An easy recipe for thick and soft gluten-free oatmeal cookies. Baked in just ten minutes with a nice crispy edge. The recipe also has a dairy-free option.
Gluten-Free Oatmeal Cookies
This recipe for thick and chewy gluten-free oatmeal cookies is one of my family’s favorites! My husband loves oatmeal cookies, especially with raisins and my kids are camp chocolate chip.
These gluten-free oatmeal cookies are so easy to whip up, I usually make two batches, one with raisins and one with chocolate chips. I never worry about having too many cookies with making a double batch of cookies because these cookies stay fresh for days.
I have included a recipe video also so you can see just how easy this gluten-free oatmeal cookie recipe is to make!
How To Make Gluten-Free Oatmeal Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until smooth. (photo 1)
- Add the vanilla extract and egg and mix until fully combined.
- Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and oats to the mixture and mix until fully combined. (photo 2)
- Mix in the chocolate chips/raisins until fully combined. (photo 3)
- Scoop dough with a greased 1 ½-tablespoon cookie scoop and place cookies 2″ apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. (photo 4)
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until cookies start to turn golden brown. Please watch your oven because all ovens are different.
- Allow the cookies to cool for 2–3 minutes before moving to a cooling rack. (photo 5)
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Tips For Making The Best Gluten-Free Oatmeal Cookies
- Soften your butter. Take the butter out of the refrigerator and allow to soften on the counter for 10-15 minutes.
- It’s super important to measure the gluten-free flour correctly. Use a measuring cup made for dry ingredients (not a pyrex liquid measuring cup), and use the spoon and level method.
- Always use a greased cookie scoop. I use a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop. It was a game-changer for me!
- I also like to use Reynolds Kitchens Cookie Baking Sheets. It has a smart grid that makes it super easy to line up your cookies on your baking sheet. I buy it at Walmart.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can! The best way to freeze this cookie dough is to freeze the dough balls (just like you are making cookies). Place the dough balls on a lined cookie sheet and put them in the freezer to flash-freeze for 10 minutes.
Once the cookies are flash-frozen (a little frozen), place the cookie dough balls into a freezer bag. Frozen raw cookie dough can actually last 9 to 12 months in the freezer.
Are Oats Gluten-Free?
You may be thinking, are oats and oatmeal gluten-free? Oats are naturally gluten-free, but most oats are processed in facilities that also process wheat, barley, and rye. Cross-contamination can even happen in fields where wheat, rye or barley are also present.
It is safest to use oats that are certified gluten-free and from purity protocol oats. Certified gluten-free oats are tested for levels of gluten. Purity protocol oats are not only tested for gluten but are also grown in a dedicated gluten-free field.
It is also important to note that not everyone following the gluten-free diet can tolerate gluten-free oats.
Gluten-Free Flour
These gluten-free oatmeal cookies were made with a rice flour cup for cup blend. A cup for cup all-purpose gluten-free flour blend is one that already has xanthan gum it.
Most gluten-free all-purpose flour blends have the starches and the xanthan gum already in them. The xanthan gum helps replace the elasticity and texture of gluten.
So make sure to check the ingredients of your gluten-free flour as to not to add any extra xanthan gum to your flour if it already includes it. If you do, you will get gummy cookies!
My favorite gluten-free flour is Pillsbury gluten-free flour. Not all gluten-free flours are created equal. You may experience different baking results depending on the gluten-free flour blend you choose.
I have not tried this recipe with almond, coconut, or oat flour.
Pro Tip For Measuring Gluten-Free Flour
I have found the best way to measure gluten-free flour is the “spoon & level” method. I use a spoon to scoop the flour into the measuring cup. Then I use the back of a knife to level off the top of the measuring cup.
Please do not scoop the flour out of the bag with your measuring cup. If you do, you could end up with more flour than is called for in the recipe. Also, use a measuring cup made for dry ingredients (not a pyrex liquid measuring cup).
Dairy-Free Baking
I have also included a dairy-free option for this gluten-free oatmeal cookie recipe. My husband, myself and youngest son are all dairy-free as well. So now, you too can enjoy a gluten-free and a dairy-free oatmeal cookie.
