Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Chewy Texture: The combination of butter and oats creates a soft, chewy cookie that’s satisfying to bite into.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with common pantry staples, these cookies are easy to prepare.
- Versatile Additions: Customize your cookies by adding raisins, chocolate chips, or nuts to suit your taste.
- Quick Preparation: Ready in under an hour, these cookies are perfect for a spontaneous baking session.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups quick-cooking oats
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the white and brown sugars until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Add Oats: Fold in the quick-cooking oats until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Form Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies.
- Preparation Time: About 15 minutes.
- Baking Time: 8 to 10 minutes.
- Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes.
Variations
- Add-ins: Incorporate 1 cup of raisins, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts into the dough for added flavor and texture.
- Spices: Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the dry ingredients.
- Sweeteners: Replace the white sugar with coconut sugar for a different sweetness profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
- Reheating: Warm frozen cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to restore their soft texture.
FAQs
Can I use old-fashioned rolled oats instead of quick-cooking oats?
Yes, you can use old-fashioned rolled oats. However, the texture of the cookies may be slightly chewier, and the baking time might need adjustment.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the oats are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
You can reduce the sugar by up to ¼ cup without significantly affecting the texture or taste of the cookies.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?
Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking to help prevent excessive spreading.
Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
Yes, adding 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips is a popular variation that complements the oatmeal flavor.
Are these cookies suitable for vegans?
This recipe contains butter and eggs, making it unsuitable for vegans. To make a vegan version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg or other egg replacer.
How can I make these cookies chewier?
For chewier cookies, slightly underbake them and allow them to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
How do I prevent the cookies from becoming too hard?
Avoid overbaking the cookies. Remove them from the oven as soon as the edges turn golden to ensure a soft texture.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute for butter in this recipe.
Conclusion
These Soft Oatmeal Cookies are the perfect combination of simplicity and flavor. With their chewy texture and customizable ingredients, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or sharing them with friends, these cookies are a delicious treat that’s easy to make and enjoy.
Soft Oatmeal Cookies
These Soft Oatmeal Cookies are chewy, flavorful, and easy to make! With the comforting taste of cinnamon and oats, they’re perfect for snacking or sharing. Customize with raisins, chocolate chips, or nuts for a treat everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt
- Wet Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened), 1 cup white sugar, 1 cup packed brown sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Main Ingredient: 3 cups quick-cooking oats
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set to 375°F (190°C) and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter & Sugars: In a large bowl, beat softened butter with white and brown sugars until smooth.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Add Oats: Fold in quick-cooking oats.
- Form Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoonfuls onto the baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool: Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.
Notes
- Add-ins: Try adding 1 cup of raisins, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts.
- Spices: Enhance with nutmeg or cloves for extra warmth.
- Sweeteners: Coconut sugar can replace white sugar for a different sweetness profile.