These classic oatmeal cookies are a perfect balance of crispy on the outside and soft, chewy on the inside. Filled with rolled oats and a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, they offer a delicious blend of flavors and textures with every bite. Whether you’re enjoying them on their own or adding some chocolate chips, raisins, or nuts, these cookies are a timeless treat! For even more oatmeal goodness, check out my Oatmeal Cream Pies.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Oats: Rolled oats (old-fashioned oats) provide the ideal texture for these cookies, cooking quickly while maintaining their shape. Quick oats can be substituted, but the texture will be slightly different.
Brown Sugar: I used light brown sugar, which adds a caramelized depth to the cookies and enhances the flavor of the oats. No granulated sugar is needed in this recipe.
Spices: A combination of cinnamon and nutmeg adds warmth and flavor, giving these oatmeal cookies their classic taste.
Molasses: The molasses not only improves the texture but also deepens the flavor of the cookies.
When Are Oatmeal Cookies Done Baking?
The baking time of oatmeal cookies can change their texture significantly. For a softer cookie, remove them from the oven when they appear slightly underbaked, with a glossy center. If you prefer a crispier cookie, bake for a couple of extra minutes. Start checking them at around 7 minutes to ensure your preferred level of doneness.
Can I Make Oatmeal Cookies Ahead of Time?
Yes! Oatmeal cookie dough is great for freezing. Scoop out the dough into individual balls and freeze them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once frozen, store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, pop the dough balls straight from the freezer into the oven, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Can I Add Chocolate Chips to Oatmeal Cookies?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips are a popular addition to oatmeal cookies. You can use semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips depending on your preference. Stir in about 1 ½ cups of chocolate chips into the dough for an extra indulgent treat. Other fun additions include raisins, dried fruits, or chopped nuts.
How to Store Oatmeal Cookies
Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 3 months.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 cups (180 g) rolled oats
- ½ cup (1 stick / 115 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon molasses
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and rolled oats.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and brown sugar on low speed until smooth and creamy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and molasses to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until fully incorporated, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: With the mixer on low, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until fully combined.
- Form the Cookies: Using a 2-tablespoon scoop, drop balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Gently press each ball to slightly flatten the cookies.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 7-8 minutes. They may look a little doughy in the center, but that’s okay.
- Cool: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes on Baking Oatmeal Cookies
Pay attention to the baking time—just a couple of minutes can make a big difference in the texture of your cookies. For softer cookies, remove them when they are slightly underbaked in the center. For crisper cookies, leave them in for a couple of extra minutes.
Enjoy these classic oatmeal cookies as they are, or customize them with your favorite add-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit for a unique twist!
