Are you craving a taste of simpler times? Nothing evokes cozy evenings and heartwarming memories quite like a batch of freshly baked oatmeal cookies. These aren't your average, overly sweet cookies; this recipe delivers the perfect balance of chewy texture, warm spices, and just the right amount of sweetness. This easy recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and a delightful treat for seasoned cooks looking for a classic, delicious dish. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this simple recipe for old-fashioned oatmeal cookies!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups 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 ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned)
- 1 cup raisins (optional)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cream Together the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is easiest with an electric mixer, but you can certainly do it by hand – just be prepared for a bit of a workout!
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
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.
Step 5: Stir in Oats and Optional Mix-ins
Stir in the rolled oats, raisins (if using), and nuts (if using).
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Leave some space between cookies as they will spread.
Step 7: Baking Time
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as ovens can vary.
Step 8: 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 your warm, chewy, and delicious oatmeal cookies!
Tips for the Best Oatmeal Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened; this will help create a smooth and creamy dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This also helps prevent spreading.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweet cookies, reduce the amount of sugar by ¼ cup.
- Get Creative with Mix-ins: Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped apples.
Variations:
- Spiced Oatmeal Cookies: Add a teaspoon of ground ginger or cloves for extra warmth.
- Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies: Stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips along with the oats.
- Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies: Add ½ cup of peanut butter to the wet ingredients.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 15-20g
This recipe provides a healthy and delicious way to enjoy a classic treat. These old-fashioned oatmeal cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while making a quick and easy dessert or snack. Enjoy baking and sharing these delectable cookies with loved ones!