🍪🍪 Classic Oatmeal Cookies are a timeless treat, cherished for their delightful texture and heartwarming flavor. These cookies are filled with rolled oats, giving them a crispy outside and a soft, chewy inside. Perfect for any occasion, they are a crowd-pleaser that never goes out of style. Let’s dive into the details of making these delicious cookies from scratch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these classic oatmeal cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (187.5 g) all-purpose flour: Provides the base structure for the cookies.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Aids in the leavening process, giving the cookies their soft texture.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy note that complements the oats.
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg: Provides a subtle depth of flavor.
- 2 cups (180 g) rolled oats: The star ingredient that gives these cookies their distinctive texture.
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, room temperature: Adds richness and moisture.
- 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, packed: Sweetens the cookies and adds a hint of molasses flavor.
- 2 large eggs, room temperature: Binds the ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 tablespoon molasses: Adds a deeper, richer flavor and chewiness to the cookies.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Dough
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and rolled oats. Ensure the ingredients are well combined to distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the room temperature butter and packed light brown sugar. Beat on low speed until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps of sugar or butter.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and molasses to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until all the ingredients are fully incorporated, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well blended.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: With the mixer still on low speed, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until fully incorporated, but be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
Shaping and Baking the Cookies
- Shape the Dough: Using a 2-tablespoon scoop, drop portions of dough onto the lined baking sheet. Roll each portion into a ball, then gently press down to slightly flatten the cookies. This helps them bake more evenly.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 7-8 minutes. The cookies should look slightly underbaked and the centers should still be a bit glossy. This ensures they remain soft and chewy.
- Cool: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to set and makes them easier to handle.
Tips for Perfect Oatmeal Cookies
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother dough.
- Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies starting at seven minutes. The difference in texture can vary greatly with just a minute or two of extra baking time.
- Underbake Slightly: Removing the cookies when they appear slightly underbaked ensures a soft and chewy center, which is the hallmark of a perfect oatmeal cookie.
Variations to Try
- Add-Ins: Mix in 1 cup of raisins, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts to the dough for extra flavor and texture.
- Spiced Oatmeal Cookies: Increase the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg, or add a pinch of cloves and ginger for a spicier version.
- Fruit and Nut: Add dried cranberries and chopped pecans or walnuts for a festive touch.
Serving Suggestions
Classic oatmeal cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:
- With Milk: Serve with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination.
- As Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use the cookies to make ice cream sandwiches for a delicious treat.
- With Coffee or Tea: Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful snack.
Nutritional Information
For those mindful of their dietary intake, here’s a brief nutritional breakdown per serving (based on an approximate serving size of one cookie):
- Calories: 155 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
The Joy of Baking Cookies
Baking cookies is more than just making a dessert; it’s about creating moments of joy and indulgence. The process of mixing the dough, shaping the cookies, and watching them bake to golden perfection is both therapeutic and rewarding. The aroma that fills your kitchen as the cookies bake is simply delightful and will have everyone eagerly waiting for a taste.
Hosting with Oatmeal Cookies
Classic oatmeal cookies are perfect for parties and gatherings. Here are a few tips to make them a hit at your next event:
- Presentation: Arrange the cookies on a nice serving platter and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of melted chocolate for an elegant presentation.
- Personalize: You can personalize the cookies with different add-ins or toppings to suit the theme of your party. For example, adding festive sprinkles can make them more festive for a holiday party.
- Pairing Drinks: Consider serving the cookies with a selection of beverages that complement their flavors, such as coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
Making Memories with Family and Friends
Baking cookies is not just about enjoying a delicious treat; it’s also about making memories with family and friends. Whether you’re making them with your kids, serving them at a gathering, or enjoying them as a simple dessert, it’s a recipe that brings people together.
Storing and Reheating
- In the Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The cookies taste best when fresh.
- Freezing: Although the texture may change slightly, you can freeze the cookies for up to a month. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the cookies soggy.
Tips for Success
- Softening the Butter: If you’re in a hurry, soften the butter by microwaving it for 10-15 seconds.
- Mixing by Hand: If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can mix the dough by hand using a wooden spoon. Just make sure to blend thoroughly to achieve a smooth texture.
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cookie, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the recipe.
The Versatility of Oatmeal Cookies
The simplicity and versatility of oatmeal cookies make them a go-to recipe for many occasions. You can easily customize them with your favorite flavors and garnishes, making them suitable for everything from casual family nights to festive celebrations.
Conclusion
Classic oatmeal cookies filled with rolled oats that have a crispy outside and a soft chewy inside are a delightful treat that’s incredibly easy to make and even easier to enjoy. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious batch of cookies that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them with a cold glass of milk, using them to make ice cream sandwiches, or enjoying them with a hot cup of coffee or tea, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
The combination of crispy edges and a soft, chewy center creates a cookie that’s light, refreshing, and irresistibly delicious. The ease of preparation and the delightful flavors make these classic oatmeal cookies a must-try recipe.
Enjoy making and sharing these delicious cookies, and savor every crispy, chewy bite. Happy baking!