For the dairy-free version of this recipe, I used Smart Balance butter and Enjoy Life Mini Chocolate Chips.
Some of my favorite dairy-free alternatives that I like to bake with are almond, cashew or coconut milk. I also like baking with coconut oil.
Easy Gluten-Free Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
You will love how easy these gluten-free oatmeal cookies are to make! The cookie batter only takes a few minutes to make and you don’t even have to chill it.
The cookies bake in just 10 minutes and always are soft, chewy and have a crispy edge…just the way oatmeal cookies should be! So whether you want gluten-free oatmeal raisin cookies, gluten-free oatmeal chocolate chip cookies or just plain gluten-free oatmeal cookies this recipe is for you!
More Gluten-Free Dessert Recipes To Try!
- Cinnamon Roll Cake {Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Option}
- Easy Gluten-Free Banana Bread {Dairy-Free Option}
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Gluten-Free Oatmeal Cookies {Dairy-Free Option}
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softned (,dairy-free use Smart Balance butter)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour with xanthan gum (I like Pillsbury gluten-free gluten-free flour. If your flour does not have xanthan gum add ¼ teaspoon of xanthan gum to your flour blend. )
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon gluten-free baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 ½ cups gluten-free quick oats
- 1 cup chocolate chips or raisins
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until smooth.
- Add vanilla extract and egg and mix until fully combined.
- Add flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, oats to the mixture and mix until fully combined.
- Mix in chocolate chips/raisins until fully combined.
- Scoop dough with a greased 11/2-tablespoons cookie scoop and place cookies 2" apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until cookies start to turn golden brown.
- Allow cookies to cool for 2–3 minutes before moving to a cooling rack.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Frozen raw cookie dough balls can be frozen up to 9 to 12 months (see the post for instructions).
Video
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
- For the dairy-free option I used Smart Balance butter and Enjoy Life chocolate chips.
- I like Pillsbury gluten-free flour. Not all gluten-free flours are created equal. You may experience different baking results depending on the gluten-free flour blend you choose.
- The cookie dough can be frozen up to 9-12 months.
- Mama says, "Check all of your labels."
Michelle W says
I made this with chocolate chips and without. I prefer it without. I don’t do refined sugar so I used my coconut sugar- tastes fabulous!
Deb Kutasi says
Hello Mama Knows Gluten Free, You are my go-to for GF/DF recipes as several folks in our family are GF/DF and I’ve learned to make one recipe and everyone always loves whatever it is. This oatmeal chocolate chip cookie recipe is no exception. Always a favorite with the family. I sometimes add walnuts but usually just make it as stated. Thank you for doing the research and testing of recipes to make life so much easier for choosing delicious GF and DF options.
Noreen says
Oh my goodness These cookies are fabulous ; directions were clear and spot on- having them for a couples get together. Thank you for posting these!
Julie says
You’re my go to site for GF baking. The oatmeal cookies are terrific. I only added half the regular sugar and used the sprouted oats that I had on hand, but the recipe held up. Yum! Just what I was craving.
Wendy Fickey says
Hi Mama, I baked this delicious cookies for my Hubby today. Actually, second batch in the oven. Our house smells amazing. He taste tested them and they passed with flying colors. ❤️❤️❤️This is a bake again. Keep those recipes coming. Thanks for sharing. Baking Queen in Ohio, 🤣🤪🤣Wendy
Michele Lackey says
Have you ever made them with a sugar substitute and did they turn out the same?
Audrey says
Hi Michele! I have not tested this recipe with any sugar substitutes. If you try the recipe please let me know how they turned out.
Crissy says
These are the best oatmeal raisan cookies I have ever had! Thank you so much! My house raved about them all day.
Sandra says
This is s great cookie. I’ve been turning to your recipes lately and they never disappoint. The only change I made is that I always use butter flavored crisco instead of butter, because every recipe I use, no matter who authors it, they spread and or run way too much. I have no idea why. Also I did refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking. A tip I’ve learned on other recipes. I will make these again. It’s just the 2 of us so 24 cookies is perfect! Thanks again for a good cookie recipe. I’ve tried many.
Audrey says
Hi Sandra! I am so happy that you enjoyed the cookies! Thank you for sharing that you successfully used butter flavored Crisco.
