This simple recipe for thick and chewy gluten free oatmeal cookies is crispy around the edges, soft and chewy the rest of the way through. In other words, perfect.
Yup, oatmeal cookies can be made gluten free!
Are you worried that oats aren't gluten free? Oats are not a gluten-containing grain. They are frequently contaminated with gluten, though, because of the way they are typically grown and stored.
In the United States, there are certified gluten free oats that are grown on dedicated fields, and processed to carefully avoid any contamination. I even buy certified gluten free oats at my local Trader Joe's for a great price.
Why this is the best gluten free oatmeal cookie recipe
It's worth sourcing the proper oats just to make this recipe for thick and chewy gluten free oatmeal cookies. It's been a family favorite of mine, in one form or another, for about 20 years (with gluten, at first!).
They're crisp on the outside, especially the edges and the bottom, but never hard to bite. Then, the browned outside gives way to a super chewy cookie all the way through.
Plus, these cookies have plenty of chewy, nutty-tasting purity-protocol gluten free old fashioned rolled oats gives these rich, moist cookies. That's what gives them a completely different texture and flavor from another classic, our thick and chewy gluten free chocolate chip cookies.
Gluten free oatmeal cookies key ingredients
- Gluten free flour blend – I like Better Batter best here, since it's a solid all purpose gluten free flour blend with lots of structure; be sure to measure by weight, to avoid overmeasuring!
- Baking soda – The rise in these cookies comes from the eggs, but we need a touch of baking soda to neutralize the acid in the brown sugar.
- Sugar – Granulated sugar provides crispness and tenderness, not to mention sweetness, of course
- Old fashioned rolled oats – Purity protocol gf oats provide all the chewy nuttiness of a great oatmeal cookie; in this recipe, we have lots of them!
- Light brown sugar – The rich molasses flavor of brown sugar gives chocolate chip cookies of all kinds their telltale aroma.
- Chocolate chips – We don't use too many chips here so they don't overpower the cookie; you can always replace them with soft, plump raisins for a somewhat more traditional oatmeal cookie.
- Butter – Butter adds richness and flavor, plus gives the cookies their spread and plenty of tenderness.
- Eggs – The eggs are what give these cookies their rise; they also bind the cookies together.
- Vanilla extract – Vanilla extract doesn't make the cookies taste like vanilla! It just adds depth of flavor.
Tips for working with this very thick gluten free oatmeal cookie dough
You'll notice in the video that this cookie dough is very thick, and nearly seems like it won't come together. You might even be tempted to add some water, but resist the urge!
Use the right gluten free flour blend
Like in most of my gluten free cookie recipes, especially the ones that are thick and chewy, Better Batter classic gf flour blend works best here (or my mock Better Batter blend, of course!). A high-starch blend like Cup4Cup will make a considerably lighter cookie that browns less. And as always, measure by weight!
Let a mixer help you with cookie dough preparation
The balance of ingredients is perfect for making oatmeal cookies that are thick and have that delightful chew, and also have crisp, browned edges. The most effective way to integrate the ingredients fully into one another when making the cookie dough by hand is to alternate between mixing the dough and pressing down on the butter with the back of the spoon.
For the easiest way to make the dough, follow the instructions as written, whisking the dry ingredients as instructed. But use a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment everywhere the instructions direct you to “mix” rather than “whisk.”
Try a cookie scoop for easy portioning
A spring-loaded ice cream scoop makes it easy to divide the cookie dough up into uniform portions. It also begins to create the right shape for baking.
Chill the oatmeal cookie dough
Although the cookie dough is so thick, I prefer to chill it before baking the cookies. That ensures the proper texture every time.
You can make it without chilling the dough, though. The cookies will simply spread a bit more, so they won't be quite as thick. But they'll still be delicious.
Avoid over-baking these gluten free oatmeal cookies
Just before the edges of these cookies turn brown in the oven, the tops will still be glossy and look wet. Even when the cookies are done, though, they won't be firm, particularly on top.
