Oatmeal Cookies

These oatmeal cookies are a timeless favorite, combining the comforting flavors of cinnamon, butter, and oats. With a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying them on your own, they’re a delicious treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 3 cups quick cooking oats

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Stir the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture until well combined.
5. Mix in the oats, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Drop rounded spoonfuls of cookie dough onto ungreased cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the edges are golden brown.
8. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add-ins: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients, such as raisins, chocolate chips, chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans), or shredded coconut.
• Crispier Cookies: For crunchier cookies, flatten the dough slightly before baking.
• Gluten-Free: To make the recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the oats are certified gluten-free.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store oatmeal cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To warm up cookies, place them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?
   • Yes, you can use old-fashioned oats, but the texture of the cookies may be chewier, as old-fashioned oats are thicker.
2. Can I make these cookies without brown sugar?
   • Yes, you can use only white sugar, but the cookies may be less chewy and have a slightly different flavor.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping and baking.
4. How can I make these cookies softer?
   • To make softer cookies, slightly underbake them and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
5. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
   • Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
6. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
   • Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape better while baking.
7. What if I don’t have vanilla extract?
   • You can substitute with almond extract or omit it altogether. While vanilla adds great flavor, the cookies will still turn out well without it.
8. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   • Margarine can be substituted for butter, but the cookies may not have the same richness and flavor.
9. Can I make these cookies vegan?
   • Yes, substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flax seed + 2.5 tablespoons water for each egg) as an egg replacement.
10. How can I make these cookies less sweet?

• You can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe by up to 1/4 cup if you prefer a less sweet cookie.

Conclusion

These oatmeal cookies are easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them warm from the oven or as a snack throughout the week, they are sure to be a hit. The blend of cinnamon, butter, and oats creates a comforting texture and taste that everyone will love.

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