Genise in WI says
Great recipe. Followed the recipe as written with the raisins and using dairy. Very tasty
Patsy says
Can you add raisins for gluten free oatmeal raisin cookies
Audrey says
Hi Patsy. Yes you could add raisins to the cookie dough. I have a choice to add raisins or chocolate chips in the recipe card. I hope you enjoy the cookies!
Laura S. says
I increased to make 6 dozen for an event and they turned out beautifully. A few in the last batch spread and the butter ran. I’m not sure if the dough had sat out too long or if I didn’t let the sheet cool long enough. But, those made great testers for me. My husband loved them, then gave me a “I hate when you deceive me” face when I told him they were gluten and dairy free. But, I’m not making two cookies and know there are folks who need GF/DF at the event. I will definitely hold on to this recipe and make again!
Kay Forbes says
Perfection!
Joanne says
The BEST gluten free oatmeal cookies! Easy to make and delicious.
Twila says
I add macadamia nuts and the cookies are amazing!
Kelly says
I did not know scooping the flour directly from the bag produces more flour into the recipe. I use GF Bob’s Red Mill 1-1 and my dough always makes the batter thick and heavier. I usually use a scale to measure. 🤔 I’ll definitely try this.
I subscribe to your blog because I love reading how the recipes are made. You are one of my favorite bloggers. 💜
Audrey says
Thank you so much Kelly, you just made my day! I hope the tip will help you with your gluten-free baking.
Susan says
Ohhhhhhhhhh…….these are delicious! Made these tonight & this recipe is definitely a keeper. My husband who is not gf is lovin’ these. I went straight by the recipe, no changes at all. Thanks, Audrey, you have done it again
Gail says
This is delicious!! I used Caiden’s instead of raisin it was delicious!!! Anytime when I find a recipe online that sounds pretty good I always check your sight and make it from there. Your are my favorite gluten free Arthur I have your book and I love it!!!!!! Thank you, thank you!!!!!!!
Jan says
Hi, lm from England and l am loving your GF & DF recipes – l’m not known for my baking skills but these come out well every time, and are very popular. I have even invested in a set of baking cups! I do find them a bit sweet for me, no one else feels the same lol. just wondered if l could exchange some of the sugar with something else. Many thanks
Olive says
My family bakes a lot of cookies, and we nearly always cut the sugar by about 1/3. I tried it with this recipe and it was great. Although I did add 3/4 c. raisins and 1/4 c salted caramel baking chips from Trader Joes. Fantastic!
Terry says
I made these cookies per the recipe and I made one huge cookie with left over dough I had in my frig for 2 days. Since the dough was stiff I used a flat bottom glass and flattened it out. It baked up crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. I froze the rest of the dough using my cookie scoop. This is a first time for me in over 41 years in the kitchen officially so I look forward to having just one cookie at a time and not having to use self control with a batch of baked cookies!!!The cookies weren’t too sweet. I used Earth Balance vegan butter. I put in a cup of finely chopped walnuts and 3/4 of a cup of milk chocolate chips as that is all I had left. Will make these again as a cookie to give out and at a social gathering!!I seldom post a comment but these are a great everyday cookie!! Thank you so much!!
Suzy says
Yummy!
Lynn charlon says
This is beyond the very best oatmeal chocolate chip cookie recipe I have ever tasted. Finally the Gluten Free oatmeal chocolate chip cookie hunt is over thank you so much for this amazing recipe. I will start searching for a good bread recipe.
Phyllis Hines says
I made these cookies and added chopped cherries and white chips. They are amazing!! I am gluten free but my husband is not and he couldn’t stop eating them.
Karen - NC says
Omg. I made these for a family gathering and whispered to my grown son, “They’re gluten free, but don’t tell anyone”. He and I were the only ones who knew and they were gobbled up. I realized at the last minute that someone… umm, could’ve been me… had been eating the chocolate morsels out of the freezer so I mixed them with peanut butter morsels and the results were delicious.
Thank you!
Jen says
I made these today, they are so delicious! We could not wait for them to fully cool off before eating one. I love your GF recipes, thank you! I’m making your banana muffins too. I can’t wait to try those tomorrow.
