Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's both delicious and satisfying? Look no further! This recipe for chewy oatmeal cookies using whole wheat flour delivers the perfect blend of nutty, wholesome goodness and irresistible chewiness. Forget those overly sweet, processed cookies; this homemade version is a healthier, more flavorful alternative perfect for a cozy night in or a delightful afternoon snack. It’s one of the best recipes for easy cookies you'll ever find!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking)
- 1 cup raisins (optional, but highly recommended!)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
-
Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
-
Cream Together: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer works great, but a good old-fashioned hand mixer will do just fine!
-
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
-
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
-
Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
-
Add Oats & Mix-ins: Stir in the rolled oats, raisins (if using), and nuts (if using).
-
Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
-
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Keep a close eye on them as ovens can vary!
-
Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
Tips for the Best Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened – this ensures proper creaming and a smooth cookie dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For even chewier cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweet cookies, reduce the amount of sugar by ¼ cup.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips along with the raisins and nuts.
- Spiced Oatmeal Cookies: Add ½ teaspoon of ground ginger and a pinch of cloves to the dry ingredients.
- Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies: Replace the raisins with dried cranberries.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Around 150-180
- Fat: 8-10g
- Protein: 2-3g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Fiber: 2-3g
These wholesome oatmeal cookies are a delicious and relatively healthy treat. They're perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while enjoying the benefits of whole wheat flour and other nutritious ingredients. Enjoy! They are great examples of easy recipes and healthy meals you can make at home. These quick dinner ideas are also perfect for a satisfying dessert. Try this recipe and discover one of the best recipes you'll ever make!