Oatmeal Cookies Recipe (Soft, Chewy & Absolutely Irresistible)

Who doesn’t love the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the kitchen? Oatmeal cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a warm hug in edible form. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, these cookies are a surefire way to spread happiness.

What makes oatmeal cookies so special? It’s their perfect balance of hearty oats, sweet hints of sugar, and a cozy touch of cinnamon that keeps everyone coming back for more. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile—you can make them plain or dress them up with chocolate chips, raisins, or nuts.

Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie with a slightly crisp edge and just the right amount of sweetness. Paired with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of tea, it’s the ultimate comfort snack. Trust me, once you’ve tried these oatmeal cookies, they’ll become your go-to recipe.

Ready to bake a batch of these irresistible cookies? Let’s dive in and create something delicious together!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves the classic flavor of oatmeal cookies, making them ideal for any occasion.
Customizable: You can tailor the add-ins to suit your preferences—think raisins, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts.
Quick and Easy: Simple steps and pantry staples make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
Perfect Texture: These cookies are chewy, soft, and just the right amount of sweet.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before diving in, gather the tools you’ll need for this recipe:

Mixing Bowls: One large and one medium for combining wet and dry ingredients.
Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: To cream the butter and sugars.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise measurements.
Baking Sheets: Preferably non-stick or lined with parchment paper.
Cookie Scoop: To ensure uniform cookies.
Cooling Racks: To cool your cookies evenly after baking.

Ingredients for Oatmeal Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious cookies (detailed measurements are in the recipe card below):

Unsalted Butter (1 cup): Softened to room temperature for a creamy texture.
Light Brown Sugar (1 cup): Adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor.
Granulated Sugar (½ cup): Balances the sweetness.
Eggs (2 large): Bring to room temperature for better incorporation.
Vanilla Extract (1 ½ teaspoons): Enhances the overall flavor.
All-Purpose Flour (1 ¾ cups): Provides structure to the cookies.
Cornstarch (2 teaspoons): Keeps the cookies soft and chewy.
Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise and spread.
Table Salt (¾ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness.
Ground Cinnamon (¾ teaspoon): Adds a warm, cozy flavor.
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats (3 cups): The star ingredient, giving the cookies their hearty texture.
Optional Add-Ins: Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or raisins (1 ½ cups).

Variations for Oatmeal Cookies

One of the best parts about oatmeal cookies is how versatile they are. Here are a few ways to switch things up:

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies: Replace raisins with chocolate chips for a decadent treat.
Nutty Delight: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for extra crunch.
Fruit and Nut: Combine raisins with chopped nuts for a classic twist.
Spiced Oatmeal Cookies: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for a warm, spiced flavor.
Healthy Swap: Use coconut sugar and dark chocolate chips for a slightly healthier option.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect cookie texture.

Add Wet Ingredients:
Mix in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Then, add the vanilla extract and blend until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Incorporate Oats and Add-Ins:
Fold in the rolled oats and your chosen add-ins (e.g., chocolate chips, nuts, or raisins) using a spatula.

2. Chill the Dough

Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours for enhanced flavor.

3. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.

4. Shape and Bake

Scoop the Dough:
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake:
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look slightly underdone. This ensures the cookies remain soft and chewy.

Cool:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving and Decoration

Oatmeal cookies are delightful as-is, but you can elevate their presentation:

Drizzle: Melt chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for a decorative touch.
Dust: Sprinkle powdered sugar lightly over the cookies for a festive look.
Pair: Serve alongside a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee for the ultimate comfort snack.

How to Store Oatmeal Cookies

At Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer Storage: Freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Make-Ahead Dough: Freeze cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Cookie (1 of 24)
Calories	180
Fat	8g
Carbohydrates	25g
Protein	3g
Sugar	13g
Fiber	2g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip chilling the dough?

Chilling is recommended to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and to enhance their flavor.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, but the texture will be less chewy since quick oats are finer and absorb more moisture.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

Look for lightly golden edges with soft centers. They’ll firm up as they cool.

Conclusion

Oatmeal cookies are a timeless classic that brings comfort and joy to any table. With their customizable mix-ins and unbeatable chewy texture, they’re perfect for every occasion—from after-school snacks to holiday platters. So grab your ingredients, and let’s bake these delicious cookies together!