If you’re looking for the perfect balance of chewy, crispy, and packed with wholesome goodness, then Quakers Best Oatmeal Cookies should be on your list. These cookies deliver the nostalgia of a homemade treat with a flavor profile that remains unbeatable. With a hint of cinnamon, nutmeg, and the versatile texture of oats, these cookies can be enjoyed as is or enhanced with fun mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the classic Quaker oatmeal cookie recipe, along with several variations, tips for achieving the perfect texture, and storage options to keep your cookies fresh for days.
Why Choose Quaker’s Oatmeal Cookies?
Quaker’s Oatmeal Cookies offer the perfect combination of sweetness and chewiness, and they’re also easy to customize. Whether you prefer a crispy edge or a soft, chewy center, this recipe can be adjusted to meet your texture preferences. Oats also bring a variety of health benefits, from their fiber content to their heart-healthy qualities, making these cookies a more nutritious choice compared to traditional sugar-laden treats.
Prep and Bake Time
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 8-11 minutes | 21 minutes |
Ingredients for Quaker’s Best Oatmeal Cookies
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make about 3 dozen cookies:
Full Ingredients List
- Butter or margarine – 1 ¼ cup (2 ½ sticks), softened
- Brown sugar – ¾ cup, firmly packed
- Granulated sugar – ½ cup
- Egg – 1 large
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
- All-purpose flour – 1 ½ cups
- Baking soda – 1 teaspoon
- Ground cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – ½ teaspoon (optional)
- Ground nutmeg – ¼ teaspoon
- Quaker® Oats – 3 cups (quick or old-fashioned, uncooked)
Variation Suggestions: You can elevate these cookies by stirring in 1 cup of raisins, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips. For a more decadent cookie, omit the spices and stir in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate, butterscotch chips, or peanut butter-flavored chips.
Nutrition Table (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 130 kcal |
| Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 16g |
| Fiber | <1g |
| Protein | 2g |
How to Make Quaker’s Oatmeal Cookies
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F. This temperature is crucial for ensuring the perfect texture—crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat butter and both sugars until creamy. The butter must be softened, as this ensures a smooth, lump-free mixture. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, then beat well until combined.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing well after each addition to avoid lumps.
Step 4: Add the Oats
Stir in the oats until they are evenly incorporated into the dough. You’ll notice that the mixture becomes thicker as the oats absorb moisture from the wet ingredients.
Step 5: Drop and Bake
Drop the dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. For chewy cookies, bake for 8 to 9 minutes. If you prefer a crispier cookie, leave them in the oven for 10 to 11 minutes.
Step 6: Cool and Store
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 1 minute before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
Pro Tips for Perfect Oatmeal Cookies
- Room Temperature Butter: Using softened butter helps the dough mix evenly and gives the cookies a chewier texture.
- Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies, so mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- For Crispy Cookies: Extend the bake time by a minute or two and space the dough farther apart on the cookie sheet to promote better air circulation.
- Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This will prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
Cookie Variations
- Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies: Stir in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough to create an oatmeal-chocolate hybrid.
- Butterscotch Oatmeal Cookies: For a sweet twist, add 1 cup of butterscotch chips to the dough instead of the chocolate chips.
- Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies: Incorporate peanut butter chips for a nutty flavor that complements the oats.
- Raisin Oatmeal Cookies: Mix in 1 cup of raisins for a chewy and fruity version of this classic recipe.
How to Store Oatmeal Cookies
To Store: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
To Freeze: Freeze the baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature or in the microwave for 10 seconds before serving.
Health Benefits of Oats
Oats are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that offer numerous health benefits:
- High in Fiber: Oats are rich in soluble fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health.
- Sustained Energy: Oats provide slow-digesting carbohydrates, making them an excellent energy source.
- Nutrient-Rich: They’re packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, iron, and B vitamins.
Conclusion
Quaker’s Best Oatmeal Cookies are a delicious and classic dessert that brings comfort with every bite. With endless customization options, from adding chocolate chips to mixing in raisins or nuts, these cookies can suit any taste. Whether you prefer them chewy or crispy, this simple yet flavorful recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Enjoy baking and savoring these delightful cookies, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different add-ins to make them your own!
