookies for a charming homemade gift—these cookies travel beautifully and always bring smiles!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Baked oatmeal cookies keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them extra-soft, tuck a slice of fresh bread in the container—it helps lock in moisture and keep each cookie chewy and delightful.
Freezing
To make life even sweeter, freeze the dough! Scoop out portions onto a tray, freeze, and then transfer the dough balls to a zip-top bag. When a craving strikes, bake straight from frozen, just adding an extra minute or two to the bake time. Baked cookies also freeze well—just let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months.
Reheating
Want to enjoy oatmeal cookies warm, as if they just came out of the oven? Pop a cookie into the microwave for about 10 seconds to revive its gooey center, or warm several up in a 300°F (150°C) oven for five minutes. They’ll taste bakery-fresh all over again.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?
You can, but for the best chewy texture and hearty bite, stick with old-fashioned rolled oats. Quick oats will give a softer, less chunky result—but your cookies will still taste wonderful.
How do I make the cookies extra chewy?
For extra chewy oatmeal cookies, slightly underbake them (pull them from the oven when they look just set). Letting the cookies finish setting up on the pan really locks in that satisfying texture.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Absolutely! Chilling the dough not only lets you get ahead on prep, but it also deepens the flavors and leads to thicker, chewier cookies when baked. The dough can chill for up to 48 hours in the fridge.
Are there nut-free options?
Yes—just leave out the optional chopped nuts, and these oatmeal cookies will still be just as amazing. If allergies are a concern, be sure to use allergy-safe add-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit.
What’s the best way to prevent flat cookies?
Using room temperature butter and not overmixing the dough are key! Also, if your kitchen is particularly warm, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can help your cookies hold their shape.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of homemade oatmeal cookies fresh from the oven. I hope you feel inspired to bake a batch, make them your own, and share their cozy comfort with someone you love—because life is always a little sweeter with a warm cookie in hand!
Print
Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These classic oatmeal cookies are chewy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Packed with oats, raisins or chocolate chips, and nuts, these cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins or chocolate chips (optional)
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet 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 stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Stir in oats and extras: Stir in the oats, and if desired, fold in raisins, chocolate chips, or nuts.
- Bake: Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look just set.
- Cool: Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For chewier cookies, slightly underbake and cool on the pan.
- For crispier cookies, bake an extra 1–2 minutes.
- Dough can be chilled for deeper flavor and better texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
