The Ultimate Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Cookies Recipe – An Easy Recipe with Four Variations
There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your kitchen. Oatmeal cookies, soft and chewy, take you back to your childhood while being simple enough to whip up any day of the week. With variations that cater to every palate, these cookies promise to be a delight for you and your loved ones alike.
Why Make This Recipe
- Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are a favorite among kids and adults alike, perfect for any occasion.
- Versatile: With four delicious variations, you can customize the cookies to suit your taste.
- Quick & Easy: The straightforward recipe makes it possible to enjoy homemade cookies in no time.
With these chewy oatmeal cookies, you’re not just making a snack; you’re creating moments filled with smiles and warmth.
Easy Method for Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the oats, and if desired, add chocolate chips, raisins, and nuts.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Storing Leftover Oatmeal Cookies
To keep your oatmeal cookies soft and chewy, proper storage is key.
- Storage Time: Up to 1 week at room temperature, or 3 months in the freezer.
- Temperature: Store at room temperature in an airtight container or in the freezer for longer-term storage.
Best Ways to Serve Oatmeal Cookies
Serving these oatmeal cookies can be as fun and creative as making them!
- Pair them with a glass of cold milk for a classic, nostalgic treat.
- Serve warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a delicious dessert.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle powdered sugar over the cooled cookies before serving.
Tips for Making Oatmeal Cookies
- Use Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: This ensures a chewy texture that quick oats can’t provide.
- Don’t Overbake: They may appear undercooked when you take them out, but they will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Don’t hesitate to get creative with your favorite add-ins like coconut flakes or dried fruit.
Variations
You can customize these oatmeal cookies to suit your preferences. Here are a couple of popular options:
- Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies: Add 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
- Cranberry Walnut Oatmeal Cookies: For a festive touch, substitute raisins for dried cranberries and add 1/2 cup of walnuts.
FAQs
- Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free? A: Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Q: How do I keep them chewy? After they cool, I find they become hard. A: Store them in an airtight container and add a slice of bread inside; the moisture will help keep the cookies soft.
- Q: Can I chill the dough before baking? A: Absolutely! Chilling the dough for 30 minutes will help prevent spreading and enhance flavor.
When it comes to creating warm memories in your kitchen, these ultimate soft and chewy oatmeal cookies are a recipe you’ll love to make and share. Perfectly soft, endlessly customizable, and utterly delightful, they’re certain to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy each bite!
Print
Ultimate Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful and customizable oatmeal cookies that are soft and chewy, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the oats, and if desired, add chocolate chips, raisins, and nuts.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze for 3 months. Pair with milk or vanilla ice cream for serving.