When you think of classic comfort food, oatmeal cookies are likely to come to mind. There’s something truly special about biting into a warm, chewy cookie that has the wholesome goodness of oats. Quaker Oats Oatmeal Cookies take this beloved treat to the next level, combining the hearty texture of oats with a delightful sweetness that leaves you craving more. Whether enjoyed as an afternoon snack or a late-night dessert, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart.
Why We Love This Quaker Oats Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
What makes Quaker Oats Oatmeal Cookies so treasured? For starters, they fuse simplicity with flavor. Using basic ingredients you probably have in your pantry, this recipe allows you to whip up a batch of delicious cookies without the fuss. The combination of oat flakes with the sugars produces rich flavor, while the addition of shortening ensures the cookies come out soft and tender each time. Not to mention, they’re endlessly customizable. You can add in your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit to give each bite a unique twist. It’s this versatility and the comforting, nostalgic taste that make these cookies a favorite among bakers and cookie lovers alike.
Ingredients about Quaker Oats Oatmeal Cookies
To bake a batch of Quaker Oats Oatmeal Cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 cup vegetable shortening
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats
These simple ingredients make for a truly satisfying cookie that balances sweetness and texture.
How to Make Quaker Oats Oatmeal Cookies Directions
The process of making Quaker Oats Oatmeal Cookies is straightforward and enjoyable. Here’s how to create these delightful treats:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly and come out perfectly tender.
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps prevent the cookies from sticking and makes for easy cleanup later.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, fine sea salt, and baking soda. This step aerates the flour and ensures that the ingredients mix well.
- Cream Shortening and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl or using a stand mixer, cream together the vegetable shortening, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add in the whole milk, vanilla extract, and egg. Mix these ingredients together until they are fully combined with the creamed shortening and sugars.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the sifted flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. You don’t want to overmix, as this could lead to tough cookies.
- Fold in the Oats: Gently fold in the old-fashioned oats. This is where your cookies will get that signature chewy texture.
- Scoop the Dough: Using a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving at least 2 inches of space between each scoop to allow for spreading.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are lightly browned while the center remains soft.
- Cool on the Pan: Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This cooling time allows them to firm up slightly before transferring to a wire rack.
- Finish Cooling: After 5 minutes, move the cookies to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
And there you have it — freshly baked Quaker Oats Oatmeal Cookies waiting for you to enjoy!
How to Serve Quaker Oats Oatmeal Cookies
Serving your oatmeal cookies is just as important as baking them. While they’re delicious on their own, here are a few ideas to enhance the experience:
- Pair with Milk: There’s something wonderful about dunking a warm oatmeal cookie into a cold glass of milk. The creamy texture of milk complements the chewy oats perfectly.
- Serve Warm: Enjoy your cookies warm out of the oven, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The warmth of the cookie melts the ice cream slightly for a delightful treat.
- Add Toppings: Drizzle some melted chocolate or caramel sauce over your cookies to elevate them even more. This adds a luscious quality that is simply irresistible.
- Gift Them: Consider packaging your cookies in a decorative box or jar to give as gifts. They make for a thoughtful present, especially during the holidays or for special occasions.
- Make a Cookie Sandwich: Spread a bit of frosting or whipped cream between two oatmeal cookies to create a delicious sandwich.
Expert Tips: Quaker Oats Oatmeal Cookies
To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your baking soda is fresh to help your cookies rise properly. Expired baking soda can lead to cookies that don’t fluff up as intended.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to avoid developing gluten, which can make cookies tough instead of tender.
- Customize Your Recipe: Feel free to toss in other mix-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit. These additions can provide extra texture and flavor that enhances the base recipe.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the baking time. Cookies will continue to cook slightly as they cool on the baking sheet, so it’s best to take them out when the edges are just golden.
- Chill the Dough (optional): If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can result in thicker cookies and improved flavor.
How to Store Quaker Oats Oatmeal Cookies
Storing your cookies properly will keep them fresh and delicious for longer. Here are some best practices:
- Cool Completely First: Always allow your cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before storing them to prevent moisture build-up.
- Airtight Container: Place the cookies in an airtight container to help maintain their texture. You can separate layers of cookies with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
- Room Temperature Storage: Store your cookies at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, consider refrigerating them.
- Freezing for Later: If you’d like to save some cookies for later, you can freeze them. Simply place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just let them thaw at room temperature.
Variation of Quaker Oats Oatmeal Cookies
One of the great things about Quaker Oats Oatmeal Cookies is that you can customize them to your heart’s content. Here are some variations to try:
- Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies: Add in a cup of chocolate chips for a rich, sweet touch. The combination of oats and chocolate is a classic favorite.
- Raisin Oatmeal Cookies: Swap in raisins or dried cranberries for a slightly tart flavor that pairs beautifully with oats.
- Nutty Oatmeal Cookies: Include chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch. You can also toast the nuts for a more intense flavor.
- Spiced Oatmeal Cookies: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for fall.
- Coconut Oatmeal Cookies: Incorporate shredded coconut into the cookie dough for a tropical twist that adds a chewy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions about Quaker Oats Oatmeal Cookies
What makes Quaker Oats the best choice for oatmeal cookies?
Quaker Oats are well-known for their consistent quality and flavor. Their old-fashioned oats provide a hearty texture and rich flavor that makes your cookies truly stand out.
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
While you can use quick oats in a pinch, they tend to break down more during baking and can result in a different texture. For the best results, stick with old-fashioned oats.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure to chill your cookie dough before baking. This helps to firm up the fats and can prevent the cookies from spreading excessively during baking.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that the oats you use are certified gluten-free, as regular oats can often be processed in facilities that handle gluten.
What’s the best way to enjoy Quaker Oats Oatmeal Cookies?
Warm cookies taste best. Enjoy them straight from the oven or lightly reheated. Pair them with milk or ice cream for a comforting dessert.
Quaker Oats Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour For structure
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt Enhances flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda Helps cookies rise
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup vegetable shortening Keeps cookies soft
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed Adds moisture and flavor
- 1/2 cup sugar For sweetness
- 1/4 cup whole milk Moisture for the dough
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Flavor enhancer
- 1 large egg For binding
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats Provides chewy texture
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, fine sea salt, and baking soda.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the vegetable shortening, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the whole milk, vanilla extract, and egg, mixing until fully combined.
- Gradually add the sifted flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the old-fashioned oats.
- Using a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving at least 2 inches apart.
Baking
- Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
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