This chewy oatmeal cookie recipe is an old fashioned favorite of mine. The delicate aroma of brown sugar, vanilla, and oatmeal baking will transport you to a time when life was simple…when summer days were filled with fun things, like running through the water sprinkler, zipping around on roller skates, and enjoying a little lunch under the maple tree. These cookies will disappear fast and you’ll want to bake more. Enjoy! Looking for more cookie recipes? Visit my YouTube channel here: Cookies Playlist
Before baking…slightly flatten the dough balls. Cookies will spread while baking, so leave plenty of room between the dough balls.
After baking…notice the nice browned edges, but cookies will still look gooey in the middle. They will firm up as they cool.
Try baking 4 cookies per sheet to see how the dough works for you. These cookies are big bakery style cookies. You could make them smaller if you prefer, just be sure to reduce the baking time a little if you do. Keep an eye on them, and watch for browning.
Variations:
- Oatmeal Raisin: add 1/2 to 3/4 cup raisins, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Chewy Coconut Pecan: add 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut, chopped, and 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans
- Oatmeal Cherry: add 2/3 cup dried cherries and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
The type of vanilla you use can make a big difference in the flavor of your cookies. Try using Watkins Baking Vanilla, or another brand of pure vanilla extract. I’ve been really happy with Watkins. Also, try Trader Joe’s Pure Bourbon Vanilla. I want to make my own vanilla extract this year. If I do, I will film the process and share here. I love vanilla! And believe it or not, I really do think vanilla is my favorite ice cream flavor. Peppermint ice cream is a strong second. Not a popular choice, but I still love it anyway!
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Chewy Oatmeal Cookie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 stick softened butter ( 113 grams )
- 1/2 c. sugar ( 100 grams )
- 1/2 c. packed brown sugar ( mine measured 120 grams )
- 1 tsp. vanilla ( 5 grams)
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 c. all purpose flour ( 180 grams )
- 1/2 tsp. baking powder ( about 2 grams)
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda ( about 3 grams )
- 1/4 tsp. salt ( about 2 grams ) (if using unsalted butter, slightly heap the 1/4 tsp. salt)
- 1 c. old fashioned oats ( mine measured 100 grams)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, brown sugar and vanilla. Add the egg and stir together well.
- Add the next five dry ingredients and mix just until blended.
- Divide dough into 8 equal cookies using a cookie dough scoop. Roll into balls and barely flatten slightly (see video). I like lining the baking sheets with parchment paper. Bake 4 cookies per sheet to allow for spreading.
- Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 15 to 16 minutes. Baking times will vary depending on your oven. Keep check on the browning and try not to over bake! (You could also make smaller cookies to get a dozen out of this recipe. Smaller cookies will bake a little faster, so just keep an eye on them as they bake.) ENJOY!
These cookies are delish!
I always have to double this recipe now,…they go fast! I like adding chopped raisins or toasted pecans to them sometimes. Thanks so much!