Rudolph’s Oat Treat Cookies

Looking for a fun and easy cookie to make this year? Rudolph’s Oat Treat Cookies are a fun twist on a classic oatmeal cookie that – unlike traditional oatmeal raisin cookies – everyone actually enjoys eating.

It uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, so you can whip these up anytime. They’re perfect for sharing with family or as a festive addition to your holiday dessert spread – or leaving out with a glass of milk for Santa and his reindeer.

This is one of our favorite cookies to make every year because they’re so easy. Plus, kids love helping out, especially when they know they’re making treats inspired by Rudolph himself.

Even with the very Christmas-themed name, these are great to enjoy all year long. They’re soft and chewy and sweet without being overly sugary.

Some links in this article are affiliate links that may earn me a commission if you purchase through them.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can make Rudolph’s Oat Treat Cookies gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats and substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Substitute both of these in a one-to-one ratio.

Ensure that your baking powder is also gluten-free, though if you bake gluten-free normally, I’ll assume that you already check this. The remaining ingredients are already gluten-free.

Are these cookies dairy free?

They actually are naturally dairy free. They use eggs, but there is no butter called for in the recipe.

This is a somewhat unique recipe in that the only liquid is the eggs. This is not a misprint, and they turn out great.

What kind of oats should I use?

When making Rudolph’s Oat Treat Cookies, it’s important to use old-fashioned rolled oats. These oats are the same ones used to make stovetop oatmeal, and they give the cookies just the right texture. They hold up well in baking and help create a chewy, satisfying cookie.

Don’t use steel-cut oats for this recipe. While they may seem similar, they result in a dense, heavy cookie. Steel-cut oats don’t soften the same way as rolled oats, so your cookies won’t turn out the way they should.

Instant oatmeal or flavored oats are a definite no-go. These oats are thinly processed, which causes the cookies to spread out too much and they often have added sugars. Stick to rolled oats for the best results and texture.

Why should I grate my own nutmeg?

When I use nutmeg – and I use it a lot – I always choose whole nutmeg and grate it myself with a zester. The taste is stronger, fresher, and more vibrant than pre-ground nutmeg.

Whole nutmeg is also more cost-effective and lasts much longer than the ground version. Ground spices lose their flavor after about six months, which means you’re getting less value. Grating your own nutmeg ensures you get the freshest flavor possible every time.

I buy my whole nutmeg in bulk to save even more. While I buy cinnamon ground due to the quantity I use, the same rule applies: whole spices are always the better option when possible.

Why should I chill my cookie dough?

This prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, resulting in a thicker, chewier cookie. The resting period also allows the flour to fully hydrate by absorbing moisture from the other ingredients, which helps create a more even and consistent texture.

Chilling also enhances the flavor of cookie dough. As it sits, the ingredients have time to meld together, developing a deeper and more balanced taste.

The slight drying out of the dough surface during refrigeration can also lead to a more caramelized exterior when baked, adding complexity to the cookie.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, you can definitely freeze Rudolph’s Oat Treat Cookies! To do so, make sure to separate the cookies with parchment or wax paper between the layers.

This prevents them from sticking together or picking up bits of the cookies above them. Once layered, store the cookies in a tightly sealed container and freeze them for up to three months.

To thaw, simply remove the cookies from the container and leave them on the counter for about an hour. If you prefer a softer texture, you can microwave them for 5 to 10 seconds, but that’s optional.

How to Make Rudolph’s Oat Treat Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and nutmeg until evenly blended.

Add eggs one at a time, beating between each addition, then add the vanilla extract. Stir until just combined.

If you have time, chill your dough for at least 30 minutes. This ensures the flour properly hydrates and creates a better cookie that doesn’t spread as much, but if you don’t have time you can make the cookies right away.

Using your smallest cookie scoop, portion the dough into small, even-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each.

Bake the cookies at 350 degrees for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain slightly soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once they’re fully cool, store the cookies in an airtight container on your counter for up to 5 days.

I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Enjoy this article? Please share it and save it for later!