How to Make Perfect Old Fashioned Oats Cookies at Home

There’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting scent of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home. And when it comes to comfort food, few treats are as timeless as old fashioned oats cookies. With their chewy texture, satisfying crunch, and heartwarming flavor, these oatmeal cookies are not just a snack—they’re a tradition. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just to enjoy with a warm cup of tea, making old fashioned oats cookies at home is a simple and rewarding process.

In this guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know to bake the perfect batch of easy oatmeal raisin cookie recipe right in your kitchen. From understanding the ingredients to learning the step-by-step baking process, this article will help you make the best cookies you’ve ever tasted. Let’s dive in!

Why Old Fashioned Oats Cookies Are the Best

There’s something about the combination of chewy oats, sweet raisins, and a hint of vanilla that makes old fashioned oats cookies so irresistible. These cookies aren’t just a treat—they’re a part of many people’s memories. When baked to perfection, they offer a satisfying texture and a flavor that’s both comforting and nostalgic.

The Perfect Balance of Chewy and Crunchy

One of the best things about old fashioned oats cookies is the balance of textures. The oats provide a chewy, hearty texture while the cookies themselves still have a light, crisp crunch around the edges. This combination is perfect for anyone who loves both soft and slightly crispy cookies.

Healthier Than Other oatmeal Cookies

If you’re looking for a cookie that offers a bit of nutritional value, old fashioned oats cookies are a great choice. Oats are high in fiber and contain essential vitamins and minerals that benefit your health. While still sweet, these oatmeal cookies with instant oatmeal provide more substance than many other treats.

Ingredients for Perfect Old Fashioned Oats Cookies

To make delicious old fashioned oats cookies, you don’t need a long list of ingredients. In fact, the beauty of these cookies lies in their simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:

Table: Ingredients for Old Fashioned Oats Cookies

Notes on Ingredients:

• Old-fashioned oats: This recipe calls for old-fashioned oats for the best texture and chewiness. Quick oats may result in a softer, mushier consistency.
• Butter: Use softened butter to help create a smooth dough. If you prefer a lighter cookie, you can substitute some butter with applesauce or yogurt.
• Optional Add-ins: Feel free to add chocolate chips, walnuts, dried cranberries, or any of your favorite mix-ins to personalize the recipe.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Old Fashioned Oats Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

The first step to baking perfect old fashioned oats cookies is making the dough. Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the proper temperature when the dough is ready to bake.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated white sugar until the mixture is light and airy.
4. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in 2 eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in 1 tsp of vanilla extract.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing only until they are just combined. You don’t want to overmix at this stage.
6. Add oats: Stir in 2 1/2 cups of old-fashioned rolled oats (and any optional add-ins like raisins or chocolate chips).

Step 2: Form the Cookies

Once the dough is prepared, it’s time to shape the cookies into your desired form. Here’s what to do:

1. Scoop the dough: For consistent cookie size, use a tablespoon or a cookie scoop to portion the dough.
2. Shape the dough: Roll the dough into balls and place them on a lined or greased baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart.
3. Flatten the dough: For even baking, lightly press down each dough ball with the back of a spoon.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Now it’s time to bake:

1. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
2. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for approximately 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Old Fashioned Oats Cookies

Making the best old fashioned oats cookies comes down to a few key tips. Here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients

For optimal results, make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This will help create a smoother dough and ensure more evenly baked cookies.

2. Don’t Overmix the Dough

Once the flour is added, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in tough cookies, so be sure to mix the dough only as much as needed.

3. Chill the Dough (Optional)

If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to shape and preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

4. Don’t Overbake

To achieve chewy cookies, remove them from the oven when the edges are a golden brown but the centers are still slightly soft. They will continue to cook slightly on the hot baking sheet as they cool.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure you get perfect old fashioned oats cookies, avoid these common mistakes:

1. Using Quick Oats

Quick oats will create a softer cookie. Stick with old-fashioned rolled oats for that perfect chewy texture.

2. Overbaking the Cookies

Overbaking will result in dry, crunchy cookies instead of soft and chewy ones. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven when the edges turn golden.

3. Not Letting the Dough Rest

Resting the dough helps the flavors meld together and results in better texture. For best results, allow the dough to chill in the refrigerator if possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it okay to use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

While you can use quick oats, they will give the cookies a different texture. Old-fashioned oats create that chewy, hearty texture that makes these cookies so delicious.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make these cookies gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend.
Also, ensure the oats you use are certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.

How should I store these cookies?

To maintain freshness, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in an airtight container for up to three months.

Can I freeze the dough?

Absolutely! You can freeze the dough by rolling it into balls and placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once the dough balls are completely frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container for long-term storage. When you’re ready to bake, just place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as usual—no need to thaw.

Conclusion

Baking old fashioned oats cookies is a simple and rewarding process that yields delicious results every time. With just a few basic ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create cookies that are soft, chewy, and full of flavor. Whether you enjoy them with a glass of milk or as an afternoon snack, these cookies will bring warmth and comfort to your home.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get baking! Once you taste these homemade treats, you’ll never look at store-bought cookies the same way again. Share your results with family and friends, and enjoy the simple pleasure of freshly baked old fashioned oats cookies.

By following this guide, you’re not only learning how to make old fashioned oats cookies, but you’re creating a culinary tradition that’s sure to become a family favorite. Happy baking!