Quaker Oats Oatmeal Cookies: A Simple Recipe for Delicious Homemade Treats
Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's both easy to make and incredibly delicious? Look no further than these Quaker Oats Oatmeal Cookies! This recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, resulting in chewy, flavorful cookies perfect for any occasion. Let's dive into the recipe and discover the magic of homemade oatmeal cookies.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is designed to be straightforward and adaptable to your preferences. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter is crucial for creating a smooth and creamy cookie dough.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a rich caramel flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A subtle complement to the cinnamon.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
- 3 cups Quaker Oats (old-fashioned rolled oats): The star of the show! Provides texture and a hearty oat flavor.
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional): For an extra chocolatey indulgence! You can also use raisins, nuts, or other mix-ins.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these easy steps to bake your perfect Quaker Oats Oatmeal Cookies:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
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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 perfectly for this step.
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Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
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Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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Stir in Oats & Mix-ins: Stir in the Quaker Oats and chocolate chips (or your preferred mix-ins).
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Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
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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 Best Oatmeal Cookies:
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Use good quality oats: The flavor of your oats will significantly impact the final taste of your cookies.
- Chill the dough (optional): For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Experiment with mix-ins: Get creative! Try adding nuts, dried fruit, or different types of chocolate chips.
Serving Suggestions:
These delicious Quaker Oats Oatmeal Cookies are perfect for:
- An afternoon snack: Enjoy them with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage.
- A special occasion: They're a great addition to any party or gathering.
- A thoughtful gift: Bake a batch and share the deliciousness with friends and family.
Enjoy your homemade Quaker Oats Oatmeal Cookies! Let us know in the comments how yours turned out. We'd love to hear your baking experiences and any variations you try.