Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This recipe uses the iconic Quaker Oats container lid as a guide for perfectly portioned, chewy oatmeal cookies. It's a fantastic recipe for beginner bakers and a quick solution for those busy weeknights when you need a delicious and satisfying dessert, or even a quick snack. These homemade cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for sharing (or not!).
Ingredients: You Probably Already Have Most of These!
This recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Let’s get started!
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups Quaker Oats (quick or old-fashioned)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (or raisins, nuts – get creative!)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Magic in the Kitchen
Follow these simple steps for perfectly baked, chewy oatmeal cookies, every time!
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
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Cream Together: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. An electric mixer makes this step super easy!
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Add Wet Ingredients: 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, 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 & Chocolate Chips: Stir in the Quaker Oats and chocolate chips (or your favorite additions).
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Scoop & Bake: Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets. For perfectly sized cookies, use the Quaker Oats container lid as a guide to measure the appropriate amount of dough for 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 & Tricks for Cookie Success
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened – this ensures a smooth and creamy cookie dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Customize Your Cookies: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins, such as chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or butterscotch chips.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading.
Delicious Variations to Explore
- Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies: Add ½ cup of creamy peanut butter to the wet ingredients.
- Spiced Oatmeal Cookies: Add ½ teaspoon of ground ginger and ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves to the dry ingredients.
- Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: Replace the chocolate chips with 1 cup of raisins.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie – Approximate)
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Fat: Approximately 8g
- Sugar: Approximately 15g
This easy Quaker Oats cookie recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth quickly. Enjoy these delicious homemade cookies as an afternoon snack, dessert, or even a comforting treat with a glass of milk! They're a simple pleasure that's sure to become a favorite in your household.