Easy Oatmeal Cookie Recipe: A Deliciously Simple Treat
Are you craving a warm, gooey oatmeal cookie but intimidated by complicated recipes? Fear not! This easy oatmeal cookie recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. It's quick, simple, and delivers that classic oatmeal cookie flavor you love. Let's get baking!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking)
- ½ cup raisins (optional, but highly recommended!)
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional, for an extra chocolatey kick!)
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Cookie Perfection
Follow these simple steps and you'll be enjoying warm, delicious oatmeal cookies in no time!
Step 1: Cream Together the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is easily done with an electric mixer, but you can also achieve this with good old-fashioned elbow grease!
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients.
Step 4: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix – a few lumps are okay!
Step 5: Stir in Oats and Mix-ins
Stir in the rolled oats, raisins (if using), and chocolate chips (if using). Gently fold everything together.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Leave some space between the cookies, as they will spread during baking.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning!
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy!
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Oatmeal Cookies
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened – this will help create a smooth and creamy cookie dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Customize Your Mix-ins: Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins, such as nuts, dried cranberries, or butterscotch chips.
- Cooling is Important: Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Storing Your Delicious Creations
Store your oatmeal cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully!
This easy oatmeal cookie recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the baking process and the delicious results! Let us know in the comments how your cookies turned out!
