These are seriously the bestEasy Oatmeal Cookies— soft, chewy, delicious, possibly addictive cookies that are ready in just 30 minutes and perfect for any occasion!

A white plate piled with several homemade treats from your favorite easy oatmeal cookies recipe sits on a rustic blue surface, with a glass of milk in the background.

👩‍🍳 This is a great and solidoatmeal cookie recipethat turns out every single time. They’re some of my husband’s absolute favorites because they’re simple and sweet, without being too much!

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Long live all the staple recipes that you can make again and again!This recipe has been around the blog (and my home) for years because it’s a classic oatmeal cookie that’s delicious just as it is.

I love a simple, plain cookie because it’s a great go-to for celebrations or just a regular Tuesday.

Plus, the texture is everything and more you could want in a cookie — soft and chewy with just a bit of crisp on the outside. Pure perfection!

(And they are perfect for making theseHomemade Oatmeal Cream Pies, too!)

How to Make Easy Oatmeal Cookies

Step 1:Preheat the oven and line your baking sheets.

Step 2:In the bowl of your mixer, cream the sugar and butter. Add the egg and vanilla, then stir in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix in the oats and any other mix-ins.

Step 3:Roll the dough into 1 inch balls and arrange on baking sheet.

Step 4:Bake until edges brown and center is set. Move to a cooling rack to cool.

How to Freeze Cookies and Cookie Dough

To freeze baked cookies, allow the cookies to cool completely, store them in an airtight container, and keep them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Pull them out about an hour before serving to let them thaw to room temperature.

To freeze the dough, form the dough into balls, and freeze them for a few hours on a cookie tray. After they’ve frozen through, add them to an airtight container or sealable bags, and stick them back in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake them, preheat your oven, place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet, and add 2 to 4 minutes of baking time to the suggested bake time. No need to thaw!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats in this easy oatmeal cookies recipe?

Yes, you can substitute quick oats, but the texture will be slightly different. Old-fashioned oats provide that classic chewy texture and rustic appearance that makes oatmeal cookies special. Quick oats will create a softer, less textured cookie.

How do you keep oatmeal cookies soft after baking?

You can keep the cookies soft after baking them by storing them in a container or sealable bag with a piece of bread. The bread will lend its moisture to the cookies, keeping them soft for longer. Using white bread is preferable, so it doesn’t give off any flavor to the cookies.

Why are my oatmeal cookies spreading too much during baking?

This usually happens when the butter is too warm or the dough is too soft. Make sure your butter is at room temperature (not melted), and if the dough feels too sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time until it’s manageable.

Expert Tips

These cookies are just begging for you to add your own touches.Add between 1 and 1 1/2 cups (total) of just about anything you’d like. Try adding chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, nuts, cinnamon, cinnamon chips, chopped candy bars, M&M’s, or raisins. You could also put a layer of icing, ice cream, or peanut butter in between two baked and cooled cookies to make a sandwich cookie. The possibilities are endless!
If you like a simple spiced oatmeal cookie, try adding 2 teaspoons of cinnamon and a 1/4 teaspoon of cloves and nutmeg.So good while keeping them simple.
I always bake these on parchment paper or baking mats.Do you havebaking matsyet? Such a great investment.