How to Make Chewy Oatmeal Cookies
Who doesn’t love a warm, chewy oatmeal cookie fresh out of the oven? It’s the perfect treat—soft, sweet, and packed with flavor. Chewy oatmeal cookies are easy to make, and you don’t have to be an expert baker to whip up a batch. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create cookies that will impress your family and friends. In this article, I’ll walk you through how to make chewy oatmeal cookies using simple instructions anyone can follow.
Why Chewy Oatmeal Cookies?
Oatmeal cookies come in many forms: crunchy, cakey, or chewy. Chewy cookies are special because they have a soft texture that feels comforting and satisfying. The secret ingredients to achieve chewiness are oats, melted butter, and brown sugar. Oats give the cookies their hearty texture, while brown sugar and melted butter make them moist and chewy.
So, let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start baking, make sure you have all the ingredients. Here’s what you need:
- 1 cup (230g) butter (melted and slightly cooled)
- 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups (270g) old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup (150g) raisins or chocolate chips (optional)
This recipe makes around 24 medium-sized cookies, but you can adjust it for a smaller or larger batch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Before you start mixing, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
Melt the butter in a microwave or saucepan, then allow it to cool slightly. Don’t skip this step—the melted butter is key to achieving chewy cookies!
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use a whisk or a hand mixer to blend them well. The mixture should look creamy and smooth.
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine The Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon (if using), and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Don’t add it all at once—mix a little at a time to avoid lumps.
Step 5: Add the Oats and Extras
Once the wet and dry ingredients are combined, stir in the rolled oats. If you want to add raisins or chocolate chips, now is the time to mix them in. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to fold everything together until evenly combined.
Step 6: Scoop the Dough
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to form dough balls. Each scoop should be about 2 tablespoons. Place the dough balls on the baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. The cookies will spread slightly as they bake, so leave room!
Step 7: Bake
Put the trays in the oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they should be lightly golden at the edges but still soft in the center. Don’t worry if they seem undercooked; they’ll firm up as they cool.
Step 8: Cool
Once the cookies are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the pans for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a cooling rack. This step is important because it allows the cookies to hold their shape.
Tips for Perfect Chewy Cookies
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Use Old-Fashioned Oats: Don’t use instant oats—they don’t provide the same chewy texture. Old-fashioned rolled oats are the best choice.
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Don’t Overbake: Overbaking leads to hard cookies. These cookies should look slightly underdone in the center—it’s what makes them chewy once cooled.
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Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have time, refrigerate your dough for 30 minutes before baking. Chilling helps the flavors blend and makes the cookies even softer.
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Customize Your Add-Ins: Not a fan of raisins or chocolate chips? You can add nuts, dried cranberries, or white chocolate instead.
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Store Them Right: Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can freeze them for longer storage—just thaw before eating!
Final Thoughts
Chewy oatmeal cookies are a classic treat that never goes out of style. They’re easy to make, delicious to eat, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re baking for a party, a family gathering, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.
So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the best chewy oatmeal cookies ever! Once you’ve made them, don’t forget to grab a glass of milk—they’re even better when dunked. Happy baking!
