There is something truly special about the smell of fresh baked goods filling the kitchen. It brings back memories of childhood and simpler times. If you are looking for a treat that feels like a warm hug, these Oatmeal Cookies are exactly what you need. They are soft, chewy, and packed with that classic flavor we all know and love.
We all have busy lives, and sometimes you just want a sweet treat without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is designed for real home cooks who want great results fast. You do not need fancy equipment or hard to find ingredients. Just grab a bowl, your mixer, and let us get baking.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Finding the right balance in a cookie recipe can be tricky. Some are too hard, while others fall apart. This recipe hits the sweet spot perfectly. The texture is incredible, with crispy edges and a soft center that melts in your mouth. It might just become the Best Oatmeal Cookies Ever in your recipe box.
You will appreciate how quickly this dough comes together. It is a straightforward process that does not require chilling time, meaning you can go from mixing bowl to oven in just a few minutes. This makes it perfect for last minute guests or a sudden craving for sweets.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. While we use raisins here for that classic taste, the base dough is robust enough to handle other add ins if you feel creative. It is a fantastic entry point into the world of Oatmeal Dessert Recipes.
Finally, this recipe is budget friendly. You likely have most of these items in your pantry right now. It is proof that you do not need expensive ingredients to make something delicious. These Oatmeal Cookies are honest, simple, and downright tasty.
Ingredients
Here is everything you need to make these delicious cookies. We kept it simple to ensure you can whip these up whenever the mood strikes.
- 14 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
- 3 cups quick oats (or old fashioned oats)
- 1 cup raisins
Step-By-Step Instructions
Making these cookies is a breeze. Follow these simple steps to get perfect results every time. We have broken it down so you can follow along easily.
Step 1: Get The Oven Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures the oven is at the right temperature when you are ready to bake. A properly heated oven is key for the cookies to spread and rise correctly.
Step 2: Cream The Butter and Sugars
Grab your stand mixer or a large bowl with a hand mixer. Add the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and white sugar. Beat them together until the mixture looks creamy and smooth. This usually takes a couple of minutes. Creaming is important because it incorporates air into the dough.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Once your butter and sugar mixture is creamy, crack in the two large eggs. Pour in the vanilla extract as well. Continue to beat the mixture until it looks fluffy and light. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is incorporated evenly.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, combine your dry ingredients. Add the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Give it a good whisk or stir to ensure the spices and leavening agents are distributed evenly throughout the flour. This prevents hot spots of baking soda in your cookies.
Step 5: Combine The Dough
Slowly add the flour mixture to your wet sugar mixture. Stir or mix on low speed just until the flour disappears. You do not want to overmix at this stage. Next, add the oats and raisins. Mix until they are just combined and distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Use a cookie scoop or a spoon to drop portions of dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Leave a little space between them so they can spread. Place the sheet in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. You are looking for edges that are set and slightly golden.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
When the time is up, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the cookies sit on the hot sheet for a minute or two to firm up. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your homemade Oatmeal Cookies!
How To Store Leftovers
If you manage to have any leftovers, storing them properly will keep them tasting fresh. Place the completely cooled cookies in an airtight container. They will stay soft and delicious at room temperature for up to four or five days.
You can also keep a slice of white bread in the container with the cookies. The cookies absorb moisture from the bread, which helps them stay soft longer. It is an old kitchen trick that really works wonders for Oatmeal Desserts like this.
For longer storage, these cookies freeze beautifully. You can freeze the baked cookies in a freezer safe bag for up to three months. Just let them thaw on the counter for an hour before eating. You can also freeze the raw dough balls and bake them fresh whenever you want a treat.
Tips
To get the absolute best results with your Oatmeal Cookies, start with room temperature butter. If your butter is too cold, it will not cream properly with the sugar. If it is melted, your cookies will spread too much and become flat. Set your butter out on the counter about an hour before you plan to bake.
Measuring flour correctly is crucial for baking. Avoid scooping the measuring cup directly into the flour bag, as this packs the flour down and leads to dry cookies. Instead, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a flat edge. This keeps the dough light and the texture perfect.
Do not skip the cooling step. When you take the cookies out of the oven, they will look slightly underbaked in the center. This is normal. Leaving them on the hot baking sheet for a few minutes allows them to finish cooking gently without drying out. This is the secret to that chewy texture.
If you prefer a heartier texture, stick with old fashioned oats. Quick oats work well and produce a more uniform cookie, but old fashioned oats provide a bit more chew. Both work in this recipe, so use whatever you have in your pantry.
Feel free to customize your add ins. While raisins are traditional, you can swap them for dried cranberries or chopped nuts. The base of this recipe is very forgiving and pairs well with many flavors found in other Oatmeal Dessert Recipes.
Conclusion
There you have it. A simple, reliable, and absolutely delicious recipe for Oatmeal Cookies that you can make any day of the week. These cookies are perfect for lunchboxes, after school snacks, or just a quiet moment with a cup of coffee. The combination of cinnamon, oats, and sweet raisins is timeless.
We hope this becomes a staple in your home kitchen. Baking from scratch does not have to be complicated or time consuming. With just a few basic ingredients and 20 minutes, you can create something wonderful. So go ahead, preheat that oven and treat yourself to a batch today.
FAQ
Can I Make This Gluten Free?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten free. Simply swap the all purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten free baking flour blend. Also, ensure your oats are certified gluten free, as standard oats are often processed in facilities that handle wheat.
Can I Use Chocolate Chips Instead of Raisins?
Absolutely. If you are not a fan of raisins, chocolate chips are a fantastic substitute. You can use semi sweet, milk, or even white chocolate chips. The measurements remain the same, so just swap the one cup of raisins for one cup of chips.
Why Are My Cookies Flat?
Cookies usually spread too much if the butter was melted rather than softened, or if the oven was not hot enough. Make sure your butter is soft but not oily, and verify your oven temperature with a thermometer if possible. Also, avoid putting dough on a hot baking sheet between batches.
Can I Double The Recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles very well. If you need a large batch for a party or event, simply double all the ingredients. You may need to bake in batches, so keep your dough in the fridge while the first tray bakes to keep the butter from getting too warm.
Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Cookies
These soft and chewy oatmeal cookies are a classic treat that feels like a warm hug. A simple, no-fuss recipe perfect for a quick and comforting dessert.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl with a hand mixer, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until creamy and smooth.
- Add the two large eggs and vanilla extract. Beat until fluffy and light.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Stir in the oats and raisins.
- Drop portions of dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet, leaving space between them. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until edges are set and golden.
- Let the cookies sit on the hot sheet for two minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Start with room temperature butter. If it’s too cold, it won’t cream properly. If melted, cookies will spread too much.
Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid packing it down, which can lead to dry cookies.
The cookies will look slightly underbaked in the center when you take them out. This is key to a chewy texture.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
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