In fact, if you bake them until they're firm on top to the touch, they'll be overdone. If you're concerned about over-baking, reduce the oven temperature to 325°F and bake them for 15 minutes. You'll still get browning, but reduce the chance of baking out much of the chewiness of the cookies.
How to store chewy gluten free oatmeal cookies so they stay soft
These cookies are so good at maintaining their texture, whether they're at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or frozen. Magic cookies!
Freezing baked gluten free oatmeal cookies
Once they're baked and set at room temperature, you can freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe zip-top container. You don't even need to freeze them first in a single layer on a baking sheet to protect them from breaking. Just squeeze as much of the air out of the bag as possible.
Freezing gluten free oatmeal cookie dough
These cookies also freeze raw, and can be baked any time a craving hits. Just shape the raw dough as instructed in the recipe, then freeze it in a single layer on a baking sheet before piling it in a freezer-safe bag, squeezing out all the air.
Then, let the cookies defrost until they're still firm, but aren't frozen solid. Bake as usual, in small or large batches!
Substitutions for gluten free oatmeal cookie ingredients
Gluten free dairy free oatmeal cookies
I've made this recipe with Melt brand vegan butter in place of butter, and it worked really well. The cookies didn't brown quite as nicely, and they spread a bit more, but overall the substitution worked great. Miyoko's Kitchen brand of vegan butter is also a great choice.
Gluten free egg-free oatmeal cookies
In place of each of the two eggs in this recipe, you can try one “chia egg” (1 tablespoon ground white chia seeds + 1 tablespoon lukewarm water, mixed and allowed to gel). I haven't tried this substitution, though, so I'm afraid you'll have to experiment.
Gluten free oatmeal cookies without oats
If you can’t have oats, you can replace the old fashioned oats in this recipe with flattened (or beaten) rice. If you can't have oats, I recommend having a look at our full discussion about replacing oats in gluten free baking.
You'll even find a photo in that post of a batch of these very oatmeal cookies made with beaten rice. They look perfect, and although the texture isn't identical to oats, it's closer than I ever thought I'd get for oat-free oatmeal cookies!
Gluten free oatmeal cookie variations
Gluten free oatmeal raisin cookies
Make these into arguably more traditional gf oatmeal raisin cookies by replacing the chocolate chips, by weight, with raisins. My favorite type of raisin for baking (and eating) is Thompson raisins, since they're plump and big, but not oversized.
Other dried fruits
Replace some or all of the chocolate chips with chopped dried apricots, dried cranberries, or even pitted, chopped dates. Toss the dates in some flour first, though, since dates are super sticky!
Gluten free oatmeal chocolate chip cookies
This recipe calls for semi-sweet chocolate chips, so it's already made with oats and chocolate chips. But you can make those chips any flavor you like. Some ideas: milk chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even chopped dark chocolate chunks.
Gluten free, oatmeal walnut cookies
Replace the chocolate chips in this recipe with whopped raw walnuts, by weight, and your cookies will taste transformed! The nuts bring out the nuttiness in the oats.
Iced gluten free oatmeal cookies
You can always add some confectioners' sugar icing to the top of these cookies, but for true iced gluten free oatmeal cookies, you need a thin a chewy cookie with a thin layer of icing that sets fully. Try our iced gf oatmeal cookies recipe for just that!
FAQs
Are oats gluten free?
Oats are naturally gluten free, even though some people who can't have gluten are also sensitive to the distinct protein in oats. Follow the instructions above on how to replace the oats in this recipe if that describes you!
Are oatmeal cookies gluten free?
No! Unless, like these gf oatmeal cookies, they're made with gluten-free ingredients, conventional oatmeal cookies are made with wheat flour, which contains gluten by nature.
Are these gluten free oatmeal cookies healthy?
Oats are a healthy whole grain, and these cookies have plenty of them, but I wouldn't call these healthy cookies. For that, you need our oatmeal breakfast cookies, which are naturally sweetened and much heartier for your morning breakfast.
What are the best oats for this gf oatmeal cookie recipe?
The best oats for this recipe are purity protocol old fashioned rolled oats. I buy mine at Trader Joe's, but Bob's Red Mill makes the same type of gluten free oats—just be sure to grab the bag that says “gluten free.”
