The Best Easy Oatmeal Cookies Recipe - Fun Cheap or Free (2024)

Dec 6, 2021 | Food, Recipes

Looking for the perfect easy oatmeal cookies? Look no further! This oatmeal cookie recipe is AH-MA-ZING and it's so easy, even the kids could make it. Make a batch for yourself or take them to your next party!

The Best Easy Oatmeal Cookies Recipe - Fun Cheap or Free (1)

Whether you're craving something sweet at home, or you're looking for the perfect cheap and easy dessert to take to your next potluck, these easy oatmeal cookies check all the boxes. A crowd favorite, these cookies are just plain delicious. Plus, they're versatile!

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Skip straight to the recipe or keep on reading for some awesome tips for baking, storage, add-ins, and delicious ways to repurpose your leftover cookies! Trust us, you cannot go wrong with this easy oatmeal cookie. Now, let's get to the good stuff!

TIPS FOR BAKING AND STORING THE PERFECT COOKIES

For even baking, be sure to use parchment paper. This also makes cleaning up a breeze and prevents and sticking to the baking sheet! Seriously… perfect cookies every. single. time.

When cool, store your amazing oatmeal cookies in an airtight container on the counter for up to five days. Make sure they fully cool first or they may condensate and become soggy. If you want to freeze your cookies, flash freeze them in a single layer on a cookie sheet then add them to a freezer-safe bag!

Pro Tip: If your cookies begin to harden in the airtight container, stick a piece of bread in there to keep them moist!

EASY OATMEAL COOKIES ADD-INS

The Best Easy Oatmeal Cookies Recipe - Fun Cheap or Free (2)

Add-ins can really make a great oatmeal cookie, right? These are some of our favorites!

  • Dried Fruit
  • M&Ms
  • Chocolate Chips
  • Chopped Nuts
  • Chopped Candy Bar
  • Pretzel Pieces

Can't decide which add-in to use? Split the dough into two batches and try two different combos!

HOW TO REPURPOSE YOUR EASY OATMEAL COOKIES

We are pretty sure you won't have issues with leftover cookies, but just in case, here are some of the best ways to repurpose and reuse your cookies so they don't go to waste!

  • Crumble Over Ice Cream – Mmm hmmm. Try our homemade ice cream recipe from Shelf Cooking!
  • Cookie Sandwich – A cookie sandwich with frosting in the middle? Yes please!
  • Ice Cream Sandwich – There is nothing quite as satisfying as a homemade ice cream sandwich!
  • Pie Crust – Crush up leftover cookies and turn it into pie crust!
  • Cake Pops – But, with cookies! Don't forget the cute little sticks to put them on.
  • Yogurt Parfait – Crumble a cookie on top of your yogurt parfait, almost like granola.
  • Crumble on Pudding – Nothing like a delicious oatmeal cookie to add a little texture to your pudding!

There are so many ways to use these easy oatmeal cookies!

YOUR NEW FAVORITE OATMEAL COOKIE RECIPE

This recipe is so easy and so incredibly tasty, you'll never need another recipe again!

The Best Easy Oatmeal Cookies Recipe - Fun Cheap or Free (3)

EASY OATMEAL COOKIES

These deliciously easy oatmeal cookies will be your new favorite. Mix them up with your choice of add-ins and give them your own flair!

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 4 dozen cookies

Ingredients

  • 1 pound butter
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 4 cups flour
  • 5 cups rolled oats, ground into oat flour
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3-4 cups Add-ins (dried fruit, mini M&Ms, etc.)

Instructions

Notes

Store these easy oatmeal cookies in an airtight container or gobble them up with friends right away!

Keyword dessert, oatmeal cookies, oatmeal cookies recipe

We told you it was easy! And they make so many, so they're perfect to make for parties or to give away during the holidays.

Now that you have this delicious and easy oatmeal cookie recipe, tell us… What is your favorite way to enjoy them? Let us know in the comments below!

