Hearty Oatmeal Cookies
These Hearty Oatmeal Cookies are the perfect blend of chewy oats, sweet raisins, and crunchy walnuts, creating a delightful treat that's both satisfying and comforting. Whether you're baking for a cozy afternoon snack or a festive gathering, these cookies bring warmth and joy to any occasion.
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Ingredients for Hearty Oatmeal Cookies
Butter: Provides richness and helps create a tender crumb. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the cookies.
Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the oats.
Granulated Sugar: Balances the brown sugar and helps with the cookie's structure and crisp edges.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the dough.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with a touch of warmth.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cookie that gives it structure.
Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and ensures they bake evenly.
Cinnamon: Adds a subtle spice that pairs beautifully with the oats and raisins.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: The star of the show, providing texture and heartiness.
Raisins: Sweet bursts of flavor that keep the cookies moist.
Walnuts: Add a pleasant crunch and a bit of savory depth.
Hearty Oatmeal Cookies Tips & Tricks
- For softer cookies, reduce the baking time slightly and keep a close eye on them.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if you prefer a thicker cookie with less spread.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform size and even baking.
Serving Ideas for Hearty Oatmeal Cookies
These cookies are delightful on their own, but they pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of spiced tea. For a festive touch, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or warm apple compote.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?
- It's best to stick with old-fashioned oats for the ideal texture. Quick oats can make the cookies too soft and cakey.
- What can I use instead of walnuts?
- Pecans or almonds work great as substitutes, or you can leave the nuts out entirely if you prefer.
- How do I store these cookies?
- Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months.
Hearty Oatmeal Cookies Recipe Walkthrough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until they're light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. Don't rush this step, as it's key to getting that perfect cookie texture.
Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for a burst of flavor.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid over-mixing, as this can make the cookies tough.
Now, fold in the oats, raisins, and walnuts using a spatula or wooden spoon. You want them evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading. Aim for consistency in size to ensure even baking.
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, just until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. They might look slightly underdone in the center — that's perfect! They'll firm up as they cool.
Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling completely. This helps them set up nicely.
Why This Hearty Oatmeal Cookies Works
- Perfect balance of chewy and crunchy textures.
- Simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
- Quick prep and bake time; ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Step-by-step Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- 2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- 3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well with each addition, then stir in the vanilla.
- 4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- 5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- 6. Stir in the oats, raisins, and walnuts until evenly distributed.
- 7. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- 8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- 9. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.