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Oatmeal Walnut Cookies: The Ultimate Guide to Baking Perfection


  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x

Description

Classic oatmeal cookies with walnuts and cinnamon. Chewy and comforting, perfect for an afternoon treat or dessert.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • ½ cup raisins (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, or the bowl of your stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes).
  2. Add the eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, incorporating each fully before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  3. Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Stir in the oats, walnuts, and raisins: Gently fold in the rolled oats, chopped walnuts, and raisins (if using) until evenly distributed. Do not overmix.
  6. Chill the dough (optional): Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
  7. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the oven rack in the center position.
  8. Prepare the baking sheets: Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  9. Drop the dough onto the baking sheets: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
  10. Bake the cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
  11. Cool the cookies: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Chilling the dough is recommended to prevent excessive spreading.
  • Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
  • Don’t overbake the cookies; they should be slightly soft in the center.
  • Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Variations: Add chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or shredded coconut. Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version. Adjust sweetness by reducing sugar. Add nutmeg or cloves for a warmer flavor. Omit walnuts or substitute with seeds for nut allergies. Make vegan by using vegan butter, flax eggs, and vegan-friendly sugar.
  • Troubleshooting:
    • Cookies spreading too much: Chill dough longer, ensure oven is at correct temperature, avoid using butter that is too soft.
    • Cookies too dry: Reduce baking time, measure flour accurately.
    • Cookies too hard: Do not overmix dough, avoid overbaking.
    • Cookies not browning: Ensure oven is properly calibrated, bake on a lower rack.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes