Nothing beats the comforting taste of a homemade Quaker Oats Oatmeal Cookie. With its chewy texture, sweet and nutty flavor, and wholesome ingredients, this classic cookie has been a favorite in households for generations. The recipe is simple yet incredibly delicious, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers.
Quaker Oats, one of the most trusted oat brands, has been a staple in American kitchens for over a century. Their original oatmeal cookie recipe has stood the test of time, offering a delightful balance of warm spices, rich butter, and hearty oats. Whether you enjoy them plain, with raisins, or loaded with chocolate chips, these cookies never disappoint.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the ultimate Quaker Oats Oatmeal Cookie Recipe, share expert baking tips, explore fun variations, and even provide healthier alternatives. Get ready to bake the most delicious, chewy, and nostalgic oatmeal cookies ever!
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Quaker Oats Oatmeal Cookie Recipe
To make the perfect batch of Quaker Oats Oatmeal Cookies, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. They have the perfect combination of sweetness, chewiness, and a hearty texture thanks to the blend of oats, butter, and sugar. If you love easy baking, you might also enjoy trying the 3-Ingredient Banana Bread Recipe for a quick, delicious treat.
Essential Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need for the classic Quaker Oats Oatmeal Cookies:
- One cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, softened – Provides a rich, buttery flavor and keeps the cookies moist.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed – Adds sweetness and enhances chewiness.
- ½ cup granulated sugar – Balances the flavor and helps with crisping the edges.
- 2 large eggs – Binds the ingredients and improves the texture.
- One teaspoon of vanilla extract – It enhances the flavor.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose Flour – The base that holds everything together.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies rise.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds a warm, cozy spice, perfect if you also enjoy the flavors in the Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
- 3 cups Quaker Oats (old-fashioned or quick oats) – The key ingredient that gives the cookies their signature texture and flavor.
- 1 cup raisins (optional) – Classic addition for chewy bites of sweetness.
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional) –It adds the crunch and flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Baking the Best Oatmeal Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you start baking, make sure to:
✅ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
✅ Cover a baking sheet by using parchment papers or grease lightly.
✅ Soften the butter at room temperature for easy mixing.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In the large mixing bowl employ a hand or stand mixer for:
- Mix brown sugar, butter and granulated sugar to make sure the mix is fluffy and light (about about 2 mins).
- Incorporate eggs one at a Mix thoroughly following each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract for added flavor.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
✅ Flour
✅ Baking soda
✅ Cinnamon
✅ Salt
Add the dry ingredients slowly into the mixture of butter and stir until everything is well blended.
Step 4: Fold in Oats and Extras
- Mix in Quaker Oats to get that perfect oatmeal texture.
- Add raisins or chocolate chips if using.
- If you like crunch, Mix in chopped nuts.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
- Use a spoon or cookie scoop to place dough on the baking sheet you’ve prepared.
- Set them at a distance of 2 inches because they can spread out while baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes for chewy cookies or 12-14 minutes for crispy edges.
- The cookies should be golden brown and nevertheless soft and moist in the middle.
- Allow them to cool for five minutes on the baking sheets and then transfer them to an air-tight rack to completely cool.
Expert Tips for the Best Oatmeal Cookies
Baking the perfect Quaker Oats Oatmeal Cookies is easy, but a few pro tips can take them to the next level! Whether you prefer them chewy, crispy, or somewhere in between, these expert tips will help you get the best results every time.
1. How to Make Chewy Oatmeal Cookies
For soft, chewy cookies that melt in your mouth:
✅ Use more brown sugar than white sugar – Brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness.
✅ Slightly underbake them – Remove from the oven when the edges are golden but the center still looks soft. They’ll firm up as they cool.
✅ Use room temperature eggs and butter – This helps create a smooth, even dough.
✅ Chill the dough for 30 minutes – This prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
2. How to Make Crispy Oatmeal Cookies
If you love crunchy cookies with crispy edges:
✅ Bake them for 12-14 minutes instead of 8-10.
✅ Use melted butter instead of softened butter.
✅ Add an extra tablespoon of granulated sugar – White sugar creates crispier cookies.
✅ Flatten the dough balls slightly before baking to encourage spreading.
3. Avoiding Dry or Flat Cookies
Ever had oatmeal cookies that turned out to be too dry or spread too much? Here’s how to fix that:
❌ Dry cookies? You may have added too lots of Flour or overbaked them. Next time, measure Flour correctly using the spoon and level method and bake for a shorter time.
❌ Flat cookies? Your butter may have been too warm, or you didn’t chill the dough. Always use softened (not melted) butter and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes if needed.
4. The Secret to the Best Texture
For an even better cookie texture:
✅ Use old-fashioned oats for a heartier, chewier bite.
✅ Add a teaspoon of cornstarch to keep cookies soft.
✅ Mix in a little honey or molasses (1 tablespoon) for extra moisture.
