Are you craving a warm, gooey, and utterly delicious cookie that brings back childhood memories? Look no further! This Quaker Oatmeal Cookie recipe is the perfect blend of simple ingredients and irresistible flavor. It's a classic for a reason, and we’re going to show you how to make the best batch you've ever tasted, guaranteed to become a staple in your homemade cooking repertoire. This recipe is perfect for a quick dinner dessert or a satisfying treat anytime.
Ingredients: A Simple Symphony of Flavors
This recipe relies on pantry staples, making it an easy recipe for even the busiest weeknights.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups Quaker Oats (old-fashioned rolled oats)
- ½ cup raisins (optional, but highly recommended!)
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional, for an extra delicious twist!)
Instructions: Baking Bliss Step-by-Step
This easy recipe is surprisingly straightforward. Let's get baking!
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Cream Together: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. A hand mixer or stand mixer works best for this step, but you can certainly do it by hand if you prefer a good arm workout!
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, 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.
- Oats & Mix-ins: Stir in the Quaker Oats, raisins (if using), and chocolate chips (if using).
- Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them; ovens 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. Resist the urge to eat them warm; they're amazing once cooled.
Tips for Cookie Perfection: Elevate Your Baking Game
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened—this ensures proper creaming and a tender cookie.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let the cookies cool completely before storing to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week (if they last that long!).
Variations: Customize Your Cookie Creations
This recipe is a fantastic base for endless variations. Try these ideas:
- Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a warmer flavor profile.
- Fruity Fun: Substitute dried cranberries, chopped apricots, or blueberries for the raisins.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
This will vary depending on the additions you make to the recipe. This is an estimate for a basic cookie without add-ins:
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Fat: Approximately 8g
- Sugar: Approximately 15g
These Quaker Oatmeal Cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re a delicious dish, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while enjoying a healthy and homemade treat. Enjoy!