The Best Easy Oatmeal Cookies Recipe - Fun Cheap or Free (4)

Want more delicious recipes?

  • This super easy Mexican sandwich recipe is the BEST way to use up leftover chicken!
  • This10-minute mini quiche recipeis a foolproof go-to.
  • You have to try thesequick and easy donut holes!

Bake today a good day!

  1. The Best Easy Oatmeal Cookies Recipe - Fun Cheap or Free (5)

    Amber Redingeron May 10, 2016 at 11:00 am

    Do you measure 5 cups of oatmeal and then grind it? Or do you grind it and then measure?

    Reply

    • The Best Easy Oatmeal Cookies Recipe - Fun Cheap or Free (6)

      Kerianne Whickeron May 10, 2016 at 11:01 am

      Great question! I measure 5 cups, and then grind it. (Use the blender to grind it up, it makes it quick and easy!)
      XO, Kerianne

      Reply

  2. The Best Easy Oatmeal Cookies Recipe - Fun Cheap or Free (7)

    Marinda Whitcombon May 10, 2016 at 11:52 am

    So the secret ingredient is the ground oatmeal?!

    Reply

    • The Best Easy Oatmeal Cookies Recipe - Fun Cheap or Free (8)

      Kerianne Whickeron May 10, 2016 at 7:49 pm

      It is indeed!! It makes them so soft, and chewy! (and even my oatmeal-hating son loves them, because when it’s ground up, he has no idea!) XO, Kerianne

      Reply

  3. The Best Easy Oatmeal Cookies Recipe - Fun Cheap or Free (9)

    Rachel Escobaron May 25, 2016 at 8:22 am

    Do these cookies freeze well?

    Reply

    • The Best Easy Oatmeal Cookies Recipe - Fun Cheap or Free (10)

      Kerianne Whickeron May 25, 2016 at 10:53 am

      Hi Rachel! YES! They freeze so well! I bake them, and freeze them in batches. They thaw beautifully every time! ~Kerianne

      Reply

  4. The Best Easy Oatmeal Cookies Recipe - Fun Cheap or Free (11)

    Shannonon July 10, 2016 at 5:43 pm

    This sounds like the perfect recipe to modify slightly to make lactation cookies by adding some flax and Brewers yeast. I’ve been looking for a great recipe that I can modify and make up a batch or two for the freezer and I think I found it! Thank you!!

    Reply

    • The Best Easy Oatmeal Cookies Recipe - Fun Cheap or Free (12)

      Kerianne Whickeron July 11, 2016 at 11:16 am

      What an amazing idea!! I love the creativity! You are totally right, I have made lactation cookies for friends in the past, and it’s hard to find the right base to hold up to the brewers yeast, and flax… this recipe is so dense, and yummy it would be perfect! Thanks for sharing, Shannon! ~Kerianne

      Reply

  5. The Best Easy Oatmeal Cookies Recipe - Fun Cheap or Free (13)

    Marion December 15, 2016 at 1:02 am

    This sounds like something I read that it was a Bloomingdales or Nordstrom type store cookie recipe.

    Reply

  6. The Best Easy Oatmeal Cookies Recipe - Fun Cheap or Free (14)

    Susanon December 15, 2016 at 10:08 am

    will a food processor on chop do a good enough job on the oatmeal?

    Reply

  7. The Best Easy Oatmeal Cookies Recipe - Fun Cheap or Free (15)

    Christine Bryanon December 15, 2016 at 4:30 pm

    Is 1 pound butter correct???

    Reply

  8. The Best Easy Oatmeal Cookies Recipe - Fun Cheap or Free (16)

    Amberon December 15, 2016 at 7:51 pm

    Would it be possible to use baby oatmeal since it’s already ground and I have a ton? If so, how much would I use?

    Reply

  9. The Best Easy Oatmeal Cookies Recipe - Fun Cheap or Free (17)

    Shanel Wionon December 16, 2016 at 12:49 pm

    Do you stir in the eggs and vanilla before you add the flour, oatmeal etc.?

