Farmhouse cookies bring a taste of rustic charm straight to our kitchen. These classic treats are known for their hearty texture and rich flavors that remind us of cozy afternoons on the porch of a countryside home. With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, they’re perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros looking for a comforting snack.
We love how farmhouse cookies blend wholesome oats, warm spices, and a touch of sweetness into every bite. They’re versatile too—easy to customize with nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips to suit our mood. Whether we’re packing them for lunchboxes or sharing with friends over coffee, these cookies always hit the spot with their satisfying crunch and melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Let’s dive into this timeless recipe that’s sure to become a staple in our baking repertoire.
Ingredients
To create the perfect Farmhouse Cookies, we carefully select a blend of classic dry and wet ingredients. These components come together to deliver the hearty texture and rich flavors we love. Additionally, we offer a list of optional mix-ins to customize your cookies exactly how you like.
Dry Ingredients
We begin with the foundation—Dry Ingredients that provide structure and flavor depth. Precise measurements ensure every batch turns out beautifully.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 ¼ cups (280g) | Sifted for even texture |
| Baking soda | 1 tsp | For proper rising |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp | Adds warm spice notes |
| Salt | ½ tsp | Balances sweetness |
| Old-fashioned oats | 1 ½ cups (135g) | For rustic chewiness |
Wet Ingredients
Next, the Wet Ingredients bind and enrich the dough, infusing it with moisture and richness essential for farmhouse-style cookies.
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- ¾ cup (150g) packed light brown sugar, lends caramel undertones
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar, for balanced sweetness
- 2 large eggs, room temperature, fully beaten
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract, enhances flavor complexity
Optional Mix-Ins
To elevate the Farmhouse Cookies and embrace their versatility, we suggest these optional mix-ins. Feel free to mix and match to suit your preferences.
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, for crunch
- ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries, add natural sweetness
- ¾ cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk), for indulgence
- ½ cup shredded coconut, offers subtle tropical notes
Equipment Needed
To create the perfect Farmhouse Cookies, having the right equipment is essential for smooth preparation and consistent results. Below is a detailed list of tools we recommend for this recipe:
- Mixing Bowls
Use medium and large bowls for combining wet and dry ingredients separately. Glass or stainless steel bowls work best to withstand vigorous mixing.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accurate measurement is key. Use dry measuring cups for flour, oats, and sugar, and liquid measuring cups for vanilla extract and eggs.
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
A hand mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment allows us to cream the butter and sugars efficiently, resulting in a light, fluffy dough.
- Rubber Spatula
Essential for scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Baking Sheet
Use a heavy-duty baking sheet with a rim to prevent cookies from sliding off.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat
Prevents cookies from sticking and promotes even baking.
- Cooling Rack
Allows cookies to cool evenly by elevating them and letting air circulate around.
- Cookie Scoop or Tablespoon
For portioning dough uniformly, achieving evenly sized farmhouse cookies.
Quick Reference Equipment Table
| Equipment | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mixing Bowls | Combine ingredients | Glass or stainless steel preferred |
| Measuring Cups & Spoons | Measure ingredients accurately | Separate cups for dry and liquid |
| Hand or Stand Mixer | Cream butter and sugars | Paddle attachment recommended |
| Rubber Spatula | Scrape bowl sides | Flexible and heat-resistant |
| Baking Sheet | Bake cookies | Heavy-duty with rim |
| Parchment Paper/Silicone Mat | Prevent sticking and promote even baking | Reusable silicone mats eco-friendly |
| Cooling Rack | Cool cookies evenly | Wire rack with elevated feet |
| Cookie Scoop or Tablespoon | Portion cookie dough | Use consistent sizes for uniform baking |
“Having the right tools not only saves time but ensures the farmhouse cookies turn out with the perfect texture and golden-brown finish every time.”
We recommend organizing all equipment upfront to streamline the baking process and enhance your farmhouse cookie baking experience.
Prep Work
Before we dive into mixing our farmhouse cookie dough, proper Prep Work sets the foundation for seamless baking and perfect results. Let’s get everything ready to bake like pros.
Preparing the Baking Sheets
We start by ensuring our baking sheets are perfectly prepped. Line each sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and to encourage even browning. Avoid greasing the sheets directly, as this can cause spreading and uneven texture.
- Use a heavy-duty baking sheet for optimal heat distribution.
- If using multiple sheets, rotate them halfway through baking for consistent color.
- Arrange cookie dough balls evenly spaced, about 2 inches apart, to allow for spreading.
Measuring Ingredients
Accurate measuring is crucial to achieve the ideal balance of flavors and textures in our farmhouse cookies. We recommend using dry measuring cups for flour, oats, and sugars, and liquid measuring cups for the wet ingredients.
| Ingredient Type | Recommended Tools | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Ingredients | Set of dry measuring cups, spoons | Level off with a flat edge for precision |
| Wet Ingredients | Liquid measuring cup with pour spout | Measure at eye level on a flat surface |
| Small Quantities | Measuring spoons | Spoon into cup, avoid packing in brown sugar |
To ensure consistent dough texture, measure ingredients carefully before mixing. This step is key to replicating the rich flavors and hearty texture farmhouse cookies are known for.
