Oatmeal Cookies (2024)

This classic oatmeal cookie recipe is made with rolled oats, a hint of cinnamon and molasses-y brown sugar. It's the best, simple oatmeal cookie recipe!

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Oatmeal cookies are one of those classic comfort-food cookies that feel like a warm hug on a cold day, or honestly, any day. It’s the cookie recipe that brings us back to simpler times, reminding us of the joy of baking in grandma’s kitchen. This homemade oatmeal cookie recipe hits all the right notes – they’re chewy, slightly sweet, and filled with that wonderful oatmeal texture that we all love. Plus, the hint of cinnamon gives them a comforting warmth that pairs perfectly with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of tea.

Why you’ll love this classic oatmeal cookie recipe

• Texture Balance: These cookies strike the perfect balance between a crisp exterior and an amazingly chewy interior. I may be biased, but I happen to think these are the best oatmeal cookies for that reason alone!
• Long-lasting Freshness: Unlike many other cookies, these oatmeal cookies maintain their chewiness for several days after baking due to the rolled oats. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or a few days later, they’re always a hit.
• Pantry-friendly Ingredients: All of the ingredients are pantry staples. So whenever you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, chances are, you’re already ready to bake these oatmeal cookies without having to run to the store to pick up anything additional.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves a good oatmeal cookie. You might get people who complain about oatmeal raisin or even oatmeal chocolate chip, but by using a simple base recipe with just oatmeal, it’s a universal option that doesn’t get turned down.

Ingredients to make The best chewy oatmeal cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the cookies and helps give them their structure. The right amount is crucial to achieve a perfect chewy texture.
• Cinnamon: This isn’t just any oatmeal cookie, it’s one with a hint of cinnamon warmth.
• Baking Soda: A little bit of baking soda ensures our cookies rise in the oven and have a soft, chewy texture.
• Salt: Never underestimate the power of a pinch of salt! It enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter: Softened to room temperature, this forms the base for a truly rich and buttery cookie.
• Dark Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar: A blend of sugars provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the oats.
• Egg: It helps bind the cookies together and also contributes to their chewy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: This helps elevate and complement the flavors of the oats and cinnamon.
• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: The oats give the cookies their unique texture and nutty flavor. Remember to use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture.

How to make oatmeal cookies from scratch

Oatmeal cookies are one of the simpiler cookies to make and once you get the base recipe down the door really opens to all the other types of oatmeal cookies you want to make!

Prepare the oatmeal cookie dough

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg and vanilla extra and mix until incorporated.
3. Add in the dry ingredients.
4. Mix the dry and wet ingredients together until no streaks of flour remain.
5. Add the oats.
6. Fold in the oats until thoroughly incorporated.

bake the oatmeal cookie dough

• Using a cookie scoop, create the individual cookies and place them on a prepared baking sheet.
• Bake the cookies until they’re golden brown and firm around the edges.

Tips for making the best homemade oatmeal cookies

1. Don’t skip the chilling. If you don’t have time, the cookies will still turn out great but they will spread more and create a different texture. Chilling the dough ensures you have crisp edges with thick chewy centers.
2. Use Room Temperature Butter and Egg: Both the butter and egg in this recipe should be at room temperature. It helps them to evenly combine with the other ingredients, creating a smoother and more uniform dough.
3. Consider Toasting the Oats: For an extra depth of flavor, try toasting your oats in the oven for a few minutes before adding them to your dough. This step can give your cookies a nice, nutty undertone.
4. Don’t Overmix the Dough: When you’re combining the dry and wet ingredients, be sure to stop mixing as soon as no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.
5. Watch the Baking Time: Oatmeal cookies can go from chewy to crispy quickly. Start checking them a couple of minutes before the suggested baking time to ensure they remain soft and chewy.
6. Cool Completely: Resist the temptation to immediately take a bite. Letting them cool completely on a wire rack will let them set up and could make the difference between a good oatmeal cookie and a great one!

Popular substitutions & additions

• Use quick oats for a smoother dough. If you prefer not to have the large chunks of oats in the cookies, you can swap the rolled oats for quick oats. Just don’t use steel cut oats.
• Spice It Up: This recipe uses cinnamon, but don’t feel like you have to stop there. Try adding nutmeg, allspice, or a touch of cardamom to add a different spin to your cookies. I mean, pumpkin spice oatmeal cookies sound amazing. Just saying!
• Flour Substitutions: If you want to make these cookies gluten-free, you could try using a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to look for one that can be substituted at a 1:1 ratio for regular flour.
• Butter Substitutes: If you’re vegan or dairy-free, you could try substituting the butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil.
• Add-ins: While these are simple, classic oatmeal cookies, they can be the base for so many delicious variations. Consider adding chocolate chips, dried fruit such as raisins or cranberries, chopped nuts, or even a handful of shredded coconut.
• Egg Alternatives: If you’re out of eggs or have an egg allergy, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg.

How to Store and Reheat chewy Oatmeal Cookies:

Once cooled, oatmeal cookies should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to enjoy them warm as if freshly baked, just pop a cookie in the microwave for a few seconds until it’s just heated through.

How Long Will Oatmeal Cookies Last in the Fridge?

Oatmeal cookies can be stored at room temperature for about a week. However, if you want them to last a bit longer, you can store them in the fridge. In the fridge, these cookies will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.

Can I Freeze Oatmeal Cookies?

Yes, you certainly can! Once the cookies are completely cooled, put them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or heat them gently in the microwave.

Frequently asked questions

There you have it, the ultimate recipe for simple, classic oatmeal cookies that deliver on every front! From their chewy texture achieved by using rolled oats, to the hints of cinnamon, this oatmeal cookie recipe brings forth a wholesome and satisfying treat that is so good!. Just follow the instructions, read the provided tips, and adjust with your preferred substitutions if needed, and you’ll be enjoying these chewy oatmeal cookies in no time!

More cookie recipes:

• 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
• Carrot Cake Cookies
• Date and Walnut Maamoul Cookies
• Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Cookies
• Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cookies
• Trail Mix Cookies
• Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Peanut Butter Blossoms

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