Can I double this recipe for gluten free oatmeal cookies?
Yes! You can successfully double this recipe if you're using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment to mix everything together fully. Otherwise, try making two recipes in two separate bowls to ensure all ingredients are combined properly.
Can I use dark brown sugar in this gluten free oatmeal cookies recipe?
Yes, you can use dark brown sugar in place of light brown sugar, if you'd like a richer, deeper molasses flavor. The cookies themselves will be a bit darker in color, too.
Can I freeze gf oatmeal cookie dough?
Yes! Try freezing the shaped cookie dough balls as disks in a freezer-safe bag, with as much air removed as possible. Let defrost until they're firm but not frozen before baking.
Why are my gluten free oat cookies hard?
Did you overbake the cookies? Did you make ingredient substitutions, especially the flour blend, or measure by volume instead of weight and thereby overmeasure your flour? All of those can lead to hard cookies.
Thick and Chewy Classic Gluten Free Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (210 g) all purpose gluten free flour blend I used Better Batter
- 1 ¼ teaspoons xanthan gum omit if your blend already contains it
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 2 ½ cups (250 g) certified gluten free old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup (218 g) packed light brown sugar
- 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips (See Recipe Notes)
- 10 tablespoons (140 g) unsalted butter at room temperature
- 2 (100 g (weighed out of shell)) eggs at room temperature, beaten
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
- In a large bowl, place the flour, xanthan gum, baking soda and salt, and whisk to combine well. Add the granulated sugar and oats, and whisk again to combine.
- Add the brown sugar and mix, breaking up any lumps in. Add the butter, and mix with a large spoon, pressing down with the back of the spoon to moisten the other ingredients.
- Add the beaten eggs and vanilla, and mix until the dough comes together. It will be very thick, and a bit difficult to stir, but continue to alternately press the cookie dough with the back of the spoon and stir, until the dry ingredients are nearly absorbed.
- Add the chocolate chips, and mix to distribute the chips evenly throughout and until the dough is completely integrated.
- Divide the dough into 24 equal pieces, each about the size of a golf ball, on the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
- Press each piece of dough with the palm of your hand to flatten it into a disk of about 3/4-inch thick. Place the baking sheets in the freezer until firm, about 15 minutes.
- Once chilled, place the baking sheet in the center of the preheated oven, and bake for about 12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown all over (and a bit browner around the edges).
- The cookies will still be soft to the touch. Remove the baking sheet from the oven, and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet until firm (about 10 minutes).
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Thick and Chewy Classic Gluten Free Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (210 g) all purpose gluten free flour blend I used Better Batter
- 1 ¼ teaspoons xanthan gum omit if your blend already contains it
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 2 ½ cups (250 g) certified gluten free old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup (218 g) packed light brown sugar
- 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips (See Recipe Notes)
- 10 tablespoons (140 g) unsalted butter at room temperature
- 2 (100 g (weighed out of shell)) eggs at room temperature, beaten
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
- In a large bowl, place the flour, xanthan gum, baking soda and salt, and whisk to combine well. Add the granulated sugar and oats, and whisk again to combine.
- Add the brown sugar and mix, breaking up any lumps in. Add the butter, and mix with a large spoon, pressing down with the back of the spoon to moisten the other ingredients.
- Add the beaten eggs and vanilla, and mix until the dough comes together. It will be very thick, and a bit difficult to stir, but continue to alternately press the cookie dough with the back of the spoon and stir, until the dry ingredients are nearly absorbed.
- Add the chocolate chips, and mix to distribute the chips evenly throughout and until the dough is completely integrated.
- Divide the dough into 24 equal pieces, each about the size of a golf ball, on the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
- Press each piece of dough with the palm of your hand to flatten it into a disk of about 3/4-inch thick. Place the baking sheets in the freezer until firm, about 15 minutes.
- Once chilled, place the baking sheet in the center of the preheated oven, and bake for about 12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown all over (and a bit browner around the edges).
