If you’re looking for a warm, comforting treat that’s both wholesome and irresistibly delicious, the Basic Oatmeal Cookies Recipe is a timeless classic you’ll want to keep close. These cookies bring together the hearty texture of rolled oats and the subtle sweetness of brown and white sugar, resulting in a perfect balance that satisfies any craving. Whether you’re craving a cozy snack with your afternoon tea or a simple dessert to brighten your day, this recipe ticks all the boxes with its easy preparation and delightful flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Basic Oatmeal Cookies Recipe relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a soft yet slightly chewy texture and a rich, buttery flavor. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in giving these cookies their charm, whether it’s the nutty whole wheat flour or the fragrant vanilla extract.
- Whole wheat flour: Adds a hearty base and subtle nuttiness while providing more nutrition than all-purpose flour.
- Rolled oats: Give the cookies their signature chewy texture and a rustic look.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender crumb.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- Butter (softened): Brings rich flavor and contributes to a perfect melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- White sugar: Provides crisp edges and sweetness.
- Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a touch of caramel-like depth.
- Large egg: Binds ingredients together and adds richness.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the dough with a warm, aromatic note.
How to Make Basic Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
Start by combining the whole wheat flour, rolled oats, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. It’s important to mix these dry ingredients well so they are evenly distributed, setting a solid foundation for your cookie dough.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with a mixer until it forms little peaks. This process traps air in the butter, which helps create a lighter texture. Then add both the white and light brown sugars and continue mixing for 3 to 4 minutes until fully incorporated and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg just until it’s nicely combined, being careful not to over-mix. Next, stir in the vanilla extract quickly to boost the cookie’s warm flavor without losing the lightness you’ve just built.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Turn off the mixer and gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients with a silicone spatula or wooden spoon. This step keeps the dough tender by avoiding overworking the flour.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Pop the dough into the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies keep their shape while baking. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 360°F and prepare your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough onto the lined baking sheet, making sure to leave enough space for the cookies to spread. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the edges just start to turn golden and crisp. Let them cool briefly on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.
How to Serve Basic Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these oatmeal cookies are delightful on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate can add a lovely finishing touch. For a nutty crunch, sprinkle some chopped walnuts on top just before baking.
Side Dishes
Pair your cookies with a cold glass of milk, a cup of steaming tea, or robust coffee for a satisfying snack. If you’re making these for breakfast or brunch, consider serving alongside fresh fruit or yogurt to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your cookies in a mason jar tied with a rustic ribbon for a charming gift. Alternatively, sandwich two cookies together with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a quick and delicious homemade ice cream sandwich that will wow your friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to 5 days, making them ideal for enjoying throughout the week or packing into lunchboxes.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or plastic bag. When wrapped well, they’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To bring out that just-baked warmth, reheat cookies in a preheated 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes or microwave them for 10 to 15 seconds. They’ll regain their soft, chewy texture and be ready to enjoy all over again.
FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour?
Absolutely! Using all-purpose flour makes the cookies a bit lighter in texture and color, but using whole wheat flour adds a lovely nutty flavor and more nutrition. Either works wonderfully depending on your preference.
What if I don’t have rolled oats?
If you only have quick oats, you can substitute them, but the texture will be softer and less chewy. Rolled oats are ideal because they hold their shape better and add that classic oatmeal cookie bite.
Can I add mix-ins like raisins or chocolate chips?
Definitely! Adding raisins, nuts, or chocolate chips is a fantastic way to customize your Basic Oatmeal Cookies Recipe. Just fold in about half a cup of your chosen add-in right before chilling the dough.
Why is chilling the dough important?
Chilling solidifies the butter, which helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, giving you a thicker, chewier cookie. It also allows the flavors to meld for a tastier treat.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for edges that are just starting to turn golden brown and cookies that are set but still soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake or they might dry out.
Final Thoughts
This Basic Oatmeal Cookies Recipe is one of those comforting, sure-to-please treats that feels like a warm hug with every bite. Its simplicity and deliciousness make it a staple you’ll return to again and again. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and dive into baking these delightful cookies that will fill your home with irresistible aromas and your heart with joy.
Print
Basic Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Basic Oatmeal Cookies are a wholesome and delicious treat made with whole wheat flour, rolled oats, and a perfect balance of sugars. Softened butter and vanilla add rich flavor, while baking soda ensures a light and tender texture. Easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy homemade snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1.25 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, rolled oats, baking soda, and salt until well mixed to ensure even distribution of leavening and seasoning.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter using a mixer until it starts forming little peaks. Then add the white and light brown sugars and mix for 3-4 minutes until fully incorporated and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the large egg to the creamed mixture and mix until just combined, avoiding over-mixing. Next, add the vanilla extract and quickly mix it in thoroughly.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Using a silicone spatula or wooden spoon, gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a uniform dough forms.
- Chill Dough and Prep Oven: Chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 360°F (182°C) and line a cookie sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
- Shape Cookies: Remove the dough from the fridge. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop scoops of dough onto the prepared cookie sheet, spacing them to allow for spreading. Multiple batches may be needed.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies begin to lightly brown and become crisp on the edges.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they set properly.
Notes
- For a chewier texture, slightly underbake the cookies by reducing baking time by 1-2 minutes.
- You can add mix-ins such as raisins, chocolate chips, or nuts for extra flavor and texture.
- Ensure butter is softened but not melted for optimal creaming results.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
