25 Instant Oatmeal Cookie Recipes You’ll Love

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a box of instant oatmeal packets in your pantry, wondering how to put them to good use, you’re in for a treat. These Instant Oatmeal Cookies are the perfect solution—soft, chewy, and packed with warm, comforting flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is designed to be foolproof, quick, and utterly delicious. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to turn those forgotten oatmeal packets into something extraordinary.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let’s face it: life is busy, and sometimes you need a recipe that’s both easy and rewarding. These Instant Oatmeal Cookies check all the boxes. They’re made with simple ingredients, require minimal prep time, and bake in just 10 minutes. The result? A batch of cookies that are soft in the center, slightly crispy on the edges, and bursting with flavor.

What makes these cookies truly special is their versatility. You can use any flavor of instant oatmeal packets you have on hand—maple brown sugar, cinnamon spice, or even apple cinnamon. Each variation brings its own unique twist, making this recipe a fun and creative way to experiment with flavors.

And let’s not forget the kids! If you’ve got little ones who are picky about their breakfast, these cookies are a sneaky way to incorporate oats into their diet. Trust me, they’ll be asking for seconds.

Key Ingredients for Perfect Cookies

Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk about the ingredients that make these cookies so irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Instant Oatmeal Packets: The star of the show! Use three packets (about 1 ⅓ cups or 129 grams) of your favorite flavor. Maple brown sugar is a classic choice, but feel free to get creative.
• Unsalted Butter: For richness and tenderness. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of your cookies.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness. Since the oatmeal packets are pre-sweetened, we only need ½ cup.
• Egg: Binds everything together and adds structure.
• All-Purpose Flour: Keeps the cookies from spreading too much.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and achieve that perfect texture.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.

How to make in

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create a batch of cookies that will have everyone reaching for more.

1. Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat ½ cup of room-temperature unsalted butter with ½ cup of brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes. Creaming the butter and sugar incorporates air into the dough, which is key for achieving that soft, chewy texture.

3. Add the Egg

Crack in one large egg and beat until fully incorporated. Don’t worry if the mixture looks a little curdled at this stage—it will come together once you add the dry ingredients.

4. Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Add the contents of three instant oatmeal packets, ¾ cup of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt to the bowl. Mix until a cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense cookies.

5. Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft.

6. Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool for 10 minutes on the baking sheet after removing them from the oven. It allows the cookies to cool and make them easier to handle. Grab a glass and enjoy once they’ve cooled.

Tips for Cookie Perfection

• Don’t Overbake: The cookies will continue to set as they cool, so it’s better to underbake them slightly than to overbake.
• Customize Your Cookies: Add ¾ cup of mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture.
• Freeze for Later: These cookies freeze beautifully. Store them in an airtight container or ziplock bag for up to 3 months.

Why These Cookies Are a Game-Changer

These Instant Oatmeal Cookies are more than just a tasty treat—they’re a brilliant way to reduce food waste and make the most of what you already have in your pantry. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, lunchbox treats, or even a quick dessert when guests drop by unexpectedly.

So, the next time you find yourself with a few extra instant oatmeal packets, skip the boring breakfast and whip up a batch of these delightful cookies. They’re sure to become a family favorite in no time.

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Final Thoughts

Baking should be fun, easy, and rewarding, and this Instant Oatmeal Cookies recipe delivers on all fronts. With minimal ingredients, quick prep time, and endless customization options, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or a crowd, these cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles all around.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab those oatmeal packets and get baking! Your kitchen is about to smell amazing, and your taste buds are in for a real treat.

Discover other easy and fun recipes:Best Apple Crisp Recipe No Oats