    Reply

  10. The Best Easy Oatmeal Cookies Recipe - Fun Cheap or Free (18)

    Karenon December 18, 2016 at 2:23 pm

    Very disappointed as my cookies seem to harden after a couple of days how can I soften them up.

    Reply

    • The Best Easy Oatmeal Cookies Recipe - Fun Cheap or Free (19)

      Nechelle Grayon June 2, 2019 at 11:39 am

      Put a piece of bread in the container with the cookies!

      Reply

      • The Best Easy Oatmeal Cookies Recipe - Fun Cheap or Free (20)

        FunCheapOrFreeon June 3, 2019 at 10:55 am

        I need to try that! Thanks for the suggestion!

        Reply

  11. The Best Easy Oatmeal Cookies Recipe - Fun Cheap or Free (21)

    Marina Carvalhoon March 26, 2017 at 4:37 pm

    I didn’t have M&Ms so I used coconut instead. Also, I added some chia seed and the cookies where delicious. Great recipe. Thank you very much.

    Reply

    • The Best Easy Oatmeal Cookies Recipe - Fun Cheap or Free (22)

      FunCheapOrFreeon March 29, 2017 at 1:32 pm

      ooooh that sounds so good!

      Reply

  12. The Best Easy Oatmeal Cookies Recipe - Fun Cheap or Free (23)

    Ninaon February 24, 2018 at 8:26 am

    I’ve tried this recipie a few times! It’s just as good with chocolate chips! And I’ve been asked for the recipie a time or two as well. It’s a great recipie to use up those oats in food storage! ?

    Reply

  13. The Best Easy Oatmeal Cookies Recipe - Fun Cheap or Free (24)

    Michelle Readeron June 14, 2019 at 2:03 pm

    GuuuuuRL!! My 7 yo came home from camp & it was our activity!! Huge batch!! Arm work out for sure & TA-DA just the best! Shared with neighbors!!! It’s a keeper.

    Reply

    • The Best Easy Oatmeal Cookies Recipe - Fun Cheap or Free (25)

      FunCheapOrFreeon June 17, 2019 at 3:17 pm

      Yes! So glad you liked it!

      Reply

  14. The Best Easy Oatmeal Cookies Recipe - Fun Cheap or Free (26)

    Kathy Johnson January 9, 2022 at 3:42 pm

    The Best Easy Oatmeal Cookies Recipe - Fun Cheap or Free (27)
    Just made these oatmeal cookies. Very good flavor! I followed the recipe up to the adding of the flour and oatmeal flour. My Bosch mixer couldn’t handle the dense dough! I ended up hand kneading the dough on the counter. Added 4 c raisins and 1 heaping tsp cinnamon. Baked on parchment paper 8 minutes. Made 11 1/2 dozen cookies! There are two of us, I filled our cookie jar and froze 6 dozen. We will have cookies for a long time!

    Reply

    • The Best Easy Oatmeal Cookies Recipe - Fun Cheap or Free (28)

      Fun Cheap or Freeon January 11, 2022 at 12:22 am

      Wahooo! 🙂 NICE WORK!

      Reply

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The Best Easy Oatmeal Cookies Recipe - Fun Cheap or Free (2024)

FAQs

How to make perfect cookies every time? ›

The key is to always use top-quality ingredients as they'll result in a better cookie; it really is that simple.
  1. Always use butter.
  2. Choose the right sugar.
  3. Choose the right flour.
  4. Check your flour is in date.
  5. Choose the right kind of chocolate.
  6. Cream the butter and sugar.
  7. Beat in the eggs.
  8. Fold in the flour.

Why are my homemade oatmeal cookies hard? ›

Overbaking is the most common cause of hard oatmeal cookies. Cookies continue to cook on the baking sheet even after they're removed from the oven, so try taking them out when they're just lightly golden and still a bit soft in the middle. They'll firm up as they cool, resulting in a chewier texture.

