Name: Easy Oatmeal Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature); 1 cup brown sugar; 1 egg; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 cups old-fashioned oats

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Are you ready to indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of homemade cookies? Easy Oatmeal Cookies are the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth while providing a delightful chewy texture and wholesome goodness. These cookies are not only simple to make, but they also fill your kitchen with a heavenly aroma, wrapping you in a cozy embrace as they bake. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just getting your feet wet in the world of cookie making, this recipe will be your new go-to for a delicious snack any time of the day.

Why It’s My Go-To

Easy Oatmeal Cookies have become a staple in my baking repertoire for many reasons. Firstly, they strike the perfect balance between sweet and hearty, thanks to the combination of brown sugar and oats. The chewy texture makes every bite a delight, while the addition of vanilla extract elevates the flavor profile beautifully. Plus, these cookies are incredibly versatile! You can enjoy them as they are or customize them with your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits. Best of all, they come together in just one bowl, making cleanup a breeze.

Ingredient Checklist

To make these scrumptious Easy Oatmeal Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups old-fashioned oats

Essential Tools for Success

Before you dive into baking, gather these essential tools:

Mixing Bowl: A large bowl for combining ingredients comfortably.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to perfect cookies.
Cookie Sheet: A flat baking sheet to ensure even baking.
Parchment Paper: To line your baking sheet and prevent sticking.
Spatula: For mixing and transferring cookies onto the baking sheet.

Cook Easy Oatmeal Cookies Like This

Ready to get baking? Follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly right from the start.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature unsalted butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 5: Stir in the Oats

Fold in the old-fashioned oats until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet, leaving enough space between each to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your Easy Oatmeal Cookies warm or at room temperature!

Adaptations for Special Diets

These Easy Oatmeal Cookies can be easily adapted for various dietary needs:

Dairy-Free: Substitute the unsalted butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
Vegan: Swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) and use dairy-free butter.
Low Sugar: Use a sugar substitute or reduce the amount of brown sugar to suit your taste.

Notes on Ingredients

Each ingredient plays a vital role in the texture and flavor of your Easy Oatmeal Cookies:

Unsalted Butter: Using room temperature butter ensures a smooth batter and helps the cookies spread beautifully.
Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a rich caramel flavor, contributing to the chewiness of the cookies.
Old-Fashioned Oats: For the best texture, choose old-fashioned oats rather than quick oats, which can become mushy.

Leftovers & Meal Prep

If you happen to have any Easy Oatmeal Cookies left over (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well! Just place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they can last for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes to regain that fresh-baked goodness.

Ask the Chef

Can I use instant oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

While you can use instant oats, they will yield a different texture. Old-fashioned oats provide the chewy consistency that makes these cookies so delightful.

What can I add to my oatmeal cookies for extra flavor?

Feel free to add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, raisins, or even coconut flakes for a delicious twist on the classic recipe!

Why are my cookies flat?

If your cookies turn out flat, it could be due to melted butter or not enough flour. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and measure your flour accurately.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is easily doubled if you’re looking to feed a crowd or want to stock your freezer with delicious cookies.

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In Closing

Baking Easy Oatmeal Cookies is a rewarding experience that brings joy to your kitchen and your taste buds. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a beloved treat that will leave everyone craving more. Whether you enjoy them with a glass of milk, pack them in lunchboxes, or share them with friends, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household.

There’s something special about the combination of oats and brown sugar that transports you back to simpler times, reminding you of cozy afternoons spent at home. So roll up your sleeves, gather those ingredients, and let the cookie-making magic begin! You’ll be amazed at how easy and delicious these Easy Oatmeal Cookies turn out, and soon enough, they might just become your go-to cookie recipe too!