Oatmeal cookies are a classic comfort food, beloved for their hearty texture and warm, sweet flavor. When made with Quaker oats, they are elevated to a whole new level of deliciousness. The Quaker oatmeal cookie recipe is not only easy to make but also brings a nostalgic feeling with every bite. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just craving a simple homemade treat, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
With their perfect combination of chewy oats, a touch of sweetness, and optional mix-ins like raisins, chocolate chips, or nuts, these cookies are guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Let’s dive into why these oatmeal cookies are the ultimate comfort treat.
Table of contents
Ingredients for Quaker Oatmeal Cookie Recipe
To make the perfect Quaker oatmeal cookies, you’ll need a few simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. These are the building blocks for chewy, flavorful cookies that everyone will love. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Quaker Oats | 3 cups | Provides the chewy texture and flavor for the oatmeal base. |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup | Helps bind the dough and gives structure to the cookies. |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon | Helps the cookies rise and gives them a light, fluffy texture. |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon | Enhances the flavor of the dough and balances sweetness. |
| Butter | 1 cup (softened) | Adds richness and flavor to the cookies. |
| Brown sugar | 3/4 cup | Sweetens the cookies and adds a slight molasses flavor. |
| Granulated sugar | 3/4 cup | Adds sweetness and helps with cookie texture. |
| Eggs | 2 large | Binds the ingredients together and gives structure to the cookies. |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | Adds a warm, sweet flavor that complements the oats. |
Optional Ingredients:
- Raisins – 1 cup (For a classic oatmeal raisin cookie)
- Chocolate chips – 1 cup (For a chocolatey twist)
- Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) – 1/2 cup (For extra texture and flavor)
Ingredient Notes
- Quaker Oats:
Using Quaker oats ensures the perfect chewy texture that’s the hallmark of a good oatmeal cookie. You can use either old-fashioned oats or quick oats, but old-fashioned oats provide a more traditional, hearty texture. - Butter:
Softened butter is essential for creating a smooth dough and ensuring the cookies spread out properly as they bake. Make sure your butter is soft but not melted. - Sugar:
The combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar gives the cookies just the right amount of sweetness, with brown sugar contributing moisture and a rich flavor. - Eggs:
Two eggs provide the structure needed for the cookies while helping the dough stick together as it bakes.
How to Make Quaker Oatmeal Cookie Recipe
Making these Quaker oatmeal cookies is easy and straightforward. Follow these simple steps to create the perfect batch of chewy, flavorful cookies:
Step-by-Step Instructions for Quaker Oatmeal Cookie Recipe
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This ensures your cookies don’t stick and helps them bake evenly.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or a whisk. Mix for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated.
4. Add the Oats
- Stir in the Quaker oats until evenly distributed in the dough. The oats are the star of this recipe, so make sure they’re well mixed for that classic chewy texture.
5. Add Optional Ingredients
- If you’re using any optional mix-ins, such as raisins, chocolate chips, or nuts, fold them into the dough until evenly distributed.
- You can also leave them out if you prefer classic oatmeal cookies.
6. Scoop and Shape the Dough
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten each scoop of dough slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers for more even baking.
7. Bake the Cookies
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set. For chewier cookies, bake for a slightly shorter time.
- Pro Tip: If you like a crispier texture, bake for a couple of extra minutes until the edges are darker.
8. Cool the Cookies
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and become perfect for storage.
Tips for Perfect Quaker Oatmeal Cookie Recipe
To ensure your Quaker oatmeal cookies turn out soft, chewy, and full of flavor, here are some helpful tips and tricks that will take your cookies to the next level:
1. Use Fresh Ingredients
For the best flavor, always use fresh oats, butter, and eggs. Fresh ingredients ensure the cookies have the right texture and flavor. Stale oats or expired baking soda can affect the outcome of your cookies.
2. Don’t Overmix the Dough
When adding the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing the dough can lead to dense, tough cookies. A gentle mix is all you need for a perfect texture.
3. Adjust the Texture
If you prefer chewier cookies, use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats. Old-fashioned oats give a heartier texture that holds up better during baking. If you like a crunchier texture, you can use quick oats.
4. Add Extra Flavor with Spices
While the classic oatmeal cookie is delicious on its own, you can experiment with adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor. These spices complement the oats and enhance the overall taste of the cookies.
5. Chill the Dough for Better Shape
If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much and helps them hold their shape. This is especially helpful if you plan to add chocolate chips or raisins that might make the dough softer.
6. Bake in Batches for Even Cooking
If you’re making a large batch, avoid overcrowding the baking sheets. Bake the cookies in two batches to ensure they cook evenly. Overcrowding can cause uneven baking and affect the shape of your cookies.