Why can't you use instant oats for oatmeal cookies? ›

I don't recommend using quick oats because the cookies won't have as much texture and you want a nice and chewy oatmeal cookie that is hearty with lots of texture going on. Quick oats also absorb liquid differently and you don't want to end up with dry cookies.

Is it OK to eat oatmeal cookies everyday? ›

Both whole grain oats and raisins are a good source of fiber. The presence of whole grain oats will also help you stay fuller longer. That said, oatmeal raisin cookies are still cookies with higher butter and sugar content than other snacks, so they should only be considered a healthy snack in moderation.

What is the secret to good cookies? ›

Don't over-mix the cookie dough. Cream the butter and sugar for only as long as you need to—a recipe usually specifies the amount of time. Don't begin beating then leave the room with the mixer running. Whipping too much air into the dough will cause your cookies to collapse as they bake.

What is the secret to chewy cookies? ›

Cornstarch helps product soft and thick cookies. Using more brown sugar than white sugar results in a moister, softer cookie. An extra egg yolk increases chewiness. Rolling the cookie dough balls to be tall and lumpy instead of wide and smooth gives the cookies a bakery-style textured thickness.

What is the secret ingredient to keep cookies soft? ›

If you enjoy your cookies soft and chewy, chances are likely the recipe contains a common ingredient that serves a very specific purpose. No, it's not granulated sugar, nor the butter. It's not the egg, all-purpose flour, or even the vanilla extract. The simple, yet oh-so-necessary component is cornstarch.

What type of oatmeal is best for cookies? ›

Go for old-fashioned oats or rolled oats (they're the same thing, but sometimes go by one name or the other). They result in the perfect chewy cookie.

What ingredient makes cookies harder? ›

Baking powder

Baking powder contains sodium bicarbonate and acidic salts. The reaction of these two ingredients results in a cookie that is soft and thick, but slightly harder.

Can I use Quaker oats instead of rolled oats? ›

A: Absolutely! As I said, the benefits really don't differ between the three types of oats.

Is it better to use quick oats or old-fashioned oats for oatmeal cookies? ›

The difference in texture might help you decide which type of oat you should use in a recipe. Rolled oats hold their shape well and give things a nice chew. This makes them perfect for baked goods and cookies. Quick oats are better for blending into recipes.

Can diabetics eat oatmeal? ›

A cup of cooked oatmeal (1/2 cup of dried oats) contains approximately 30 grams of carbs, which can fit into a nutritious meal plan for people with diabetes. Oatmeal is high in fiber and nutrients but low in saturated and trans fats and sugar and can help you maintain a healthy blood sugar level.

Do oatmeal cookies help constipation? ›

Will Oatmeal Cookies Help With Constipation? Oatmeal can help support a smoother digestive process. Oats are rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber, which helps in regulating bowel movements and preventing constipation.

What are the healthiest cookies? ›

Oatmeal raisin probably has the best fiber/whole grain, flourless chocolate is better if you're trying to be low carb, meringues are probably lowest calorie. I'd say oatmeal raisin is a very nutritious cookie.

What are 4 tips to keep in mind while making cookies? ›

My tips are:
  1. weigh your ingredients.
  2. use chopped chocolate bars instead of chips.
  3. make 1 cookie right away and 1 after overnight refrigeration to see how much cold affects spread; depending on the outcome, I leave the dough out a couple hours before baking.
Nov 7, 2020

What makes a cookie perfect? ›

The best cookies have layers of texture. A slightly crisp outer shell that holds up to some heat with an inner core that's soft and chewy. Premium cookies taste great at room temperature, straight out of the fridge or slightly heated. Creating cookies in small batches is key.

Should you press down cookie dough? ›

And there are no baking police: If your recipe tells you to flatten your cookies before baking, you just go ahead and do that however you want. So long as they end up evenly flat, that is; squashing cookies haphazardly under your palm means they may bake and brown unevenly.

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