Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies
Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies combine the warm, festive spices of gingerbread with hearty rolled oats for a chewy, flavorful cookie perfect for holiday gatherings or a comforting snack. These easy-to-make cookies feature molasses and muscovado sugar for rich sweetness and can be customized with nuts or raisins, making them a versatile favorite that is both nostalgic and fresh.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour and oats)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for GF version)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup muscovado or dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (or coconut oil for vegan)
- 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Mix-ins
- 1/2 cup raisins (soaked in warm water or rum if desired)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest (optional)
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Measure all your dry ingredients—flour, oats, baking soda, and spices—and whisk them together in a bowl to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter with brown sugar until creamy and smooth. This step is crucial for a tender cookie and a perfect texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until fully combined. These ingredients bring moisture and the signature gingerbread taste.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet, careful not to overmix. If you’re adding raisins, nuts, or orange zest, gently incorporate them now.
- Shape and Bake: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough balls onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until the edges are set but centers remain soft.
Notes
- Use fresh spices for a vibrant and aromatic flavor.
- Don’t overbake; remove cookies when they look just set for a soft, chewy texture.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if time allows to enhance flavor and prevent spreading.
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for even browning and easy cleanup.
- Adjust sugar amount to suit your taste without compromising texture.
- For gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
- For vegan version, substitute butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Gingerbread, Oatmeal Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Chewy Cookies, Spiced Cookies, Vegan Option, Gluten-Free Option