Crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, oatmeal cookies are delicious, and unlike many other kinds of sweets, they contain a heart-healthy, fiber-rich ingredient. Oatmeal cookies are "drop" cookies: The cookies are formed by using a spoon or scoop to drop the dough at regular intervals on a baking sheet. Recipes may specify the use of either old-fashioned or quick oatmeal, which are usually interchangeable. However, old-fashioned oats are thicker and have more flavor, according to the Joy of Baking. Raisins are a classic addition to oatmeal cookies, but you can also add any other dried fruit, as well as nuts and/or chocolate chips.
Preparing Nuts (Optional)
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 2
Place 1 cup walnuts or pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for eight to 10 minutes until they are lightly browned. Watch carefully so they don't burn.
Step 3
Cut the nuts into pieces after they have cooled.
Preparing Cookie Dough
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 2
Lightly grease two baking sheets with butter, margarine or shortening, or line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 3
Place 1 cup of packed light brown sugar and 3/4 cup of unsalted butter that has been brought to room temperature into a mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat the two ingredients until they are creamy and smooth, about two to three minutes. Add one large egg and 1 tsp. of vanilla extract; continue beating to combine.
Step 4
Use a hand whisk to combine 3/4 cup flour, 1/2 tsp. baking soda, 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. cinnamon in a second mixing bowl. Add flour mixture to the creamed mixture; beat until all the dry mixture is incorporated.
Step 5
Stir in optional ingredients, such as nuts, dried fruit or chocolate chips, as desired.
Forming and Baking Cookies
Step 1
Drop 1/4 cup of dough at 2-inch intervals onto baking sheets -- using an ice cream scoop is convenient. Place 10 to 12 cookies on each baking sheet.
Step 2
Wet your hand and slightly flatten the cookies with your fingers to make them about 1/2 inch thick.
Step 3
Bake cookies for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges. The centers will remain somewhat soft.
Step 4
Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes.
Step 5
Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Things You'll Need
- 2 baking sheets
- 2 mixing bowls
- Electric hand mixer or mixer on a stand
- Hand whisk
- Ice cream scoop (optional)
- Butter, margarine or shortening for greasing baking sheet, or parchment paper
- 1 cup walnuts or pecans, toasted and chopped (optional)
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, brought to room temperature
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup flour
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup dried fruit, such as raisins or cranberries (optional), or 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
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