Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Cookies are a timeless treat that brings comfort and nostalgia with every bite. Perfectly chewy with just the right amount of sweetness, these cookies are a delightful addition to any occasion, especially during the cooler months when a touch of cinnamon feels just right.
Butter provides richness and helps the cookies spread just enough while baking. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level precisely.
Granulated sugar gives the cookies sweetness and helps with the crispy edges, while brown sugar adds a hint of molasses flavor and keeps them moist.
Eggs bind the ingredients together and add structure, ensuring your cookies don't fall apart.
Vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors, giving the cookies a warm, comforting aroma.
All-purpose flour forms the base, providing structure to the cookies. Baking soda helps them rise slightly, creating that delightful texture.
Ground cinnamon adds a subtle warmth and depth that complements the oats beautifully.
Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Old-fashioned oats are the star of the show, offering a hearty, chewy texture that defines these cookies.
Raisins are optional but add a pleasant chewiness and natural sweetness. Feel free to swap them out for other mix-ins if desired.
These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea. For a special touch, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. They're also a great addition to a holiday cookie platter, offering a classic option that stands out.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is nice and hot when the cookies are ready to go in, giving them a head start on baking.
Grab a large bowl and cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until it's smooth and well combined. This might take a few minutes, but it's crucial for getting the right texture.
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time. Doing this helps maintain an even mixture. Once they're both in, stir in the vanilla extract for that wonderful aroma.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed before mixing with the wet ingredients.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed ingredients, mixing well after each addition. This prevents any flour pockets in your dough.
With the dough almost ready, stir in the oats and raisins (if you're using them). Make sure everything is evenly mixed, so each cookie is packed with flavor.
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This spacing allows the cookies room to spread without merging.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.
Once they're done, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This helps them set up a bit more before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.