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The Ultimate BEST Oatmeal Cookies: Perfectly Chewy Family Treats

After years of testing and perfecting, these oatmeal cookies strike the perfect balance between chewy centers and slightly crisp edges with classic oatmeal flavor. The recipe is simple enough for beginners but produces bakery-quality results that are perfect for snacks, lunchbox treats, or cozy desserts.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 2 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Calories: 180
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup raisins or chocolate chips (optional)

Method
 

Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer). Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined (be careful not to overmix).
  3. Stir in the rolled oats until evenly distributed throughout the dough. If adding raisins, chocolate chips, or other mix-ins, fold them in now. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
  4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (this chilling step is crucial for preventing cookies from spreading too much and helps develop flavors).
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are golden brown but centers still look slightly underdone.
  6. Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely (this resting time helps cookies set properly).

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for optimal creaming. Don't overmix once flour is added. Chill dough to prevent spreading - overnight chilling gives even better results. Remove cookies when edges are set but centers still look slightly soft as they continue cooking on hot baking sheet.