Oatmeal cookies are a classic comfort food. Warm, chewy, and packed with wholesome oats, they’re the perfect treat any time of day. This Quick Oatmeal Cookie Recipe delivers that satisfying flavor and texture without any fuss. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, you’ll find these cookies incredibly easy to make.
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Why This Quick Oatmeal Cookie Recipe is a Winner
This isn’t just any oatmeal cookie recipe; it’s designed for speed and simplicity. You can whip up a batch of these delicious treats in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for unexpected guests or a last-minute baking craving. The ingredients are pantry staples, meaning you likely have everything you need on hand right now. Plus, this recipe is incredibly versatile; you can customize it with your favorite add-ins, from raisins and chocolate chips to nuts and dried cranberries.
Ingredients for Quick Oatmeal Cookies
Gather Your Ingredients for the Best Quick Oatmeal Cookies
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups rolled oats
Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Quick Oatmeal Cookies
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line best cookie sheets for baking with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Cream Together Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This creates a tender, chewy cookie.
- Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents, preventing flat cookies.
- Gradually Add Dry to Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Mix in the Oats: Stir in the rolled oats until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop and Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Baking Time: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
Scooping Oatmeal Cookie Dough onto Baking Sheet
Tips for Perfect Quick Oatmeal Cookies
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking leads to dry, crumbly cookies. Take them out of the oven when the edges are golden and the centers are just set.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This prevents excessive spreading.
- Customize Your Cookies: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, raisins, nuts, or dried cranberries. A ½ cup to 1 cup of add-ins is usually a good amount.
“Chilling the dough is a game-changer, especially if you’re using a lot of add-ins,” advises renowned pastry chef, Amelia Dubois. “It helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents them from becoming too flat.”
Freshly Baked Oatmeal Cookies Cooling on Wire Rack
Variations on the Quick Oatmeal Cookie Recipe
- Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: Simply add 1 cup of raisins to the dough. For extra flavor, plump the raisins in hot water for 10 minutes before adding. Looking for more inspiration? Check out our best oatmeal raisin cookie recipes.
- Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough. Semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate all work beautifully.
- Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies: Add 1 cup of dried cranberries to the dough. For an extra festive touch, add a ½ teaspoon of orange zest.
Storing Your Quick Oatmeal Cookies
Store your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. You can also freeze the dough for later use. Learn The best way to freeze cookie dough for later use.
Oatmeal Cookies Stored in a Glass Jar
Conclusion
This quick oatmeal cookie recipe is the perfect solution for your sweet cravings. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can enjoy warm, delicious cookies in minutes. Whether you prefer classic oatmeal, raisin-studded, or chocolate-chunk varieties, this oatmeal cookie recipe is a winner. So grab your apron and get baking!
FAQ
- Can I use quick-cooking oats in this recipe? While rolled oats are recommended for best texture, you can use quick-cooking oats in a pinch. The cookies may spread a bit more.
- How do I know when the cookies are done? The edges should be golden brown and the centers should be just set.
- Can I add nuts to these cookies? Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds are all delicious additions.
- Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
- Why are my cookies flat? This could be due to overmixing, not chilling the dough (if using a lot of add-ins), or using too much butter.
- Can I use margarine instead of butter? While you can substitute margarine, butter provides the best flavor and texture. If you’re looking for other easy bakes, try our simple baking recipes.
- How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much? Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies maintain their shape.
