Easy Oatmeal Cookies

– **1/4 teaspoon salt**
– **Optional add-ins**:
– **1/2 cup raisins**, **chocolate chips**, or **chopped nuts** (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)

### How to Make Easy Oatmeal Cookies

#### Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.

#### Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to **cream together the softened butter**, **brown sugar**, and **granulated sugar**. Beat on medium speed for about **2-3 minutes**, until the mixture is light and fluffy.

#### Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the **eggs**, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the **vanilla extract** until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.

#### Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the **flour**, **baking soda**, **cinnamon**, and **salt**. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed before adding them to the wet mixture.

#### Step 5: Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed (or by hand with a spatula) until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.

#### Step 6: Add the Oats and Optional Mix-ins
Stir in the **rolled oats** by hand, followed by any optional add-ins like **raisins**, **chocolate chips**, or **nuts**. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.

#### Step 7: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about **2 inches apart**. If you prefer smaller cookies, you can make the dough balls slightly smaller. Keep in mind that the cookies will spread slightly as they bake, so don’t crowd them too closely.

#### Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for **10-12 minutes**, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set but still soft. For softer cookies, remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are golden; for crispier cookies, let them bake for a minute or two longer.

#### Step 9: Cool and Enjoy!
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for **5 minutes** before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps them set and makes them easier to remove without breaking.

Once cooled, enjoy your warm, homemade oatmeal cookies with a glass of milk or a hot cup of tea. These cookies will stay fresh for up to **4-5 days** in an airtight container, or you can freeze them for later enjoyment.

### Tips for the Perfect Oatmeal Cookies

1. **Use Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats**: For the best texture, always use **old-fashioned rolled oats** rather than instant oats. Rolled oats provide the chewy texture that makes oatmeal cookies so delicious.

2. **Chill the Dough (Optional)**: If you have the time, chilling the dough for **30 minutes** before baking helps the cookies hold their shape better and reduces spreading. This step is especially helpful if you add mix-ins like chocolate chips, which can make the dough a bit softer.

3. **Adjust the Sweetness**: If you like your cookies a bit less sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar by 1-2 tablespoons. Likewise, if you prefer a sweeter cookie, feel free to add a bit more sugar or include extra chocolate chips or raisins.

4. **Don’t Overbake**: Oatmeal cookies can go from soft and chewy to dry and hard quickly, so keep an eye on them while they bake. Remove them from the oven when the edges are golden and the centers are just set for the best texture.

5. **Make Them Vegan or Gluten-Free**: You can easily modify this recipe to fit dietary needs:
– For **vegan oatmeal cookies**, substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative, and replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2 tablespoons water per egg).
– For **gluten-free oatmeal cookies**, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free.

### Customizing Your Oatmeal Cookies

One of the best things about oatmeal cookies is how easy it is to make them your own. Here are some ideas to help you get creative:

1. **Raisin & Walnut Oatmeal Cookies**: For a classic combination, add **raisins** and **chopped walnuts** for extra crunch and flavor.
2. **Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies**: Add a **half cup of chocolate chips** for a richer, sweeter cookie. You can use **dark chocolate**, **milk chocolate**, or even **white chocolate chips** depending on your preference.
3. **Coconut Oatmeal Cookies**: Add **shredded coconut** for a tropical twist. The coconut pairs wonderfully with the oats and adds texture.
4. **Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies**: For a nutty twist, add **peanut butter** (about **1/4 cup**) to the dough. You can also fold in **peanut butter chips** or **chopped peanuts**.
5. **Spiced Oatmeal Cookies**: Boost the flavor with spices like **ground ginger**, **nutmeg**, or even a pinch of **cloves**. This gives your cookies a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for fall.

### Why These Easy Oatmeal Cookies Are Perfect for Every Occasion

– **Family-Friendly**: With simple, wholesome ingredients, these cookies are perfect for baking with kids or making a batch for the whole family.
– **Great for Gifting**: Pack these homemade cookies into a cute jar or tin and give them as a thoughtful homemade gift for birthdays, holidays, or just because.
– **A Snack You Can Feel Good About**: Oats are a whole grain and are packed with fiber, making oatmeal cookies a healthier alternative to traditional cookies, especially if you add nuts or dried fruit.

### Conclusion

These **easy oatmeal cookies** are the ultimate treat for cookie lovers. They’re quick, simple, and adaptable to your tastes. Whether you prefer classic raisins, chocolate chips, or something a bit more adventurous, this recipe offers endless possibilities for customization. Perfect for any occasion—from casual snack time to special celebrations—these cookies will surely be a hit with everyone. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and enjoy a batch of warm, chewy oatmeal cookies today!