Trader Joe’s Oatmeal Cookie Recipe

Who doesn’t love a warm, chewy oatmeal cookie fresh from the oven? This Trader Joe’s Oatmeal Cookie Recipe captures the perfect balance of soft texture, sweet caramel notes, and a hint of cinnamon spice. Inspired by the cozy, nostalgic flavors of classic oatmeal cookies, this recipe is easy to whip up and endlessly customizable, making it a go-to for any home baker.

Whether you’re a fan of raisins or prefer mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts, these cookies deliver that homemade charm with every bite. They’re ideal for holiday gatherings, after-school snacks, or a cozy night in. Plus, with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have bakery-quality cookies in no time.

Ready to bake a batch of the best oatmeal cookies? Let’s dive into this foolproof recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Keep reading for tips, tricks, and all the details to make these cookies your own!

My Personal Experience With This Trader Joe’s Oatmeal Cookie Recipe

I first stumbled upon this Trader Joe’s Oatmeal Cookie Recipe while craving a comforting treat during a chilly fall evening. The warm aroma of cinnamon and brown sugar filled my kitchen, instantly transporting me back to childhood bake sessions with my mom. These cookies, with their chewy centers and golden edges, were an instant hit with my family.

What I love most is how versatile this recipe is. One time, I swapped raisins for dark chocolate chunks for a decadent twist, and another, I added toasted pecans for extra crunch. Each batch turns out perfectly chewy, thanks to the chill time trick I learned from the recipe. It’s now my go-to for potlucks and gifting!

Baking these cookies has become a weekend ritual. Whether I’m soaking raisins in rum for a grown-up flavor or keeping it classic for the kids, the process is as enjoyable as the result. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients Required for Trader Joe’s Oatmeal Cookie Recipe

Gather all the following ingredients, before you start making this Trader Joe’s Oatmeal Cookie

• 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (220g) packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tsp (10ml) vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups (280g) old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup (160g) raisins (or mix-ins like chocolate chips, M&M’s, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts)

Kitchen Utensils Required

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Medium mixing bowl
3. Whisk
4. Stand mixer or hand mixer
5. Spatula
6. Measuring cups and spoons (or kitchen scale)
7. Baking sheets
8. Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
9. Cookie scoop (2 tbsp size)
10. Cooling rack

Preparation & Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Chill Time: 1 hour (up to 72 hours for chewier cookies)

Cook Time: 12–14 minutes per batch

Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes

Servings: About 24 cookies

Copycat Trader Joe’s Oatmeal Cookie Recipe

Just follow this simple step by step guideline to make your homemade version of Trader Joe’s Oatmeal Cookie in a delicious way.

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour, ¾ tsp baking soda, ¼ tsp baking powder, ½ tsp salt, and 1 tsp ground cinnamon. Set aside.

2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a stand mixer or hand mixer to beat 1 cup (226g) room-temperature butter, ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar, and 1 cup (220g) packed brown sugar on medium speed for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Scrape down the bowl as needed.

3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add 2 large room-temperature eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Add 2 tsp (10ml) vanilla extract and mix until combined.

4. Mix in Dry Ingredients: On low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined with some flour streaks remaining.

5. Add Oats and Mix-Ins: Fold in 2 ½ cups (280g) old-fashioned rolled oats and 1 cup (160g) raisins (or your chosen mix-ins) with a spatula until evenly distributed. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

6. Chill the Dough: Scoop 2-tbsp portions of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or up to 72 hours) for optimal chewiness.

7. Preheat and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chilled dough balls 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 12–14 minutes until golden but slightly soft in the center. Watch closely to avoid overbaking.

8. Cool and Enjoy: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Enjoy warm or store as directed below.

Delicious Ways to Customize and Serve This Trader Joe’s Oatmeal Cookie

Here are some Variations and Customizations ideas you can try to enjoy this Trader Joe’s Oatmeal Cookie deliciously

1. With a Glass of Cold Milk: We always reach for a tall glass of ice-cold milk when these cookies come out of the oven. The creamy milk cuts through the sweet caramel notes, and dunking a warm cookie creates a nostalgic, melt-in-your-mouth moment that’s hard to beat.

2. Ice Cream Sandwiches: One hot summer day, we sandwiched vanilla ice cream between two cookies, and it was a game-changer. The chewy texture pairs perfectly with the creamy ice cream, especially if you roll the edges in mini chocolate chips or sprinkles for extra flair.

3. Paired with Coffee or Espresso: Mornings feel extra cozy when we pair these cookies with a strong cup of coffee. The slight bitterness of espresso balances the cookie’s sweetness, and crumbling a cookie into your coffee grounds before brewing adds a subtle oat-cinnamon kick.

4. With a Cheese Platter: We once served these cookies on a charcuterie board with aged cheddar and brie, and our guests couldn’t stop raving. The cookies’ sweetness complements the savory, creamy cheeses, especially when you add some apple slices for freshness.

5. Crumbled Over Yogurt: For a quick breakfast treat, we’ve crumbled these cookies over Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey. The oats and raisins (or chocolate chips) add texture and sweetness, making it feel like dessert but with a healthy twist.

6. With Hot Chocolate: On chilly evenings, we love dipping these cookies into a mug of rich hot chocolate. The cinnamon in the cookies enhances the cocoa’s warmth, and the chewy texture holds up perfectly for dunking without falling apart.

7. As a Pie Crust Base: We got creative and crushed these cookies to make a pie crust for a no-bake cheesecake. The oat and cinnamon flavors added a rustic touch, and it was so easy-perfect for when you want a dessert that wows without much effort.

