Short Description
Brown Sugar Oatmeal Cookies are rich, chewy, and full of deep caramel flavor thanks to dark brown sugar. With hearty oats for texture and a hint of vanilla, these cookies strike the perfect balance between comforting and indulgent.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Chewy texture: The combination of brown sugar and oats creates a soft, satisfying bite.
- Deep flavor: Dark brown sugar gives a warm, caramel-like richness.
- Easy to make: Simple steps and pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for variety.
- Perfect for sharing: Ideal for bake sales, holidays, or casual snacking.

Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups packed dark brown sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
- In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, beat brown sugar and butter until fluffy.
- Mix in vanilla extract. Add eggs one at a time, beating and scraping the bowl after each.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda. Add to the creamed mixture in 2–3 batches, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in oats until just incorporated.
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dough portions onto baking sheets, spacing a couple of inches apart.
- Bake 12–13 minutes for chewy cookies, or slightly longer for a crisper texture.
- Cool slightly on baking sheets before transferring to a plate or rack.
Servings And Timing
- Servings: ~36 cookies (depending on size)
- Prep time: ~15 minutes
- Cook time: 12–15 minutes per batch
- Total time: ~30 minutes (plus batch baking time)
Variations
- Nutty oatmeal cookies: Add ½ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Chocolate chip version: Stir in 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Fruit and nut mix: Add ½ cup raisins and ½ cup nuts.
- Spiced oatmeal cookies: Mix in 1 teaspoon cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice.
- Maple twist: Substitute part of the vanilla with maple extract.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature.
- Reheating: Warm briefly in the microwave for a fresh-from-the-oven feel.

FAQs
Can I Use Quick Oats Instead Of Old-Fashioned Oats?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly softer and less chewy.
Can I Make These Gluten-Free?
Yes—use a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
How Do I Keep Cookies Chewy?
Avoid overbaking and store in an airtight container.
Can I Use Light Brown Sugar?
Yes, but the flavor will be milder.
Can I Make The Dough Ahead Of Time?
Yes—refrigerate up to 48 hours before baking, or freeze dough balls for later.
Do I Need To Chill The Dough?
Not required, but chilling can help prevent spreading.
Can I Add More Oats For Extra Texture?
Yes—add up to ½ cup more oats without affecting structure.
How Do I Get Even-Sized Cookies?
Use a cookie scoop for consistent portions.
Can I Make Them Dairy-Free?
Use vegan butter or margarine.
How Can I Make Crisp Cookies?
Bake a few extra minutes until edges are golden.
Conclusion
Brown Sugar Oatmeal Cookies are the perfect mix of chewy, sweet, and hearty. With their deep flavor and simple preparation, they’re a go-to treat for any occasion—whether you enjoy them plain, with nuts, or studded with chocolate chips.
Print
Brown Sugar Oatmeal Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 36 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Brown Sugar Oatmeal Cookies are chewy, rich, and packed with deep caramel flavor from dark brown sugar, balanced with hearty oats for texture. They’re simple to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
2 cups packed dark brown sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, softened
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
3 cups old-fashioned oats
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, beat brown sugar and butter until fluffy.
- Mix in vanilla, then add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
- In a medium bowl, whisk flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add to wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in oats until incorporated.
- Drop dough onto baking sheets with a cookie scoop or spoon, spacing a couple inches apart.
- Bake 12–13 minutes for chewy cookies or slightly longer for crisper texture.
- Cool slightly on baking sheets before transferring to a rack.
Notes
- Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty version.
- Mix in 1 cup chocolate chips for a chocolate chip twist.
- Combine 1/2 cup raisins and 1/2 cup nuts for a fruit-and-nut variation.
- Add 1 tsp cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for warmth.
- Replace some vanilla with maple extract for a maple flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg