Quaker'S Best Oatmeal Cookies
Chewy and flavorful oatmeal cookies featuring warm spices and hearty oats, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and suitable for all ages and occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups margarine softened ⓘ
- 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional) ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 3 cups Quaker Oats (quick or old-fashioned, uncooked) ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Beat margarine and sugars until creamy.
- Beat in egg and vanilla.
- Add combined flour, baking soda, salt (if using), and spices; mix well.
- Stir in oats.
- Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake for 8 to 9 minutes for a chewy cookie or 10 to 11 minutes for a crisp cookie.
- Cool 1 minute on cookie sheet.
- Remove to wire rack and cool completely.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. You can also substitute half of the granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile. If you prefer a nutty texture, add 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans. For a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour.
Serving Suggestions
These oatmeal cookies are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a glass of milk or a warm cup of tea. For a fun dessert twist, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. You can also enjoy them with a smear of your favorite jam, which brings out the comforting flavors of this recipe.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresher longer, place a slice of bread in the container to maintain moisture. If you want to freeze them, wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quaker'S Best Oatmeal Cookies contains roughly 508 calories, with 8g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (19% of the Daily Value), protein (17% of the Daily Value), and calcium (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Yes, you can use either quick or old-fashioned oats in this recipe. Quick oats will result in a slightly softer texture, while old-fashioned oats provide more chewiness. Both will yield delicious cookies, so choose based on your preference!
How can I make these cookies healthier?
To make these cookies healthier, consider reducing the sugar by one-third or substituting natural sweeteners like mashed bananas or applesauce. Additionally, you can add dried fruits or seeds for extra nutrients and flavor. Try mixing in some chopped dried cranberries or raisins for a tasty twist.
Can I add chocolate chips to the recipe?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips are a great addition to these oatmeal cookies. You can mix in about 1 to 1 1/2 cups of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a delightful treat. This will enhance the flavor and add a rich chocolatey goodness that complements the oats perfectly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).