Easy, Perfect Oatmeal Cookies – Joy Of Cooking Recipe

Those Joy of Cooking’s oatmeal cookies represent pure comfort wrapped in a delectable package.

Soft, chewy morsels emerge from classic baking traditions that have delighted families for generations.

Warm spices and hearty ingredients combine to create a nostalgic treat that speaks directly to sweet cravings.

Home bakers treasure these cookies for their straightforward preparation and crowd-pleasing results.

Simple ingredients transform into magical discs of golden-brown deliciousness that tantalize taste buds.

Each bite connects you with memories of grandmothers’ kitchens and childhood afternoons filled with warmth and love.

These cookies deliver pure satisfaction without complicated techniques or hard-to-find components: grab your mixing bowl and get ready to bake!

Tips for Ultimate Cookie Texture

• Soften Butter Strategically: Let butter sit out 30 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, even incorporation into the dough.
• Select Oats Wisely: Traditional rolled oats provide the best chewy texture and authentic cookie experience.
• Mix Gently: Stir ingredients just until combined to keep the cookie crumb tender and light.
• Customize Creatively: Fold in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit for unexpected flavor bursts.
• Chill Dough Smartly: Refrigerate cookie dough for 30 minutes to prevent spreading and enhance rich, developed flavors.

Keep ’Em Fresh: Oatmeal Cookie Storage

• Airtight Container Method: Seal cooled cookies in a sturdy glass or ceramic container with a tight-fitting lid. Line each layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain crisp edges. This technique preserves texture and flavor while blocking moisture and air exposure.
• Vacuum Sealing Method: Use a vacuum sealer to remove all air from storage bags before freezing. This professional preservation technique extends cookie shelf life dramatically, preventing freezer burn and maintaining original taste and texture. Carefully pack cookies in single layers to prevent cracking.
• Room Temperature Strategy: Choose a cool, dark pantry spot away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Select a ceramic cookie jar with a rubber seal for maximum freshness. Check cookies every few days, removing any that show signs of staleness or moisture buildup. Place a small piece of bread inside the container to help maintain softness and absorb excess moisture.

Flavorful Variations to Try

• Nutty Oatmeal Sensation: Replace raisins with a combination of chopped almonds, pecans, and walnuts for a crunchy texture and rich, earthy flavor profile.
• Chocolate Chip Comfort: Swap raisins with semi-sweet chocolate chips and add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a decadent sweet-salty experience.
• Cranberry Orange Zest: Substitute raisins with dried cranberries and incorporate fresh orange zest into the batter for a bright, tangy twist that adds complexity to the classic cookie.
• Coconut Crunch Cluster: Mix shredded coconut into the dough and top with toasted coconut flakes, creating a tropical-inspired version with added texture and nutty undertones.

Cookie Close: Your Oatmeal Round-Up

Oatmeal cookies rank among classic comfort treats with rich heritage and universal appeal.

Warm spices and hearty oats create nostalgic connections to childhood kitchens.

Raisins add sweet bursts of flavor that complement nutty oatmeal textures.

Baking these cookies fills homes with welcoming aromas that invite memories and connection.

Home bakers can master this simple recipe with minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques.

Grab your mixing bowl, gather ingredients, and share these delectable treats that spark joy – you’ll want to snap a photo, tag friends, and spread deliciousness across social media feeds.

Oatmeal Cookies That Comfort: Why They’re Forever Favorites

• Craft Comfort Classics: These oatmeal cookies deliver a nostalgic, warm embrace of homemade goodness that transports you straight to grandma's kitchen with every delightful bite.
• Quick and Simple Baking Magic: Whip up these delectable treats in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for spontaneous baking sessions or sudden cookie cravings without complicated techniques.
• Texture Paradise: Experience a sublime combination of crispy edges and chewy centers, with rolled oats providing a satisfying rustic texture that elevates these cookies from ordinary to extraordinary.
• Wholesome Flavor Explosion: Packed with warming cinnamon, sweet raisins, and rich butter, these cookies offer a balanced flavor profile that feels simultaneously indulgent and comforting.

Key Ingredients for Chewy Oatmeal Cookies

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a soft, tender cookie texture.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add moisture to the cookie dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall sweetness and adds a warm, classic flavor.
• Brown Sugar, White Sugar: Contribute sweetness and help create a chewy cookie texture.

• All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure and helps bind the cookie dough.
• Rolled Oats: Adds hearty texture and nutty flavor to the cookies.
• Cinnamon: Provides warm, spicy undertone to complement the sweet base.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread during baking.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.

• Raisins: Adds natural sweetness and chewy texture to the oatmeal cookies.

Baking the Perfect Oatmeal Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grab 2 baking sheets and grease them or line with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.

Step 2: Cream Butter And Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together butter and sugars for 2 minutes until smooth and fluffy. The mixture should look light and creamy.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Gently fold in eggs and vanilla extract, stirring until completely combined and creating a silky smooth base.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Cinnamon
• Baking soda
• Salt

Sift these ingredients together to ensure even distribution.

Step 5: Combine Wet And Dry Mixtures

Slowly blend dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a consistent dough forms.

Step 6: Fold In Extras

• Rolled oats
• Raisins

Mix until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Shape Cookie Portions

Use an ice cream scoop or spoon to portion of dough onto prepared baking sheets. Space cookies about 2 inches apart.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Place in preheated oven and bake for 13-16 minutes. Rotate baking sheets halfway through for even browning. Cookies are done when edges turn golden and centers remain slightly soft.

Step 9: Cool And Enjoy

Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 3-4 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your homemade treats!

Joy Of Cooking Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Classic oatmeal cookies from Joy of Cooking embody warm, homemade comfort with hearty rolled oats and sweet raisins. Crisp edges and chewy centers invite bakers to create a nostalgic treat that delights generations of cookie lovers with simple, wholesome ingredients.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups (260 grams / 9.2 ounces) old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 ½ cups (195 grams / 6.9 ounces) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (225 grams / 8 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature

Sweeteners and Binding Agents:

• 1 cup (200 grams / 7.1 ounces) light brown sugar (firmly packed)
• ⅓ cup (65 grams / 2.3 ounces) granulated white sugar
• 2 large eggs (100 grams / 3.5 ounces out of shell), at room temperature
• 1 cup (140 grams / 4.9 ounces) dark or golden raisins

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon (4 grams / 0.14 ounces) pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon (4 grams / 0.14 ounces) baking soda
• 1 teaspoon (4 grams / 0.14 ounces) kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare two baking sheets by lightly greasing them or lining with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together white and brown sugars with softened butter until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.
3. Incorporate eggs and pure vanilla extract into the sugar-butter mixture, blending until smooth and fully integrated.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until a consistent dough forms without overmixing.
6. Gently fold in rolled oats and plump raisins, distributing them evenly throughout the cookie dough.
7. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop approximately 1/4 cup (60 grams) of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.
8. Slightly flatten each cookie mound with the back of a spoon to create a more uniform shape, ensuring approximately 1/2 inch (1.25 centimeters) thickness.
9. Place baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 13-16 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through to ensure even browning.
10. Cookies are ready when edges turn golden brown and centers remain slightly soft and tender.
11. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheets for 3-4 minutes to firm up, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Soften butter beforehand to ensure smooth, even mixing without lumps.
• Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the most authentic, hearty texture for this classic treat.
• Gentle mixing prevents tough, dense batter – stop stirring as soon as ingredients are combined.
• Chocolate chips or chopped nuts add delightful crunch and extra flavor to the basic recipe.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 13 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg