Name: Chewy Oatmeal Cookies with Mix-ins Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (186g); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (226g); 1 ½ cups packed brown sugar (300g); 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 ¼ cups quick cooking oats; 1 ½ cups mix-ins (optional: M&Ms, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, raisins, or other candy)

If you’ve ever craved that perfect balance of soft, chewy, and just a little bit crunchy in a cookie, then this Chewy Oatmeal Cookies with Mix-ins Recipe is the answer. It’s a classic with a cozy cinnamon kick and endless mix-in possibilities to make it your own.

A group of round oatmeal raisin cookies with a light golden brown color and a rough texture from oats and raisins scattered across a white marbled surface, some cookies slightly overlapping one another, with a blue and white striped cloth lying on the bottom right side; the cookies have visible dark raisin pieces and a slightly cracked top, showing a homemade appearance. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chewy Oatmeal Cookies with Mix-ins Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Chewy Oatmeal Cookies with Mix-ins Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Chewy Oatmeal Cookies with Mix-ins Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore making these oatmeal cookies because they bring back warm memories of baking with my family. They’re so forgiving, easy to customize, and guarantee that wonderful chewy texture every time.

Perfectly Chewy Texture: Thanks to quick cooking oats and chilling the dough, these cookies stay soft and irresistibly chewy.
Flavor Balance: Cinnamon and brown sugar create a comforting sweetness with a hint of warmth.
Customize with Mix-ins: Whether you prefer chocolate chips, nuts, or even M&Ms, the mix-ins let you get creative.
Simple Ingredients: No fancy flour blends or obscure pantry items needed—just classic staples you probably already have.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Shopping for these ingredients is a breeze because they're all pantry-friendly staples. The real star here is the quick cooking oats, which give the cookies their signature chewiness without being too dense.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of ground cinnamon, a small white bowl of salt, a small white bowl of baking soda, a slab of unsalted butter softened with a creamy texture, a small white bowl filled with packed brown sugar, two whole brown eggs with clean uncracked shells, a small white bowl of clear vanilla extract, a small white bowl piled with quick cooking oats, and a small white bowl containing mixed chocolate chips and chopped nuts, all arranged with perfect symmetry in a balanced layout, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure without making the cookies tough.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warm, cozy spice that makes every bite comforting and aromatic.
Salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness perfectly.
Baking soda: Gives a subtle rise and tender crumb.
Unsalted butter: Softened butter helps create that creamy base, influencing texture and flavor.
Brown sugar: Packed with molasses, it lends moisture and rich, caramel notes essential for chewiness.
Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
Vanilla extract: Brings out flavors and adds depth to the cookie base.
Quick cooking oats: The key to chewy texture without making cookies too heavy or dense.
Mix-ins: M&Ms, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or raisins—the choice is yours to make each batch uniquely yours.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love most about this Chewy Oatmeal Cookies with Mix-ins Recipe is how versatile it is. Feel free to get creative with your favorite mix-ins or tweak the ingredients to suit your dietary needs and taste buds.

Classic Chocolate Chip: I often stick with the timeless favorite – rich chocolate chips folded into the dough give these cookies a perfect melty surprise in every bite.
Nutty Delight: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans gives the cookies a satisfying crunch and a deeper nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon.
Chewy Raisin Oatmeal: For a wholesome spin, raisins bring a natural sweetness and chewy contrast that complements the oats perfectly.
Colorful M&Ms: These are the perfect kids' favorite – vibrant, fun, and just as delicious as classic chips.
Vegan & Gluten-Free: Try swapping the butter for Earth’s Balance Vegan Butter Sticks and use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these friendly for varied diets, and they still turn out wonderfully chewy!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chewy Oatmeal Cookies with Mix-ins Recipe

A rectangular metal baking tray lined with white parchment paper holds twenty round cookie dough balls arranged in a neat 4 by 5 grid. Each dough ball is light golden brown with dark raisins and bits of oats visible throughout, giving them a slightly rough texture. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface with a cream cloth featuring thin black and pink stripes partially visible in the lower right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whisk Your Dry Ingredients Together

Start by combining the flour, ground cinnamon, salt, and baking soda in a medium bowl. Whisking these together well ensures an even distribution of flavor and leavening, preventing any clumps or uneven spots in your cookies. Set this bowl aside for later while you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Brown Sugar Until Fluffy

Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or a hand mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter and packed brown sugar together for about 1 to 2 minutes. You want the mixture to look smooth, creamy, and fluffy – this step is crucial because it's where your cookies get their tenderness and body.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract

Next, add the eggs one at a time into your creamy butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Then pour in the vanilla extract. Mixing until everything is smooth creates a luscious base that holds all the flavors together perfectly.

Step 4: Gently Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Mix just until combined—you want to avoid overmixing here to keep your cookies tender and chewy instead of tough. The dough will start to come together nicely, but don’t worry if it looks a bit thick—that’s exactly right.

Step 5: Fold in Quick Oats and Your Favorite Mix-ins

Stir in the quick cooking oats until evenly incorporated, then fold in 1 ½ cups of your chosen mix-ins—whether that’s chocolate chips, nuts, raisins, or even colorful M&Ms. This is where the cookie really starts to shine with texture and character!

Step 6: Chill the Dough for Maximum Chewiness

Scoop out generous 2-tablespoon-sized balls of dough and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper. Cover with plastic wrap and pop them into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling is a game-changer—it helps the cookies maintain their shape and achieve that coveted chewy, puffy texture.

Step 7: Prepare to Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Arrange your chilled dough balls about 2 inches apart—this spacing lets them spread without running into each other.

Step 8: Bake Until Slightly Golden and Set

Bake the cookies for about 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the bottoms and edges turn a lovely golden color, and the tops lose their glossy shine. The centers might look just a tiny bit soft, but that’s perfect—they’ll firm up as they cool.

Step 9: Cool and Store Your Cookies

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes—they’re delicate right out of the oven, so this helps them set. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Store your chewy oatmeal cookies in an airtight container for up to four days, or freeze them for up to two months to enjoy later!

Top Tip

Mastering the art of chewy oatmeal cookies means paying attention to some key details that truly elevate the texture and flavor. These tips come from countless batches of baking, testing, and tasting, so you can get the best results every time.

Chill the Dough: I’ve found that letting the dough chill for at least 30 minutes—and ideally up to 1 hour—makes all the difference in achieving that perfect chewy texture and beautiful cookie shape.
Don’t Overmix: Mixing the dry ingredients gently into the wet until just combined keeps the cookies tender instead of tough. It’s a simple step that protects the cookie’s softness.
Use Quick Cooking Oats: These oats blend perfectly into the batter for a chewy yet tender bite. I tried rolled oats before and the texture was a bit too chunky for my taste.
Watch the Bake Time: Baking for exactly 12 minutes will give you cookies that are golden and chewy. Taking them out when the tops lose their glossy sheen ensures they aren’t overdone or too crisp.

How to Serve Chewy Oatmeal Cookies with Mix-ins Recipe

A black rectangular pan filled with two layers of round, light brown oatmeal raisin cookies with visible raisins. The pan is lined with a white cloth with blue stripes. Around the pan on a white marbled surface, there are seven more oatmeal raisin cookies, including one that is broken into pieces showing its soft texture inside. A clear glass of milk is placed near the pan on the left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For a lovely finishing touch, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt right after baking to balance the sweetness. You can also serve with a light dusting of cinnamon sugar if you want to enhance the warm spice notes. If you’re feeling extra festive, drizzle some melted chocolate or a simple icing glaze over the top once the cookies have cooled.

Side Dishes

Chewy oatmeal cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk, whether dairy or a nut-based alternative. You might also enjoy them alongside a cup of hot tea, coffee, or even a creamy chai latte for a cozy snack. For a brunch or dessert spread, serve with fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make it extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store your chewy oatmeal cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days—perfect for midweek treats or sharing with friends.

Freezing

To enjoy these cookies later, freeze cooled cookies in an airtight container or Ziploc bag. They keep wonderfully for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm slightly in the oven to bring back that fresh-baked softness.

Reheating

If your cookies have lost some chewiness after storing, pop them in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes. This warms them through without drying them out and revives their tender, chewy texture perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick cooking oats?

You can substitute old-fashioned oats, but quick cooking oats blend more smoothly and help keep the cookies chewy without a coarse texture. Using old-fashioned oats might give a thicker, chewier bite but may also affect how well the dough holds together.

Why is chilling the dough so important?

Chilling the dough firms up the butter, which helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents excess spreading. It also allows the flavors to develop fully, producing that soft, chewy texture everyone loves.

Can I skip the mix-ins or substitute them?

Absolutely! Mix-ins are optional. You can leave them out for classic cinnamon-brown-sugar-oatmeal flavor or customize with your favorites like chocolate chips, nuts, raisins, or even gluten-free candy pieces.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Look for golden edges and cookie bottoms, and watch for when the tops lose that shiny, glossy look. This usually happens around 12 minutes at 350°F (175°C) and indicates your cookies are perfectly baked but still soft and chewy inside.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about biting into a warm, chewy oatmeal cookie filled with your favorite mix-ins. Whether you keep them classic or get creative, this Chewy Oatmeal Cookies with Mix-ins Recipe offers a versatile and satisfying treat for any occasion. I hope these tips and ideas inspire you to bake a batch (or two) soon—your kitchen will smell amazing, and your loved ones will be so happy. Happy baking!