Easy Oatmeal Cookie Recipe for Homemade Goodness

Who doesn't love the comforting scent of freshly baked oatmeal cookies filling the house? These treats are not only a delightful snack but are also incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this simple easy oatmeal cookie recipe will guide you to create delicious, homemade oatmeal cookies that you can enjoy anytime. Below, we'll walk through the ingredients, the step-by-step process, some handy tips, and variations to customize your cookies to your taste.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ¹⁄₂ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ¹⁄₂ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¹⁄₂ tsp salt
• 3 cups rolled oats
• Optional: 1 cup raisins or chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

<li><strong>Mix the wet ingredients:</strong>
    <ul>
        <li>In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. You can use a stand mixer or a hand mixer for this.</li>
        <li>Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar, continuing to beat until fluffy.</li>
        <li>Incorporate eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition.</li>
    </ul>
</li>

<li><strong>Combine dry ingredients:</strong>
    <ul>
        <li>In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.</li>
        <li>Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.</li>
    </ul>
</li>

<li><strong>Add oats and mix-ins:</strong>
    <ul>
        <li>Stir in the rolled oats. Here's where you can get creative; add raisins for traditional oatmeal raisin cookies or chocolate chips for a sweet twist.</li>
    </ul>
</li>

<li><strong>Shape the cookies:</strong>
    <ul>
        <li>Use a cookie scoop or a spoon to drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet. Ensure there's space between each cookie as they will spread during baking.</li>
    </ul>
</li>

<li><strong>Bake:</strong>
    <ul>
        <li>Place in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are nicely golden. The cookies should look slightly underdone in the center as they will continue to cook on the tray.</li>
    </ul>
</li>

<li><strong>Cool:</strong> Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them to set properly.</li>

💡 Note: For chewier cookies, take them out a minute or two before they're fully baked as stated above.

Variations

Here are some creative variations to spice up your oatmeal cookies:

• Nutty Delight: Add ¹⁄₂ cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans.
• Fruit Blend: Mix in dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for a fruity twist.
• Coconut Craze: Toss in ¹⁄₂ cup of shredded coconut for an exotic flavor.
• Spiced Up: Increase the amount of cinnamon or add nutmeg, cloves, or ginger for a spicier cookie.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature; they’ll keep well for up to a week.
• Freeze: If you want to save some for later, freeze the cookies or the dough. Dough can be scooped into balls and frozen; when you need a quick cookie, just bake from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.

This easy oatmeal cookie recipe is perfect for those moments when you need a little home baking therapy, providing both comfort and a fun activity. The versatility of oatmeal cookies means you can tweak and customize them to suit any occasion or flavor preference. They are the perfect homemade treats for sharing with friends or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea.

Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?

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Yes, you can use instant oats, but the texture might be slightly different; instant oats will result in a softer cookie.

How can I make these cookies vegan?

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Substitute the butter with a vegan butter or coconut oil, and use a flaxseed or chia seed egg (1 tbsp ground seed mixed with 3 tbsp water) for each egg.

What if I don’t have parchment paper?

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If you don’t have parchment, you can use a lightly greased baking sheet or a silicone baking mat.

Can I double the recipe?

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Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled, just ensure your mixing bowl is large enough and adjust baking time accordingly for larger batches.