Meg Y says
This is a great recipe – I leave out the raisins or chocolate and its still tasty. Both the GF and Gluten eaters love it in the house. I make lots of recipes from Mama Knows GF – its a favorite site with options for the GF and DF (which we need). Thank you Audrey – you are a life saver!
Audrey says
Thank you so much Meg, you just made my night and really blessed me! You are so welcome, I love sharing the recipe I make for my family and helping others.
Laurie Knox says
Delicious, satisfied my craving, will definitely make them again!
Laurie Knox says
Delicious, satisfied my craving, will definately make them again!
Karen says
This is a great recipe for oatmeal raisin cookies. My husband did not realize they were gluten free and loved them. It gives me something to have for a treat. Love them.
Marz says
Fantastic. Not fussy at all. Worked great and even my gluten eaters enjoyed them.
Kathy Schultz says
These cookies were delicious; as someone new to GF baking I was impressed with how tasty these were and so easy to make. My non GF husband agrees! Last week I made with chocolate chips. This afternoon I will add raisins instead and I am sure I will be baking another batch next week!
Evelyn says
I love making these cookies they are amazing my grandsons eats them all down with in 2-3 days. I love them cause the don’t have alot of sugar in them either. . They are easy dairy free and I tryed many oatmeal cookies recipe but nothing like this one I love it
Elizabeth says
The cookies were fabulous. I did add an extra egg and cut the sugar back to 3/4 cup of coconut sugar. And they were still fabulous!
Sue G. says
These cookies were delicious. My husband and three sons devoured them! Personally I like my oatmeal cookies a little chewier, so next time I may cook for a little less time but otherwise really great.
Janet Hofbauer says
Love the recipe. Audrey fantastic nothing was left after making the cookies yesterday. Thank you for the recipes that don’t taste like cardboard. Keep up the great work that you do. Happy New Year 2022.
Shirley says
These were perfect, thank you!
Joi Oyler says
These are my whole familys favorite now. Took to familoy party last week and everyone wanted the recipe.
Alberta Black says
My kids can’t get enough of these! Great for lunches, snacks, and tea/milk with – cookies😊 I’m making a double batch for my holiday cookie packs because they’re just too good not to share!
Michelle Greening says
I’m new to GF and egg free baking due to a recent intolerance diagnosis and have had some fails with recipes. I followed your recipe and made one modification ( egg replacement). These cookies turned out amazing! Thank you for the recipe .
Barry says
Love these cookies. Made them for my wife who is gluten free. Added chocolate chips to them. I didn’t have parchment paper. So I used foil instead. I think they might have spread a little too much. But they were a little crispy, not as chewy. But they tasted great. My wife and daughter said they were great. Sadly because it makes so many. I had to eat some too. 😂
Becca says
Amazing recipe! The best oatmeal cookies I’ve had in years. You can’t tell they are gluten free/dairy free at all! This recipe will be my go-to from now on!
Joanne says
I made these cookies today and they were sooooo good! Thank you for this thoughtful website and recipe. My son, who usually don’t enjoy cookies, loved it too! I used Great Value GF flour and turned out great. I also used 3T flaxseed + 1T water to replace the egg. It was so delicious that I’d love to freeze some cookie dough ahead. The only question I had was… I read that you need to form the dough into balls before putting them into freezer. Can I freeze them using the shape I form from the cookie scoop? I just felt it’s easier for me if I don’t need to use my hands to make the balls. Thanks!
Audrey says
Hi Joanne! I am so happy that you enjoyed the cookies. Thank you so much for sharing about the flaxseed egg replacer. Yers you can use the cookie scoop shaped when you freeze the dough. Thank you so much for the awesome recipe review!
Tamie says
Love it! Absolutely stellar recipe! Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and totally delicious cookies. Oven temp., baking time and cooling time were spot on, and the ingredients resulted in the perfect sweetness level and texture for my taste. No “tweaking” required at all (highly unusual for fussy me). I’m very particular about my baked goods, and this cookie recipe is truly better than my “best GF oatmeal cookie” recipe that I’ve tweaked to my liking and have been using for years (which seems so inadequate now). Thank you, Audrey!