7. Don’t Overbake
For soft, chewy cookies, make sure you don’t overbake them. Take them out of the oven when they are just golden around the edges and slightly soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool. For crunchier cookies, leave them in the oven a bit longer.
8. Store Properly for Freshness
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to store them for a longer period, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature for the best texture.
Serving Quaker Oatmeal Cookie Recipe
Once your Quaker oatmeal cookies are freshly baked, it’s time to enjoy them! Here are some fun and delicious ways to serve these warm, comforting cookies:
1. Serve Quaker Oatmeal Cookie Recipe with a Glass of Milk
Nothing pairs better with a warm oatmeal cookie than a cold glass of milk. The creamy milk complements the chewy, sweet cookie, making it the perfect snack for kids and adults alike. For extra indulgence, try chocolate milk or even almond milk for a twist.
2. Create an Ice Cream Sandwich
For a fun treat, make an ice cream sandwich by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two oatmeal cookies. Choose flavors like vanilla, chocolate, or cinnamon to complement the warmth of the cookies. You can also roll the sides of the sandwich in chocolate chips or sprinkles for added texture.
3. Serve as a Gift
Quaker oatmeal cookies make a great gift for family, friends, or coworkers. Pack them in a decorative box or cellophane bag tied with a ribbon. You can even personalize the gift by adding some fun ingredients like chocolate chips or raisins for a unique touch.
4. Pair Quaker Oatmeal Cookie Recipe with Coffee or Tea
For a cozy afternoon treat, pair your oatmeal cookies with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The rich flavors of the cookies complement the warm, aromatic beverages. Try pairing with a latte, black tea, or chai tea for a comforting combination.
5. Enjoy Quaker Oatmeal Cookie Recipe with Fresh Fruit
For a lighter option, serve your oatmeal cookies with some fresh, sliced fruit like apples, bananas, or berries. The sweetness of the fruit balances the hearty oatmeal cookie, making it a delicious and satisfying snack.
6. Serve at a Party or Gathering
Quaker oatmeal cookies are perfect for serving at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, a holiday party, or a picnic, these cookies are sure to please a crowd. Display them on a platter with other treats like chocolate chip cookies or sugar cookies to create a cookie variety that everyone will enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Quaker Oatmeal Cookie Recipe
Why Can’t You Use Instant Oats in Cookies?
While instant oats may seem like a convenient option, they don’t provide the same texture or structure as old-fashioned oats in cookies. Instant oats are processed more, making them finer and softer. This results in a thinner dough and cookies that might be too soft or mushy. For the best chewy and hearty texture, old-fashioned oats are the ideal choice.
Are Quaker Oatmeal Cookies Good for Diet?
Quaker oatmeal cookies can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. They contain oats, which provide fiber and essential nutrients like iron and magnesium. However, they also contain sugar and butter, so it’s important to watch portion sizes if you’re aiming to control your calorie intake. You can also modify the recipe to make it healthier by reducing sugar or adding raisins instead of chocolate chips for added nutrients.
Why Are My Oatmeal Cookies Always Dry?
If your oatmeal cookies are coming out dry, it could be due to a few reasons:
- Overbaking: Baking the cookies for too long can dry them out. Make sure to check the cookies around the 10-minute mark and remove them when the edges are golden but the center is still soft.
- Too Much Flour: If the ratio of flour to wet ingredients is too high, the cookies will be dry. Always measure your flour correctly, ideally by spooning the flour into the measuring cup and leveling it off.
- Not Enough Moisture: If you reduce the amount of butter or sugar, the cookies might lack moisture. Ensure the ingredients are balanced to maintain a chewy texture.
How Do You Make Quaker Oats?
To make Quaker oats, simply follow the cooking instructions on the Quaker Oats package. Here’s a quick guide for basic preparation:
- For Old-Fashioned Oats:
Combine 1 cup of oats and 2 cups of water (or milk for creamier oats). Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. - For Quick Oats:
Combine 1 cup of oats and 2 cups of water (or milk). Microwave for about 1-2 minutes and stir. Let it sit for a minute before serving.
You can enjoy your Quaker oats with your favorite toppings like fruit, nuts, or a drizzle of honey.
Conclusion
Quaker oatmeal cookies are a timeless treat that can be enjoyed by everyone. With their chewy texture, delicious flavor, and endless possibilities for customization, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or simply to satisfy a craving, this Quaker oatmeal cookie recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.
From choosing the right oats to perfecting your baking technique, the tips and tricks in this article will help you create the most flavorful, soft cookies every time. Don’t forget to have fun with the optional ingredients—whether you add chocolate chips, raisins, or nuts, there’s no wrong way to make them your own.
So gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy a batch of homemade Quaker oatmeal cookies that will leave everyone coming back for more.