Oatmeal Cookie Recipe

When it comes to homemade cookies, few can resist the charm of a freshly baked oatmeal cookie. With its perfect blend of chewy oats, sweet raisins (or chocolate chips, if you prefer), and a hint of cinnamon, an oatmeal cookie is a comforting treat that brings back memories of cozy kitchens and family gatherings. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through a simple yet delicious oatmeal cookie recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients

To make these delightful oatmeal cookies, you’ll need:

• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (220g) packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups (270g) old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup (150g) raisins or chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

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

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Add the Oats and Raisins/Chocolate Chips

Fold in the old-fashioned rolled oats and raisins or chocolate chips (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these cookies warm with a glass of milk, or store them in an airtight container for up to a week.

Tips for Perfect Oatmeal Cookies

1. Soften the Butter Properly: Ensure your butter is at room temperature before you start. This helps create a smooth and creamy mixture with the sugars.
2. Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for the best texture.
3. Customize Your Add-ins: While raisins and chocolate chips are classic, feel free to experiment with nuts, dried cranberries, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top.
4. Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
5. Watch the Bake Time: Oatmeal cookies can go from perfectly chewy to overbaked quickly. Keep an eye on them and pull them out when the edges are just turning golden.

Conclusion

There’s something incredibly satisfying about baking and enjoying homemade oatmeal cookies. This classic recipe is easy to follow and yields cookies that are soft, chewy, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these oatmeal cookies are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Happy baking!