If you have a soft spot for cookies that strike the perfect balance between chewy and crisp, you are going to love The Best Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. This is not just any cookie recipe; it’s a warm hug on a plate, combining the hearty texture of old-fashioned oats with the rich, melty goodness of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Each bite offers a wonderful nostalgia with a hint of cinnamon spice that elevates the classic chocolate chip cookie experience. Whether you bake a batch for yourself or to share, these cookies promise smiles and happy taste buds every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to bake The Best Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is delightfully simple. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, delivering texture, flavor, and that mouthwatering aroma we all crave. From the creaminess of butter to the comforting warmth of cinnamon, these essentials combine to create cookie magic.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binding agent, giving structure and moisture to the dough.
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and a tender crumb while controlling sweetness.
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed: Adds deep caramel notes and moisture for chewy texture.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps create those slightly crisp edges.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Enhances the cookie’s overall flavor with a classic aromatic touch.
- 1½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats: The star for that hearty, chewy bite, adding wholesome texture.
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour: Provides the necessary structure without weighing the cookies down.
- ½ to 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (to taste): Introduces a warm, subtle spice that complements the chocolate beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for that perfect tender bite.
- Pinch of salt (optional): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 heaping cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: The irresistible pockets of melty chocolate that make these cookies a standout treat.
How to Make The Best Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream Together the Wet Ingredients
Start by combining the egg, softened butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat everything together until the mixture is fluffy and creamy, about 4 minutes. This step is key for creating a light texture that will melt in your mouth.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients with the Wet
Add the oats, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and a pinch of salt to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix because that can make the cookies tough, and we want them chewy and tender. The oats bring such a lovely, rustic texture here.
Step 3: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. This folding technique keeps the dough perfectly textured without overworking it, so each cookie has just the right amount of chocolate in every bite.
Step 4: Scoop and Chill the Dough
Using a large cookie scoop or a ¼ cup measure, portion the dough into 11 equal-sized balls. Place them on a tray, cover it, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 5 days. This chill time is essential to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and enhances their flavor development.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the chilled dough balls on the sheet about 2 inches apart. Flatten each slightly if needed. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers still look a bit undercooked — this ensures that perfect chewy center once cooled.
Step 6: Cool Before Enjoying
Let the cookies cool right on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps the cookies firm up without losing their delightful chewiness. Then get ready to enjoy some truly irresistible treats.
How to Serve The Best Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are spectacular on their own, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top just out of the oven can add an exciting flavor contrast. For a cozy touch, dust them lightly with a bit of cinnamon sugar after baking to echo their warm spice notes.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a cup of rich, dark coffee for an unbeatable snack combo. If you want to add a special touch, serve them alongside a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream for a classic cookie and cream dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Try sandwiching two of these cookies around a generous scoop of ice cream for a homemade ice cream sandwich. Or, break them into chunks and sprinkle over yogurt or oatmeal in the morning to add delightful crunch and chocolatey sweetness to your routine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After baking, store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to 5 days, perfect for midweek treats or when you want a quick snack without baking again.
Freezing
You can freeze both the dough balls and the baked cookies. For dough, scoop and freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies freeze well in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
Warm your cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a low-temperature oven for a few minutes. This reheating refreshes their soft, gooey texture and revives that freshly baked aroma that you love.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
While quick oats can work in a pinch, old-fashioned rolled oats provide a chewier texture and better structure, which really define The Best Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. Quick oats tend to make softer, less textured cookies.
Do I have to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling the dough is highly recommended because it prevents cookies from spreading too thin while baking and allows flavors to develop nicely, giving you that perfect chewy yet soft cookie.
Can I substitute the butter with margarine or oil?
Butter is key for flavor and texture here. Margarine or oil will change the cookie’s taste and consistency, often resulting in a greasier or less flavorful cookie, so sticking to unsalted butter is best.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend, and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. This way, you can still enjoy The Best Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe without wheat.
What’s the best way to ensure chewy cookies?
Use light brown sugar for moisture, chill the dough, and bake until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly undercooked. Cooling on the baking sheet also helps keep them chewy.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend giving The Best Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe a try enough. It’s a wonderfully simple yet rewarding recipe that brings cozy flavors and textures to your kitchen. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for more.
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The Best Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 22 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 11 cookies 1x
Description
These Best Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies combine the hearty texture of old-fashioned oats with the classic sweetness of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Soft, chewy, and perfectly spiced with cinnamon, they deliver a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading for thicker, chewier cookies every time.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ to 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Add-ins
- 1 heaping cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Cream Ingredients: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the egg, softened butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is fluffy and well combined, about 4 minutes.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the oats, flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt (if using) to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed just until everything is combined, taking care not to overmix which can make cookies tough.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the dough until they are evenly distributed throughout.
- Portion Dough: Use a large cookie scoop or ¼ cup measuring cup to portion the dough into 11 equal-sized balls for consistent cookie size.
- Chill Dough: Place the dough balls on a tray, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 5 days. This chilling step helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Arrange Cookies for Baking: Place the chilled dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. If needed, flatten them slightly with your hand.
- Bake: Bake cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set and the centers look slightly undercooked, which ensures a soft, chewy texture.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes after baking to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is key to thick, chewy cookies and helps develop deeper flavor.
- Adjust cinnamon to taste or omit if preferred.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy removal and cleanup.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- For a nuttier flavor, consider adding ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 to 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
