There is something irresistibly cozy about homemade Classic Oatmeal Cookies Recipe that hits every sweet spot—from the chewy texture and the warm cinnamon notes to the hearty oats packed with comfort. These cookies are golden outside yet tender inside, making them a timeless treat perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick snack, a lunchbox addition, or an afternoon pick-me-up. You can enjoy them as is or mix in raisins, chocolate chips, or nuts to suit your mood. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Classic Oatmeal Cookies Recipe is a breeze since they’re all pantry-friendly staples. Each one plays a crucial role in balancing sweetness, texture, and flavor to deliver cookies that are soft, chewy, and packed with warmth.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Creamy butter provides that rich base and buttery flavor essential to soft cookies.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness and moisture, helping keep cookies chewy.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Balances the brown sugar’s softness by contributing a slight crispness to the edges.
- 2 large eggs: Helps bind all the ingredients together and adds a little lift.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Instills a classic aromatic warmth that elevates every bite.
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour: The structure builder that keeps the cookies well-formed but tender.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Ensures a perfect rise and a light texture.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Offers that signature warm, spicy note that pairs beautifully with oats.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor, balancing sweetness.
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats: The star ingredient, providing heartiness, chewiness, and a lovely texture.
- Optional add-ins (1 cup): Raisins, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts for personalizing your cookie experience.
How to Make Classic Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple first step ensures your cookies won’t stick and will bake evenly, setting you up for success from the start.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both the brown and granulated sugars until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale. This 2–3 minute step is key for a tender crumb and helps incorporate air, leading to a delightful cookie texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them. Then mix in the vanilla extract, which adds a subtle but wonderful aroma and flavor that’s unmistakably classic.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. These dry ingredients provide structure, rising power, and the fragrant spice that make the cookies so comforting.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so keep it gentle to maintain softness.
Step 6: Stir in Oats and Add-ins
Fold in the rolled oats along with any optional extras like raisins, chocolate chips, or nuts. This is the fun part where you tailor the cookies to your personal taste and add lovely textures.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown but the centers remain soft. This timing guarantees that perfect chewy-soft texture.
Step 8: Cool Cookies
Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after taking them out of the oven before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time lets the cookies set properly without losing their softness inside.
How to Serve Classic Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are delightful on their own, you can add a light dusting of cinnamon sugar for an extra hint of sweetness and spice. A drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of coarse sea salt also adds a lovely dimension to the classic flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair your oatmeal cookies with a cold glass of milk, a warm cup of tea, or even a cappuccino to complement the deep cinnamon and buttery sweetness. For an indulgent twist, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can make these classic cookies even more inviting! Stack them on a rustic wooden board tied with twine for a charming gift, or place a few on a colorful dessert plate with fresh fruit and mint leaves as an eye-catching dessert centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to one week, making them perfect for grabbing anytime cravings hit.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep well for up to three months and can be thawed overnight at room temperature.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-out-the-oven warmth, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds or briefly warm in a 300°F oven for five minutes. This revives the soft texture and gooey centers wonderfully.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup to maintain texture and structure, and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
What can I do to make the cookies chewier?
For extra chewy cookies, try slightly underbaking them so the centers stay soft. You can also chill the dough before baking to help control spread and increase chewiness.
Are there vegan options for this cookie recipe?
Yes! Replace butter with a plant-based spread, use flax or chia eggs (1 tablespoon ground seed + 3 tablespoons water per egg), and swap honey or sugar with vegan-friendly alternatives to create a delicious vegan version.
Can I add other spices to this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding nutmeg, ginger, or allspice for a different flavor profile that still complements the classic oatmeal base beautifully.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking, and avoid overmixing the dough to help maintain cookie shape during baking.
Final Thoughts
You’ve now got a foolproof Classic Oatmeal Cookies Recipe that’s as comforting as a warm hug and versatile enough to be customized to your heart’s desire. Give it a try and see why these chewy, cinnamon-spiced cookies continue to win hearts everywhere—once you bake these, they’ll become your go-to sweet treat that you’ll want to share with everyone you love.
Print
Classic Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Oatmeal Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with comforting flavors of brown sugar, cinnamon, and hearty oats. Perfectly golden on the outside with a tender center, these timeless cookies make a perfect snack, dessert, or lunchbox treat. Enjoy them plain or customize with your favorite add-ins like raisins, chocolate chips, or nuts for a delightful twist.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 cup raisins, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes using a mixer.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cookies.
- Incorporate Oats and Optional Add-Ins: Stir in the rolled oats and your choice of optional ingredients such as raisins, chocolate chips, or nuts evenly into the dough.
- Form Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown but the centers are still soft.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set properly.
Notes
- For extra chewy cookies, slightly underbake them and let them finish setting on the pan.
- You can chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to achieve thicker cookies.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.
