Quaker Oatmeal Cookie Recipe: Easy and Chewy Cookies

If you’re looking for a timeless dessert that’s both delicious and easy to make, Quaker Oatmeal Cookies are the answer. Known for their chewy texture and rich flavor, these cookies have been a favorite for generations. With this Quaker Oatmeal Cookie Recipe, you can make them right at home using simple, wholesome ingredients like oats, butter, and sugar. Whether for an afternoon snack, a comforting dessert, or even a breakfast treat, these cookies fit any occasion.

Making these cookies is not only a breeze but also a fantastic way to fill your home with the comforting aroma of freshly baked goods. The best part? They’re versatile and customizable, meaning you can add your favorite mix-ins like raisins, chocolate chips, or nuts to create your unique version.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are several reasons why this Quaker Oatmeal Cookie Recipe will become a staple in your baking repertoire:

Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like oats, butter, flour, and sugar, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow.
Nutritious and Tasty: Oats are packed with fiber and nutrients, making these cookies a bit healthier than the average treat.
Perfectly Chewy Texture: Soft in the middle with crisp edges, these cookies have a texture that’s hard to resist.
Customizable Mix-ins: Add raisins, chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cranberries to suit your taste.
Quick and Easy to Prepare: Perfect for a quick baking session when you want a homemade dessert in a pinch.

Essential Ingredients for Oatmeal Cookies

To create these delicious oatmeal cookies, you need the following ingredients:

Quaker Old-Fashioned Oats: 3 cups. These provide the chewy texture that makes oatmeal cookies so delightful. Old-fashioned oats work best, as they have a hearty texture.
All-Purpose Flour: 1 1/2 cups. The flour adds structure to the dough, giving the cookies their form.
Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon. This helps the cookies rise and gives them a light texture.
Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon. Cinnamon adds warmth and depth, enhancing the flavor of the oats.
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon. Salt enhances all the flavors in the cookies, making them taste balanced and delicious.
Unsalted Butter: 1 cup, softened. Butter adds richness and helps achieve a tender, chewy cookie.
Granulated Sugar: 1 cup. Sugar provides sweetness and helps the cookies spread slightly while baking.
Brown Sugar: 1 cup, packed. Brown sugar adds moisture, a hint of caramel flavor, and a deeper color to the cookies.
Large Eggs: 2. Eggs help bind the ingredients together and add moisture, contributing to a chewy texture.
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. Vanilla adds an extra layer of flavor that complements the oats and cinnamon.
Optional Add-ins: 1 cup raisins, chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cranberries. These mix-ins provide additional flavor and texture to the cookies.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Quaker Oatmeal Cookies

Follow these detailed steps to make the best Quaker Oatmeal Cookies at home:

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients

Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients first ensures that the leavening agent and spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough, which helps the cookies bake uniformly.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugars

Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes on medium speed. Creaming the butter and sugars helps incorporate air into the dough, which contributes to the cookies’ soft texture.
Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined. This step helps create a smooth, creamy dough base.

3. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies. Overmixing develops too much gluten, which makes cookies dense.
Stir in the Oats and Mix-ins: Using a spatula, fold in the oats and any optional mix-ins like raisins, chocolate chips, or nuts. Make sure all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough. This step allows you to customize your cookies with your favorite flavors.

4. Scoop and Chill the Dough

Scoop the Dough: Using a medium cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons in size), scoop out portions of dough and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough balls for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances the flavor by allowing the ingredients to meld together.

5. Bake to Perfection

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). A hot oven is key to achieving the right texture—golden edges with a chewy center.
Bake the Cookies: Place the chilled cookie dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still soft. Avoid overbaking; the cookies will continue to set as they cool.
Cool on the Baking Sheet: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps the cookies firm up and develop their chewy texture.

Flavor Variations for Your Oatmeal Cookies

One of the best parts about this Quaker Oatmeal Cookie Recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it to create a variety of flavors:

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: A classic choice. Add 1 cup of raisins to the dough for a sweet and chewy addition. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies: Mix in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough for a classic and kid-friendly cookie. For an extra chocolatey kick, use a combination of milk and dark chocolate chips.
Cranberry Walnut Oatmeal Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries and 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts. The tartness of the cranberries and the crunch of the walnuts add complexity and texture to the cookies.
White Chocolate Macadamia Oatmeal Cookies: Mix in 1 cup of white chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of chopped macadamia nuts for a decadent, bakery-style cookie.
Oatmeal Butterscotch Cookies: Use 1 cup of butterscotch chips for a sweet, caramel-like flavor that pairs beautifully with the oats and cinnamon.

Tips for the Best Oatmeal Cookies

To ensure your Quaker Oatmeal Cookies turn out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:

Use Old-Fashioned Oats: Old-fashioned oats give these cookies their chewy texture. Avoid using quick oats, as they can make the cookies too soft.
Measure Ingredients Accurately: Too much flour can result in dense cookies. Use the spoon and level method to measure flour correctly.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
Chill the Dough: Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents them from spreading too much during baking.
Keep an Eye on the Baking Time: The cookies should be slightly underbaked in the center when you take them out. They will continue to cook as they cool, ensuring a soft, chewy texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Oatmeal Cookies

Even the most experienced bakers can make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

Overbaking the Cookies: This can lead to dry and hard cookies. Bake until the edges are just golden.
Using Cold Butter: Butter should be at room temperature to cream properly with the sugars.
Not Chilling the Dough: Skipping the chill time can result in flat, spread-out cookies that lose their chewy texture.

Creative Ways to Serve Oatmeal Cookies

Quaker Oatmeal Cookies are delicious on their own, but here are some creative ways to serve them:

With a Glass of Cold Milk: A classic pairing that enhances the cookie’s flavors.
As an Ice Cream Sandwich: Use two cookies with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream in between.
Drizzled with Caramel or Chocolate Sauce: For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle warm cookies with caramel or melted chocolate.
Crumble Over Yogurt: Crumble a cookie over a bowl of Greek yogurt for a delicious breakfast or snack.
Cookie Parfait: Layer broken pieces of cookies with whipped cream and fruit for a delightful dessert parfait.

How to Store Quaker Oatmeal Cookies for Freshness

To keep your cookies fresh and delicious:

At Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This helps them stay soft and chewy.
In the Freezer: Freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature or reheat them in the oven for a few minutes.

Creative Add-Ins and Toppings for Quaker Oatmeal Cookies

There are endless possibilities for customizing your Quaker Oatmeal Cookies:

Dried Fruit Medley: Add dried cherries, apricots, or blueberries for a fruity twist.
Chocolate and Sea Salt: Mix in dark chocolate chunks and sprinkle with sea salt for a sweet and salty combination.
Caramel Bits and Pecans: Fold in caramel bits and chopped pecans for a nutty, buttery flavor.
Espresso Powder and Chocolate Chips: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder and chocolate chips for a mocha-flavored cookie.
Maple Syrup and Walnuts: Drizzle maple syrup on top of the cookies after baking and add some chopped walnuts for an earthy flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Quaker Oatmeal Cookies

Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats? Quick oats can be used, but they may result in a softer, less chewy texture.
How do I make my cookies chewier? Ensure not to overbake and add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar for added moisture.
Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes, scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag and bake directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time.
What makes these cookies soft and chewy? The combination of butter, brown sugar, and oats contributes to a soft and chewy texture.

Conclusion

With this easy Quaker Oatmeal Cookie Recipe, you can enjoy soft, chewy, and delicious cookies right at home. Whether you stick to the classic version or try out some creative mix-ins, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy the comforting taste of homemade oatmeal cookies fresh from your kitchen!

Quaker Oatmeal Cookie Recipe: Classic, Chewy, and Delicious