~Amanda~
Everybody has their favorite kind of cookie; some like sugar, some like chocolate chip, some like peanut butter. And then there’s my dad who absolutely loves Oatmeal Cookies (this is about the only sweet treat he will eat). If you ever ask my dad what you can make for him, he will say Oatmeal Cookies. Over the years I have tried out many oatmeal cookie recipes (regular and gluten-free) and have concluded that this basic oatmeal cookie recipe is the best one there is. I recently made them for my dad (because he’s just so amazing and deserved a big thank you for all the wonderful things he does) and he said they were the best oatmeal cookies he has ever had — that’s a direct quote. So I urge you all to make these and hopefully you’re as pleased with them as he was.
I think one of the most important things when it comes to oatmeal cookies is the texture. You want your cookies to be soft and chewy and definitely not over-baked. You want the precise combination of flour and oats so that your cookies are still cookies, not oat bars and not too cakey. This recipe exhibits that perfect combination and yields the perfect texture. Another component that makes these oatmeal cookies so divine is the combination of regular sugar and brown sugar. The brown sugar brings in just the right amount of sweetness and warmth. And to take up the flavor up a notch, add a dash of cinnamon. YUM!
The process of making the cookies is quite simple. All you have to do is combine the ingredients (in a certain order of course) using a stand mixer, or hand mixer. This recipe is for a basic oatmeal cookie, but you can always add in some extras like raisins, chocolate chips, or M&Ms if you desire. When you place your cookies on the baking sheet, it’s very important that you simply drop the dough using two spoons, don’t roll it into balls between your hands; you want to keep the dough light. You then bake the cookies for about 8-10 minutes. If you want them chewier and gooier, bake them closer to 8 minutes. If you want them a little crispier, bake them closer to 10 minutes. The result will be the most perfect cookie with an amazing hearty texture and a nutty oat flavor with a nice sweet cookie base. Perfect paired with a glass of cold milk for you to enjoy or to give to those you love most!
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 3/4 cups flour (I use half all purpose flour and half whole wheat flour)
- 2 1/2 cups quick cooking oats
- Optional: 1/2 cup raisins or chocolate chips
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease 2-3 baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray.
- Using a stand mixer (or hand mixer) cream together butter and sugars. Add eggs, vanilla, and water. Mix well.
- Add salt, baking soda, and cinnamon. Mix well.
- Add flour and mix until combined then add oats and mix until combined. (Add raisins or chocolate chips at this point if you choose to).
- Drop by spoonfulls (about 1-2 tablespoon size) onto baking sheets.
- Bake about 8-10 minutes until edges and tops are beginning to brown. If you want soft and gooey cookies take them out around 8 minutes. Place on wire rack to cool. Enjoy!
