There’s something timeless about a soft, chewy cookie. And when it comes to comfort baking, few treats hit the mark quite like Oatmeal Scotchies — golden cookies packed with hearty oats, warm cinnamon, and rich butterscotch chips that melt into sweet, buttery pockets of flavor.
Whether you’re baking for grandchildren, bringing a treat to a church gathering, or just craving something nostalgic and homemade, these cookies deliver the kind of satisfaction that only a classic can.
This recipe is the one you’ll come back to again and again. It’s straightforward, reliable, and produces perfect results every time — golden brown edges, soft centers, and a heavenly aroma that fills the kitchen.
Let’s walk through exactly how to make these beloved Oatmeal Scotchies, step by step.
Why These Cookies Work
Oatmeal Scotchies are more than just another oatmeal cookie. They bring together the chewy texture of old-fashioned oats, the caramel sweetness of butterscotch chips, and the depth of cinnamon and brown sugar. The result? A cookie that’s rich, slightly spiced, and utterly irresistible.
The key to their success is balance:
Molasses adds depth and chewiness.
Brown sugar gives them a warm, rich sweetness.
Cinnamon enhances flavor without overwhelming.
Chilling the dough ensures the cookies bake up soft and full, not flat and crispy.
Now let’s get baking.
How to Make Oatmeal Scotchies Step-by-Step
Step 1: Combine Your Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together:
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
This dry mix sets the stage for the cookie structure. Make sure everything is evenly combined to prevent pockets of baking soda or salt in the dough.
Tip: Whisking also helps aerate the flour slightly for a better cookie texture.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
1 cup (2 sticks) room temperature butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
½ cup white sugar
Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture until it becomes light and creamy — this usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
This step is crucial: properly creamed butter and sugar create a soft and chewy cookie by incorporating air into the dough.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
To the creamed mixture, add:
2 eggs
1 tablespoon molasses
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Beat everything together until well blended. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Why molasses? It’s a secret weapon for deeper flavor and a chewier texture — don’t skip it!
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Slowly add your flour mixture into the wet mixture, beating on low speed until just combined.
Don’t overmix here — that can make the cookies tough. You want everything evenly mixed but still soft and tender.
Step 5: Fold in the Oats and Butterscotch Chips
Using a large spoon or spatula, stir in:
3 cups old-fashioned oats
1½ cups butterscotch chips
This is when the dough becomes thick and hearty — just the way it should be. Every bite will have that perfect mix of chewy oats and gooey, golden butterscotch.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes.
Chilling does two important things:
It prevents spreading during baking, keeping your cookies thick and chewy.
It allows the flavors to meld, giving you a richer cookie in both taste and texture.
You can chill the dough for up to 24 hours if needed.
Step 7: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Step 8: Scoop and Bake
Roll the chilled dough into balls about 1.5 to 2 tablespoons in size. Place them 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 11 to 13 minutes, or until:
The edges are golden
The centers are still slightly soft
Resist the urge to overbake. The cookies will continue to cook on the sheet as they cool.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.
This helps them firm up without falling apart. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container — or enjoy them warm with a glass of milk or cup of coffee.
Extra Tips for Cookie Success
Make a double batch. These go fast — especially with guests or family around.
Swap butterscotch chips with chocolate or peanut butter chips if desired, though traditionalists will argue nothing beats butterscotch.
Freeze the dough. Portion into balls and freeze them on a tray. Once solid, store them in a freezer bag and bake fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes.
Why Seniors Love These Cookies
Oatmeal Scotchies are more than just dessert — they’re a memory. They bring warmth to the table, especially for older adults who’ve been baking or enjoying cookies like these since childhood.
The soft texture makes them easy to eat, even for those with dental issues.
The ingredients are pantry-friendly, simple, and inexpensive.
They store well and travel well — perfect for sharing with neighbors, grandkids, or bringing to church events.
A Cookie That Feels Like Home
There are plenty of cookie recipes out there, but this one has stood the test of time for a reason. Oatmeal Scotchies blend the nourishing chew of oats with the sweet comfort of butterscotch, wrapped in a cookie that’s soft, spiced, and deeply satisfying.
Whether you’re baking for yourself or someone you love, this recipe will warm hearts — and fill the kitchen with the kind of aroma that always brings people home.
So go ahead — pull out the mixing bowls, preheat the oven, and make a batch of these golden, chewy Oatmeal Scotchies. You won’t regret it.
