Easy Oatmeal Cookies Recipe: A Deliciously Simple Treat
Are you craving a warm, gooey, and utterly delightful oatmeal cookie? Look no further! This easy oatmeal cookies recipe will guide you through making a batch of these classic treats in no time. No special skills or ingredients are needed – just simple steps for maximum deliciousness. Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe provides a perfect balance of flavor and texture. You'll need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: This is crucial for achieving that perfect chewy texture. Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deeper, richer flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile. Don't skip this!
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure of the cookie.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a classic spice note.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- 3 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned): The star of the show! Provides that signature oatmeal cookie texture.
- 1 cup raisins (optional): Adds a chewy sweetness and a burst of fruity flavor. Feel free to substitute with chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or other dried fruits.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these easy steps for perfectly baked oatmeal cookies:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Cream Butter & Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer or hand mixer works best here, but you can do it by hand if you're feeling ambitious!
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add Oats & Raisins (optional): Stir in the rolled oats and raisins (or your preferred additions).
- Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
- Baking Time: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Perfect Oatmeal Cookie:
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Chill the dough (optional): For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Adjust sweetness to your liking: If you prefer less sweet cookies, reduce the amount of sugar.
- Get creative with add-ins: Experiment with different add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, butterscotch chips, or even dried cranberries.
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy these delicious oatmeal cookies with a tall glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or as a delightful treat any time of day! They also make a wonderful addition to lunchboxes or party platters.
This easy oatmeal cookies recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious results! Let us know in the comments how your oatmeal cookies turned out!
