These Classic Oatmeal Cookies are chewy, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, and sweetened with a blend of brown and white sugar for the perfect balance. They bake up soft in the middle with just the right amount of crisp edges. The dough can be chilled ahead (up to overnight) for extra flavor, making this recipe as practical as it is delicious. Perfect for after-school snacks, holiday cookie trays, or sandwiching with cream cheese frosting for a decadent treat.
Why You’ll Love These Oatmeal Cookies
- Chewy with a little crunch – The perfect balance of soft centers and crisp edges.
- Cozy flavors – Cinnamon and nutmeg bring warm, nostalgic notes to every bite.
- Simple pantry staples – Made with everyday ingredients you probably already have.
- Customizable – Add raisins, nuts, or even chocolate chips to make them your own.
- Make-ahead friendly – Dough chills beautifully and bakes up even better the next day.
- Crowd-pleasing – Perfect for holiday platters, after-school snacks, or coffee breaks.
Variations & Add-Ins
- Raisin Oatmeal Cookies – Stir in 1 cup raisins for a classic twist.
- Nutty Oatmeal Cookies – Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies – Swap raisins for semi-sweet chips.
- Sandwich Cookies – Spread cream cheese frosting between two cookies for a bakery-style treat.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
These oatmeal cookies are just as good the next day as they are fresh out of the oven—if they last that long! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or keep them in the fridge for a slightly firmer bite. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. Just let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
💡 Make-Ahead Tip: You can also freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls. Place them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen—just add 1–2 extra minutes to your bake time.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
These oatmeal cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in so many cozy ways:
- Classic & Simple – Enjoy warm with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee.
- Tea Time Treat – Pair with spiced chai, Earl Grey, or a calming herbal tea for a comforting afternoon snack.
- Frosted Sandwiches – Spread cream cheese frosting or buttercream between two cookies for an indulgent dessert sandwich.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches – Scoop vanilla, cinnamon, or butter pecan ice cream between two cookies and freeze for a summer-ready treat.
- On a Dessert Tray – Serve alongside brownies, lemon bars, or cheesecake bites for a crowd-pleasing variety.
- Fall Vibes – Drizzle with caramel sauce or pair with a pumpkin spice latte for seasonal flair.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Yes, but keep in mind quick oats make the cookies softer and less chewy. Old-fashioned oats give the best hearty texture.
2. How do I make these cookies chewier?
For extra chewiness, slightly underbake the cookies by 1–2 minutes and let them finish setting on the hot pan.
3. Can I add raisins or nuts?
Absolutely! Add up to 1 cup of raisins, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, or pecans for variety.
4. Do I have to chill the dough?
Yes—chilling for at least 1 hour (or overnight) prevents spreading and deepens the flavor.
5. Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes! Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months, or freeze unbaked dough balls and bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.
6. Why do I need to leave the cookies on the pan before cooling?
Letting them rest for 10–12 minutes on the hot pan allows the centers to finish baking and keeps them from falling apart when moved.
Classic Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Make the dough – In a large bowl, cream together butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla; beat until well combined.
- Mix dry ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add to wet ingredients until just combined.
- Add oats – Stir in oatmeal and optional add-ins (raisins, nuts, or chocolate chips).
- Chill dough – Cover and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
- Shape cookies – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough into balls, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and flatten slightly.
- Bake – Bake for 10 minutes, or until edges are set and centers look slightly soft.
- Cool – Leave cookies on the pan for 10–12 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Serve – Enjoy warm, or sandwich two cookies with cream cheese frosting for an indulgent treat.
Notes
- Chilling the dough: This step is key! It deepens the flavor and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
- Texture preference: Bake 9 minutes for softer cookies or up to 11 minutes for crispier edges.
- Storing: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