Directions
Follow these precise steps to craft perfect farmhouse cookies with their iconic rustic texture and rich flavor.
Making the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 ½ cups old-fashioned oats. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- In a separate bowl, cream together ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened), ¾ cup light brown sugar, and ¼ cup granulated sugar using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy—this typically takes 3 to 4 minutes.
- Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract and blend until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, folding together with a rubber spatula until just combined.
- If using optional mix-ins such as ½ cup chopped nuts, ½ cup dried fruit, or ½ cup chocolate chips, gently fold them in at this stage.
Chilling the Dough (If Required)
Chilling the dough helps develop flavors and controls spreading during baking. We recommend:
| Step | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Cover dough | Wrap with plastic wrap | Prevents drying out |
| Refrigerate | 1 to 2 hours | Firms dough for easier shaping and rich flavor |
If short on time, you may skip chilling, but expect slightly thinner cookies.
Shaping the Cookies
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion dough into uniform balls about 1 ½ inches in diameter.
- Place balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Slightly flatten each ball with the palm of your hand or the back of a spoon to promote even baking and a tender crumb.
Baking the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake cookies for 12 to 14 minutes, or until edges are golden brown and centers remain soft but set.
- For optimal texture and color, rotate baking sheets halfway through baking to ensure even heat exposure.
| Baking Temperature | Baking Time | Visual Cue |
|---|---|---|
| 350°F (175°C) | 12 to 14 minutes | Golden edges, soft centers |
Cooling the Cookies
- Remove baking sheets from the oven and let cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes—this prevents breakage when transferring.
- Transfer cookies carefully to a cooling rack to cool completely, allowing air circulation to maintain their chewy texture.
- Enjoy your farmhouse cookies once cooled or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days to retain freshness.
Storing and Serving
Proper storing and thoughtful serving help preserve the rich flavors and hearty texture of our farmhouse cookies. Here is how we keep them fresh and present them perfectly every time.
Storing Farmhouse Cookies
To maintain that trademark chewy inside and golden edges:
- Cool completely on a wire rack before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
- Place cookies in an airtight container. Layer with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
- Store at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in an oven set to 300°F for 5 minutes.
| Storage Method | Duration | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Airtight container | Up to 5 days | Use parchment between layers |
| Freezer (airtight) | Up to 3 months | Thaw at room temperature or warm gently |
“Keeping farmhouse cookies sealed tight locks in that fresh-baked aroma and soft texture we love.”
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your farmhouse cookies presentation and experience:
- Serve slightly warm to bring out the buttery richness and soften any crisp edges.
- Pair with a cold glass of milk, hot coffee, or spiced tea for a comforting treat.
- Complement with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for a rustic dessert.
- For gatherings, arrange cookies on a wooden board or vintage plate to emphasize their farmhouse charm.
Remember, serving these cookies with simple rustic accompaniments keeps the focus on their natural, hearty flavors that make them beloved.
By following these storing and serving tips, our farmhouse cookies stay delicious and inviting from the first bite to the last.
Conclusion
Farmhouse cookies bring a comforting touch to any occasion with their hearty texture and rich flavor. They’re easy to make and offer plenty of room for personalization, making them a favorite in our baking routine. With the right ingredients, tools, and techniques, these cookies come out perfectly every time.
Whether you’re packing lunchboxes or sharing with friends, farmhouse cookies never fail to impress. We encourage you to try this timeless recipe and make it your own. Once you do, these cookies are sure to become a cherished staple in your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are farmhouse cookies?
Farmhouse cookies are rustic, hearty cookies known for their chewy texture and rich flavors. They often include simple ingredients like oats, cinnamon, and brown sugar, evoking cozy, homey moments.
What ingredients are essential for farmhouse cookies?
Key ingredients include all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, salt, old-fashioned oats, unsalted butter, brown and granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Optional add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips can be included.
Can I customize farmhouse cookies with mix-ins?
Yes, farmhouse cookies are highly versatile and can be customized with nuts, dried fruit, chocolate chips, or shredded coconut to suit your taste preferences.
What equipment do I need to bake farmhouse cookies?
You’ll need mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, a hand or stand mixer, rubber spatula, heavy-duty baking sheet, parchment paper or silicone baking mat, cooling rack, and a cookie scoop or tablespoon.
How should I prepare the baking sheets?
Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure even browning for perfectly baked farmhouse cookies.
Is measuring ingredients accurately important?
Absolutely. Precise measuring of dry and wet ingredients ensures the right flavor balance and texture for farmhouse cookies. Use proper tools for best results.
Should the dough be chilled before baking?
Chilling the dough is optional but recommended to improve flavor and help control cookie spreading during baking.
At what temperature and how long do I bake farmhouse cookies?
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 14 minutes until golden brown but still chewy inside.
How do I store farmhouse cookies to keep them fresh?
Cool cookies completely on a rack, then store in an airtight container with parchment layers. They keep up to 5 days at room temperature or 3 months frozen.
What is the best way to serve farmhouse cookies?
Serve slightly warm with milk, coffee, or tea. Present on rustic dishes to enhance their farmhouse charm and cozy feel.