If you’ve been searching for a warm, cozy treat that brings back memories of grandma’s kitchen, look no further than the Best Old Fashioned Chewy Oatmeal Cookies Recipe. These cookies blend hearty oats with a perfect chewy texture and subtle spices, making every bite a nostalgic delight. Whether you like your cookies studded with raisins, chocolate chips, or nuts, this classic recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in this Best Old Fashioned Chewy Oatmeal Cookies Recipe begins with simple ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Each element plays a key role, from the creamy butter that creates softness to the rolled oats that bring that beloved chewy texture and wholesome flavor. Let’s dive into what you’ll need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Provides rich creaminess and the tender base for chewy cookies.
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar: Adds moisture and deep caramel notes that enhance chewiness.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and contributes to subtle crisp edges.
- 2 large eggs, room temperature: Acts as a binder and adds structure to the dough.
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Infuses the cookies with warm, familiar flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation ingredient that gives body to the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and spread just right.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Ensures a tender crumb and a perfect lift.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy spice note that complements the oats beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors without overpowering.
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick oats): The star ingredient that gives chewiness and texture.
- 1 cup add-ins (raisins, chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cranberries): Choose your favorite mix-ins to personalize the cookies.
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds extra warmth and depth to the spice profile.
How to Make Best Old Fashioned Chewy Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Workspace
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C), which is just the right temperature to bake these cookies to golden perfection. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step saves cleanup time and ensures that each cookie bakes evenly without sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Next, beat the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This is where the magic of chewy texture begins—incorporating air into the butter sugar mix creates that perfect softness in every bite.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time to keep the batter stable and well-mixed. Then pour in the vanilla extract, which adds that signature fragrant sweetness we all love. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of your bowl so every bit of flavor blends seamlessly.
Step 4: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and optional nutmeg. These ingredients add lift and flavor, ensuring each cookie is perfectly balanced and tender.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture and stir on low speed just until everything is combined. Overmixing can toughen your cookies, so stop as soon as you don’t see any pockets of flour left.
Step 6: Fold in Oats and Add-Ins
Gently fold in the rolled oats and your preferred add-ins—whether raisins, chocolate chips, walnuts, or dried cranberries—making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough for consistent flavor and texture.
Step 7: Chill the Dough (Optional)
If time allows, chilling the dough for 20 to 30 minutes helps thicken it up, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. If you’re in a rush, feel free to skip this step; your cookies will still come out wonderfully chewy.
Step 8: Scoop and Space the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie so they have plenty of room to spread and bake evenly.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges look set and lightly golden while the centers still appear a bit soft. The residual heat will finish baking the centers as the cookies cool down.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. These cookies are delightful eaten warm or at room temperature—the chewy texture truly shines either way.
How to Serve Best Old Fashioned Chewy Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are wonderful all on their own, you can elevate their presentation by adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving also creates a surprising depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the cookie’s sweetness.
Side Dishes
These chewy oatmeal cookies are a perfect match alongside a cup of hot coffee, creamy chai tea, or a glass of cold milk. They also brighten up a cozy brunch spread when paired with fresh fruit or yogurt.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or festive occasions, stack your cookies in a rustic basket lined with a colorful napkin. You can even sandwich two cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or your favorite frosting for a delightful twist that everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover oatmeal cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and chewy for up to one week, making them an easy grab-and-go snack whenever you need a little comfort food.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch ahead for later, these cookies freeze wonderfully. Place cooled cookies in a sealed freezer bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, just thaw them at room temperature or gently warm them in the oven.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-baked warmth, pop frozen or stored cookies in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back that irresistible chewy softness that makes the Best Old Fashioned Chewy Oatmeal Cookies Recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?
Quick oats absorb moisture differently and tend to create a cakier cookie. For the chewy texture that’s classic to this recipe, old-fashioned rolled oats are the best choice.
What add-ins work best with this recipe?
Raisins, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries all bring delightful flavor and texture. Feel free to mix and match depending on your mood or what you have on hand!
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that can be used cup-for-cup to keep the cookie texture intact. Just be sure your oats are certified gluten-free as well.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If your cookies are flattening out too much, try chilling the dough before baking, using parchment paper, or slightly reducing the butter by a tablespoon. Also, check your baking soda is fresh for proper leavening.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
You can replace the butter with a plant-based margarine and use flax eggs (flaxseed meal mixed with water) instead of eggs. Be aware this will slightly alter the texture but still produce tasty results.
Final Thoughts
The Best Old Fashioned Chewy Oatmeal Cookies Recipe is a timeless classic that brings comfort and joy in every bite. They’re simple to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for sharing—whether that’s with family around the kitchen table or friends at your next gathering. So go ahead, give this cozy recipe a try and create your own batch of delicious, chewy memories to savor time and again.
Print
Best Old Fashioned Chewy Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Best Oatmeal Cookies Recipe is an old-fashioned family favorite that delivers chewy, cozy, and easy-to-make cookies. Featuring rolled oats, brown sugar, and your choice of add-ins like raisins, chocolate chips, or nuts, these cookies bake up perfectly soft in the center with lightly golden edges for a delicious classic treat.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Other Ingredients
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick oats)
- 1 cup add-ins (choose one or mix: raisins, chocolate chips, chopped walnuts or pecans, or dried cranberries)
Instructions
- Preheat and prep: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, packed light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This is key to achieving soft and chewy cookies.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the pure vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to blend all ingredients evenly.
- Whisk the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, fine salt, and optionally the ground nutmeg for extra warmth in flavor.
- Combine: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookie texture tender.
- Fold in oats and add-ins: Stir in the old-fashioned rolled oats and your choice of add-ins (raisins, chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cranberries) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Chill (optional but helpful): For thicker cookies, cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes. This step can be skipped if you are short on time.
- Scoop and space: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden while the centers still appear slightly soft. They will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the cookies warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Using old-fashioned rolled oats rather than quick oats provides the best chewy texture.
- Chilling the dough before baking helps control spreading and creates thicker cookies.
- Mix and match add-ins to customize flavor; nuts add crunch while dried fruits add chewiness and sweetness.
- Do not overmix once the flour is added to prevent tough cookies.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