8. Paired with Spiced Chai: One rainy afternoon, we paired these cookies with a steaming cup of spiced chai, and the combo was magical. The chai’s cardamom and cloves echo the cookie’s cinnamon, creating a warm, aromatic experience that feels like a hug.

9. With Fresh Berries and Whipped Cream: For a lighter dessert, we’ve served these cookies with a side of fresh strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream. The berries’ tartness balances the cookie’s sweetness, making it a refreshing yet indulgent treat.

10. As a Gift with Tea: We love gifting these cookies in a cute tin alongside a bag of herbal tea, like chamomile or rooibos. When we shared this combo at a friend’s baby shower, the cookies’ cozy flavors paired beautifully with the tea’s calming notes, earning tons of compliments.

Some Notable Tips and Tricks on This Trader Joe’s Oatmeal Cookie

Here are some tips and tricks you should follow when trying this recipe.

1. Use Soft Butter: Make sure your butter is soft, like playdough. Press it with your finger-if it makes a dent, it’s ready! Soft butter mixes better and makes cookies creamy.

2. Measure with a Scale: Use a kitchen scale to weigh flour and sugar. It’s like using a toy scale to get the exact amount, so your cookies turn out perfect every time.

3. Chill the Dough: Put your cookie dough in the fridge for at least an hour. It’s like giving it a nap to make your cookies extra chewy and not flat.

4. Don’t Skip the Oats: Use old-fashioned rolled oats, not quick oats. They’re like big, hearty hugs that give your cookies a chewy, fun texture.

5. Try Fun Mix-Ins: If you don’t like raisins, add chocolate chips, M&M’s, or nuts! It’s like picking your favorite toy to make the cookies your own.

6. Soak Raisins: If you use raisins, soak them in warm water or juice first. It makes them plump and juicy, like little flavor surprises in every bite.

7. Don’t Overmix: When you add flour and oats, mix just until they’re blended. Too much mixing is like stirring mud-it makes cookies tough, not soft.

8. Watch the Oven: Bake for 12–14 minutes, but check early! Cookies should look golden but soft in the middle, like a sunny day with a cozy center.

9. Use Parchment Paper: Put parchment paper on your baking sheet. It’s like a magic blanket that keeps cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easy.

10. Store with Bread: Keep cookies fresh in a container with a slice of bread. The bread is like a friend that keeps cookies soft and not hard.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Trader Joe’s Oatmeal Cookie Properly?

If you have any leftover (hopefully you don’t have) you can process them properly as follows,

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread or a few marshmallows to maintain moisture; they’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze dough balls or baked cookies in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake frozen dough balls with an extra 1–2 minutes. Reheat baked cookies in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to restore chewiness.

FAQs on this Copycat Trader Joe’s Oatmeal Cookie Recipe

When you give this Trader Joe’s Oatmeal Cookie Recipe a try, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry-we’ve rounded up answers to the most common ones to help you out.

1. Do oatmeal cookies need to be refrigerated?

No, baked oatmeal cookies don’t need to be refrigerated. We store ours in an airtight container with a slice of bread or a couple of marshmallows to keep them soft and chewy for up to 5 days. However, the dough does need to chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour (or up to 72 hours) before baking to achieve that perfect texture.

2. How long do you cook oatmeal cookies for?

We bake these cookies at 350°F for 12–14 minutes. The exact time depends on your oven, but we’ve found 13 minutes is often the sweet spot for golden edges and slightly soft centers. Keep a close eye, as just 1 minute too long can make them dry.

3. How do I keep my oatmeal cookies from spreading?

Chilling the dough is key! We always refrigerate ours for at least an hour to firm up the butter, which prevents spreading. Also, using both granulated and brown sugar, as in this recipe, helps control spread. If your cookies still spread, try using slightly less butter or ensuring it’s not too warm before mixing.

4. How do I know if oatmeal cookies are done?

The cookies are done when the edges are golden but the centers look slightly underbaked and soft. We’ve learned they’ll firm up as they cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Don’t wait for them to look fully set in the oven, or they’ll overbake and lose that chewy texture.

5. Can I substitute quick oats for old-fashioned rolled oats?

Yes, but we prefer old-fashioned rolled oats for their chewy, hearty texture. Quick oats work in a pinch but make the cookies denser. We tried both, and the rolled oats give that classic Trader Joe’s-style chewiness we love.

6. What can I use instead of raisins in this recipe?

We’ve swapped raisins for chocolate chips, M&M’s, dried cranberries, or chopped toasted pecans, and they’re all fantastic! Just use 1 cup (160g) of any mix-in. For an extra flavor boost, we sometimes soak dried fruit in warm water or rum before adding.

7. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! We often prep the dough and chill it for up to 72 hours in the fridge. The longer it chills, the chewier the cookies get. You can also freeze dough balls for up to 3 months and bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

8. Why do my cookies turn out hard instead of chewy?

Hard cookies usually come from overmixing the dough or overbaking. We make sure to mix just until the flour is combined and pull the cookies out when the centers still look slightly wet. Storing them with a slice of bread also keeps them soft.

9. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, we’ve successfully used a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free, too. The texture stays chewy, though we find the cookies spread a bit more, so don’t skip the chill time.

10. How can I add more flavor to these oatmeal cookies?

We love experimenting with spices! The recipe calls for 1 tsp cinnamon, but we’ve added ¼ tsp of nutmeg or cardamom for a warm twist. Soaking raisins in dark rum, as we’ve done for adult-only batches, adds a rich, boozy depth that’s divine.

This Trader Joe’s oatmeal cookie recipe is your ticket to chewy, flavorful cookies that everyone will love. With simple ingredients and customizable mix-ins, it’s perfect for any occasion. Try it today and share your creations in the comments below! Don’t forget to subscribe for more easy cookie recipes and baking tips. Happy baking!

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