Variations of Quaker Oats Oatmeal Cookies
Now that you’ve mastered the classic recipe, why not try some fun variations? Here are some delicious ways to switch up your oatmeal cookies:
1. Classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookies 🍇
- Add 1 cup of raisins to the dough.
- For extra flavor, soak raisins in warm water for 10 minutes before adding them.
2. Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies 🍫
- Swap raisins for 1 cup of chocolate chips.
- Try a mix of semi-sweet, dark, or white chocolate for extra richness.
3. Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies 🥜
- Replace ½ cup of butter with ½ cup of peanut butter.
- Add ½ teaspoon of salt to balance the flavors.
4. Cranberry Walnut Oatmeal Cookies 🍂
- Use dried cranberries instead of raisins.
- Mix in ½ cup of chopped walnuts for crunch.
5. Banana Oatmeal Cookies 🍌
- Mash ½ ripe banana and mix it into the dough.
- Reduce sugar slightly since bananas add natural sweetness.
Health Benefits of Oatmeal Cookies
Let the cookies cool before enjoying their perfect chewy texture.
Oatmeal cookies aren’t just delicious—they also offer several health benefits, especially when made with wholesome ingredients. While traditional cookies are often high in sugar and butter, small tweaks can turn them into a more nutritious treat.
1. Rich in Fiber
The oats in oatmeal cookies are a great source of dietary fiber, which helps with digestion, lowers cholesterol and keeps you feeling full longer. Unlike refined white Flour, whole-grain oats provide slow-digesting carbohydrates, which can help maintain steady energy levels.
2. A Good Source of Nutrients
Quaker Oats oatmeal cookies contain:
✅ Iron – Supports oxygen transport in the blood.
✅ Magnesium – Helps muscle and nerve function.
✅ B vitamins – Essential for energy production.
3. Lower in Sugar Than Some Other Cookies
Compared to chocolate chip or sugar cookies, oatmeal cookies often have less sugar—especially if you swap white sugar for healthier alternatives like honey, coconut sugar, or mashed bananas.
4. Heart-Healthy Benefits
Oats contain beta-glucan which is one of the types of fiber soluble which aids in:
❤️ Lower bad cholesterol (LDL)
❤️ Reduce the risk of heart disease
❤️ Improve blood sugar control
5. Healthier Ingredient Swaps
Want to make oatmeal cookies even healthier? Try these swaps:
✅ Use whole wheat flour instead of white Flour for extra fiber.
✅ Replace some butter with applesauce or mashed bananas to reduce fat.
✅ Add nuts or seeds for extra protein and healthy fats.
✅ Use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for more antioxidants.
Storing and Freezing Oatmeal Cookies
Now that you’ve baked the perfect Quaker Oats Oatmeal Cookies, here’s how to keep them fresh for as long as possible!
How to Store Fresh Oatmeal Cookies
✔ At Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
✔ Keep Them Soft: Add a slice of bread to the container—the cookies will absorb moisture from the bread and stay soft!
✔ Separate Layers: Use parchment paper between layers to prevent cookies from sticking together.
How to Freeze Oatmeal Cookies
Do you want to create a huge batch to have some left over for future use? Freezing is the best option!
🔹 Freezing Baked Cookies
- Let cookies cool completely before freezing.
- Please place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour.
- Transfer to an airtight freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
🔹 Freezing Cookie Dough
- Scoop cookie dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Cool until firm and then transfer it into a zip-top bag.
- If you’re the baking time is near you can add an additional 1-2 minutes to baking time. There is no need to defrost!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
1. Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Yes, but the texture will be softer. Old-fashioned oats give cookies a chewier bite, while quick oats make them more cake-like.
2. How do I make these cookies softer?
For extra soft and chewy cookies, try:
- Adding an extra egg yolk.
- Use more brown sugar than white sugar.
- Under baking slightly and letting cookies cool on the baking sheet.
3. Can I substitute brown sugar with white sugar?
It is possible, however brown sugar provides water and chewiness. If using white sugar only, the cookies may be crispier.
4. How long do oatmeal cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they last 4-5 days. In the freezer, they stay fresh for up to 3 months.
5. What’s the best way to store cookie dough?
Make balls from the dough and place them on an baking sheet. When frozen, you can transfer the contents to the zip-top bag, and then keep it in the freezer for 3 months.
6. Can I add coconut or dried fruit?
Absolutely! Try mixing in ½ cup of shredded coconut or dried cranberries for a fun twist.
Conclusion
The Quaker Oats Oatmeal Cookie Recipe is a timeless classic that’s easy to make and endlessly customizable. Whether you love the traditional version, prefer chocolate chips over raisins, or need a healthier alternative, there’s a perfect oatmeal cookie for everyone!
Now, it’s time to preheat your oven, grab your ingredients, and bake a delicious batch of homemade oatmeal cookies. 🍪✨
Happy baking! 😊