- The cookies will still be soft to the touch. Remove the baking sheet from the oven, and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet until firm (about 10 minutes).
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Keri Briggs says
Cookies ok but a little bland. Maybe we needed more sugar?! We had to use 4 (Trader Joes) extra large eggs to equal 200 g total. Looked it up and one jumbo egg is only 70 grams! Good texture though!
Nicole Hunn says
This recipe calls for 2 eggs, Keri, weighing 100 grams. It sounds like you went your own way with this recipe.
George G says
HI Nicole,
I made these with Melt butter and raisins. They were delicious but they were not thick. I followed the recipe, including Better Batter and freezing, but they wound up thin and about 3″ across. Any suggestions?
Nicole Hunn says
George, you often have similar issues when you make ingredient replacements. Melt is a good butter alternative, but it’s not butter. I’m afraid it’s likely that.
Kim says
Mine batter was just a bunch of crumbs. I did use Swerve Brown sugar , is that why? I ended dumping the entire thing in the trash :(.
Nicole Hunn says
Alternative sugars do tend to be quite drying, Kim. When you replace such a pivotal ingredient as sugar in a recipe like this, you’re really creating a different recipe entirely. All I can promise is a recipe that’s made as written.
Diane says
Spot on Delish!! I added both chocolate chips and raisins :-) They were crunchy on the edges and chewy in the middle. Next time I might add a bit of cinnamon. Really great recipe! Thank you!!
Nicole Hunn says
You’re so welcome, Diane. Crunchy on the edges and chewy in the middle is exactly what we’re going for. :)
Anonymous says
These are the BEST gluten free cookies I have ever had, and my family (non gf) told me they are the best cookies they have ever eaten, gf or not. My brother ate almost half the batch lol. I switched the chocolate chips for raisins, because that is what we had on hand. The only thing I added was cinnamon, because it’s the most comforting spice☺️. 100/10. Thank you for such an amazing recipe.
Nicole Hunn says
You’re so welcome! Nothing like making gluten eaters jealous of our gf food. :)
Yasmeen Eldahan says
These actually taster better than regular wheat-flour oatmeal cookies. They have that slow-bend, chewy texture you get from bakery cookies. I’m an experienced baker, and these had me shook! They’re now my go-to recipe for oatmeal cookies, GF or otherwise. Thanks for the fantastic recipe! I made them white white choc chips and cranberries. A+
Nicole Hunn says
Great to hear, Yasmeen! White chocolate chips and cranberries are delicious additions.
Christina says
Made these last night and they came out so great! Do you know if they would freeze ok after being baked? Thanks!
Nicole Hunn says
Hi, Christina, yes! I actually discuss that in the post, that they freeze really well! So glad you enjoyed them. :)
Tammy Connor says
I️ made these last night and are hands down, the best I️ have ever made! Thanks for the great recipe!
Nicole Hunn says
So glad you enjoyed the cookies, Tammy. They’re a family favorite for sure!
Reema says
Hi I made your recipe for several times and I love these cookies, but is there any way to reduce the amount of sugar and still get the same great chewy texture? If so, by how much?
Nicole Hunn says
I’m afraid not, Reema. Sugar is not just a sweetener, it’s also a tenderizer.
Shannon says
Would dark brown sugar significantly change the taste/texture of these cookies?
Nicole Hunn says
It really depends upon what you mean by significantly, Shannon! I would not use it, as it would become a much more prominent taste, rather than the hint of molasses that tells you that you’re eating a cookie.
Bryanna says
I was recently diagnosed with a gluten allergy and have been craving all the bad foods.
These are amazing! I added coconut and almonds and skipped the chocolate chips and the came out so good. I think ill add the butter melted next time because mine didn’t mix evenly but that was user error lol
Nicole Hunn says
Hi, Bryanna, no no don’t melt the butter. Your cookies will be greasy. Just let it sit out before you make the cookies so it comes to room temperature. You can also speed up the process by chopping up the butter into chunks on a small plate. Heat a glass large enough to cover the butter chunks in the microwave, then invert it on top of the butter. It will soften the butter without melting it.