Easy One Bowl Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

There is an undeniable warmth that fills the air when the aroma of homemade cookies wafts through the kitchen. These delightful treats often evoke feelings of nostalgia, taking us back to family gatherings where laughter and joy intertwined with the scent of freshly baked goods. The act of baking cookies is not merely about the end product; it is about the experiences shared with loved ones, the moments of togetherness. Each bite of a homemade cookie carries with it memories of cozy nights spent huddled around the kitchen table, enjoying the simple pleasure of indulgent flavors.

Among the various cookie options available, oatmeal cookies hold a particularly cherished place in many hearts. Their chewy texture, combined with wholesome ingredients, makes them a guilt-free indulgence that is hard to resist. Oatmeal cookies are not only delicious but also versatile; they can be enhanced with ingredients such as nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit, making them suitable for a range of taste preferences. This adaptability has contributed to the enduring popularity of oatmeal cookies across generations.

Ingredients That Make a Difference

The foundation of a delightful easy one bowl oatmeal cookies recipe lies in the quality and type of ingredients used. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the desired flavor and texture, ensuring these cookies are a treat for any occasion. To start, warm, melted butter serves as a key ingredient, providing a rich, buttery flavor that elevates the overall profile of the cookies. The transformation of butter from solid to liquid not only enhances the blend of sweetness but also contributes significantly to the softness and chewiness of the final product.

Another crucial component is vanilla extract, which adds a comforting essence that harmonizes beautifully with the oats and other ingredients. This simple addition infuses the cookies with a warm, inviting aroma, encapsulating the essence of homemade baked goods. When creating an easy one bowl oatmeal cookies recipe, it is important to choose pure vanilla extract over imitation, as its depth of flavor can transform good cookies into great ones.

Step-by-Step Baking Guide

To create the most delightful easy one bowl oatmeal cookies, the journey begins with preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). As you hear the familiar beep of the preheating oven, the anticipation of delicious cookies fills the air. While the oven warms up, take a moment to gather all your ingredients, including rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and a touch of cinnamon.

Next, prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This simple step enhances easy cookie removal later and prevents them from sticking, allowing for a mess-free experience. Once everything is in place, consider the magic of mixing your ingredients; this is where your one bowl cookie recipe truly shines. In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter, sugar, and an egg. As you blend these components, enjoy the creamy texture that begins to form—there is a certain satisfaction in seeing the mixture come together.

Storing and Enjoying Your Cookies

Once you have baked a batch of delicious cookies using the easy one bowl oatmeal cookies recipe, the next step is to ensure that they remain fresh and enjoyable for as long as possible. To store your cookies properly, allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before transferring them to an airtight container. This helps in maintaining their chewy texture and prevents them from becoming hard. If you’re looking to keep them fresh for an extended period, consider freezing the cookies. Just place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag, ensuring to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to indulge, simply let them thaw at room temperature.

Sharing these delightful cookies can be a joyous experience. Consider packaging them beautifully in a decorative box or a simple mason jar tied with a ribbon, making them perfect as gifts for friends, family, or colleagues. These cookies are excellent for gatherings, picnics, or even as a sweet addition to a potluck. The charm of the easy one bowl oatmeal cookies recipe is that they can easily be customized with different add-ins, such as chocolate chips or dried fruits, making them versatile in flavor.

Ingredients

• 6 ounces unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks; 170 g), fluid and warm—roughly 105°F (41°C)
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vanilla extract
• 1 large egg, cold (about 50g)
• 2 teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt; half as much by volume if using table salt (7g of either kosher or table salt by weight)
• 1 teaspoon (3 g) ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon (3 g) baking soda
• 7 ounces old fashioned rolled oats—not quick-cooking or instant (2 cups; 200 g)
• 6 ounces all-purpose flour, not unbleached (1 1/4 cups; 170 g)
• 7 ounces dried cranberries or cherries (1 1/4 cups; 200 g)

Instructions

1. Adjust oven rack to middle position, preheat to 350°F (180°C), and line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment (not wax paper).
2. Combine butter, vanilla, egg, brown sugar, white sugar, kosher salt, cinnamon, and baking soda in a medium bowl. Stir until no lumps remain, then fold in rolled oats, followed by the flour and dried cranberries or cherries. Divide into 30 one-ounce portions with a roughly 2-tablespoon scoop and arrange on prepared baking sheets. Let stand at room temperature for at least 25 minutes, no more than 75 minutes.
3. Bake until pale gold around the edges, but still puffed and steamy in the center, about 15 minutes. Cool directly on baking sheets until firm, about 10 minutes. Enjoy warm, or store in an airtight container up to 3 days at room temperature.