Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that tastes just like Grandma used to make? Look no further! This recipe for Old Fashioned Quaker Oats Cookies delivers that nostalgic flavor and satisfying chewiness in every bite. It's a simple recipe, perfect for beginner bakers, yet satisfying enough for seasoned cooks looking for a delicious and easy dessert or snack. These cookies are the epitome of homemade cooking – a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create extraordinary results.
Ingredients: You'll need these pantry staples for this easy recipe
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups Quaker Oats (old-fashioned rolled oats)
- Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips, raisins, or chopped nuts
Instructions: Let's bake some deliciousness!
Step 1: Cream Together the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is easily done with an electric mixer, but you can also achieve this with good old-fashioned elbow grease!
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined before moving to the next step.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices throughout your cookie dough.
Step 4: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – a few lumps are okay! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Step 5: Stir in Oats and Mix-ins (Optional)
Stir in the Quaker Oats and any optional mix-ins like chocolate chips, raisins, or chopped nuts. Again, gently fold these in to avoid breaking down the oats.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets. Leave some space between each cookie as they will spread during baking.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as oven temperatures can vary.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these warm, chewy delights!
Tips for the Best Old Fashioned Quaker Oats 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.
- Baking Time Varies: Oven temperatures can differ, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust baking time as needed. Start checking for doneness around the 10-minute mark.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
Variations: Make it your own!
- Spiced Oatmeal Cookies: Add a dash of ginger or cardamom for a warm, spicy twist.
- Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies: Stir in ½ cup of creamy peanut butter along with the oats.
- Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies: Replace chocolate chips with dried cranberries for a festive flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on variations and size)
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Sugar: 10-15g
- Protein: 2-3g
These values are estimates and may vary based on the specific ingredients used and the size of the cookies. Enjoy these healthy and delicious cookies as part of a balanced diet! They're a perfect quick dinner treat, or a satisfying addition to a healthy meal plan. This easy recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for simple, homemade, and delicious food recipes. Enjoy baking!