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Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Cookies

Name: Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp salt; 3 cups old-fashioned oats

Author: Emma

Published: July 13, 2025

Updated: October 29, 2025

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There’s something magical about old-fashioned oatmeal cookies that takes me right back to my grandma’s kitchen. The smell of cinnamon and brown sugar filling the air, the anticipation of that first warm bite – these cookies are pure comfort in every crumb. My grandma used to make them every Sunday, and now I carry on her tradition with this exact recipe.

What makes these oatmeal cookies special isn’t just their soft, chewy texture (though that’s heavenly). It’s how simple ingredients like oats, butter, and brown sugar transform into something greater than the sum of their parts. These cookies have been my go-to for years – perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or just because you need a little sweetness in your day.

Trust me, once you try this version, you’ll understand why it’s stood the test of time. The secret? Using old-fashioned oats (never quick oats!) and taking the time to cream the butter and sugar properly. It makes all the difference between a good cookie and a great one.

Why You’ll Love These Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Cookies

Oh, where do I even start? These cookies are everything you want in a classic treat:

That perfect soft and chewy texture – just like grandma used to make
Simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry
The nostalgic flavor of cinnamon and brown sugar that takes you back
Versatile enough for add-ins but delicious plain too
They fill your kitchen with the most amazing warm, buttery aroma

Seriously, one bite and you’ll be hooked. These are the kind of cookies that disappear fast!

Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Cookies

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
3 cups old-fashioned oats

Equipment You’ll Need

You won’t need anything fancy here – just the basics! Grab a couple of mixing bowls (one for wet ingredients, one for dry), an electric mixer if you have one (though a wooden spoon works too), and some baking sheets. Don’t forget wire racks for cooling – they make all the difference in keeping your cookies crisp and perfect.

Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Cookies - detail 2

Variations for Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Cookies

The beauty of these cookies? They’re like a blank canvas waiting for your personal touch! My favorite mix-ins are chopped walnuts or pecans – they add the perfect crunch. Sometimes I’ll stir in raisins or dried cranberries for extra chewiness (soak them in warm water first so they don’t dry out!).

For chocolate lovers, a cup of chocolate chips transforms these into something truly decadent. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom along with the cinnamon. And if you need gluten-free? Just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend (I’ve had great results with 1:1 substitutes). Vegan? Use coconut oil instead of butter and flax eggs – they work like a charm!

Serving and Storing Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Cookies

Here’s my golden rule – let these beauties cool completely on the wire rack before even thinking about storing them! I know it’s hard to resist, but that 10-minute wait makes all the difference. The cookies firm up perfectly while staying soft and chewy inside.

For storage, I swear by good old-fashioned cookie tins or airtight containers with a slice of bread tossed in (trust me, this keeps them fresh for days). At room temperature, they’ll stay delicious for about 5 days – if they last that long in your house!

Want that just-baked warmth? Pop a cookie in the microwave for 10 seconds and it’ll taste like it just came out of the oven. Perfect with a glass of cold milk!

Nutritional Information for Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Cookies

Now listen – these cookies are treats, not health food, but I still like knowing what I’m enjoying! Based on my recipe testing (and plenty of taste testing too), each cookie comes out to about 150 calories. You’re looking at 7g fat, 20g carbs, and 2g protein per cookie.

Remember, these numbers are estimates – your exact counts might vary slightly depending on cookie size and specific ingredients. The oats do give you a little fiber boost though, and that’s something I can feel good about!

Frequently Asked Questions About Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Cookies

Can I freeze the cookie dough? Absolutely! I freeze dough balls all the time – just scoop them onto a tray, freeze solid, then toss in a freezer bag. When cookie cravings hit, bake straight from frozen (add 1-2 minutes to baking time). It’s my secret for fresh cookies anytime!

Why use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats? Oh honey, this makes ALL the difference! Old-fashioned oats give that perfect chewy texture while quick oats turn mushy. They’re heartier and hold their shape better during baking. Grandma always said, “If you want texture, use the good stuff!”

How do I keep my cookies soft? Two tricks: First, don’t overbake them – they’ll firm up as they cool. Second, store them with a slice of bread in an airtight container. The bread keeps them moist without making them soggy. Works like magic!

Can I make these cookies without a mixer? You bet! I’ve made these with just a wooden spoon when my mixer broke. It takes some elbow grease to cream the butter and sugar properly, but the cookies turn out just as delicious. Bonus arm workout!

Share Your Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Cookies Experience

Did you make these cookies? I’d love to hear how they turned out! Snap a photo, leave a comment, or tag me on social—nothing makes me happier than seeing your cookie adventures. Happy baking, friends!