There is something truly comforting and utterly delightful about a warm cookie fresh from the oven, especially when it’s an oatmeal chocolate chip cookie that perfectly balances chewiness, sweetness, and a hint of cinnamon spice. If you’ve been searching for that special treat that feels like a hug in dessert form, then you’ve just found the Best Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. This recipe brings together the wholesome texture of old-fashioned oats and the rich indulgence of semi-sweet chocolate chips in a way that’s simple to make but endlessly satisfying. Get ready to fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and create cookies that everyone will be talking about!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together with straightforward ingredients that you likely have on hand already, each playing its own important role in creating the perfect cookie texture and flavor. From the oats adding chew to the cinnamon bringing warmth, every element is essential for these cookies to shine.
- Old-fashioned oats (1 1/2 cups): Adds hearty texture and a slightly nutty flavor for that classic oatmeal cookie chew.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Gives structure and helps the cookies rise just right.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): The leavening agent that creates just the right amount of lift.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses a lovely warm spice that complements the chocolate beautifully.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup / 1 stick): Provides richness and contributes to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie’s crisp edges.
- Light brown sugar, packed (1/2 cup): Brings moisture and a subtle caramel note for depth.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and adds moisture for chewy cookies.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with a sweet aromatic touch.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): The star ingredient for gooey, melty pockets of chocolaty goodness.
- Optional chopped walnuts or pecans (1/2 cup): Adds crunch and a delicious nutty contrast to the chewy oats.
How to Make Best Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This simple step ensures your cookies will bake evenly and come off the pan effortlessly.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients first ensures the leavening and spices are evenly distributed, so every bite has consistent flavor and texture.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, usually about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, which helps give the cookies a tender crumb and beautiful rise.
Step 4: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Beat the large egg and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. These ingredients add moisture and enhance the overall flavor profile of your cookies.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the dry oat mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Remember, the secret to chewy oatmeal chocolate chip cookies lies in not overmixing to keep the texture tender.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Nuts
Using a spatula, carefully fold in the chocolate chips and the optional chopped nuts, if using. This keeps the chocolate and nuts evenly distributed without breaking them up too much, making every cookie studded with delicious chunks.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Drop spoonfuls of dough, roughly 1 1/2 tablespoons each, onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are golden brown but the centers still look a little underdone—this way, they will finish setting while cooling and stay perfectly chewy.
Step 8: Cool Before Enjoying
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and prevents breakage.
How to Serve Best Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a little something extra, sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt flakes on top of the cookies just as they come out of the oven to enhance their chocolatey richness and add a delightful salty-sweet contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for the classic combo, or enjoy them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a quick and delicious dessert. A cup of hot coffee or tea also complements their warm, cozy flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these cookies into an irresistible ice cream sandwich by sandwiching your favorite ice cream between two cookies. Or, serve them broken into chunks over a bowl of yogurt or pudding for a crunchy, indulgent topping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover oatmeal chocolate chip cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to five days, making them perfect for a grab-and-go snack or a sweet treat anytime.
Freezing
If you want to keep these delightful cookies longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a resealable plastic bag or airtight container. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
Warm frozen cookies in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or place them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. The result is a soft, fresh-baked feeling that makes every bite just as enjoyable as the first time you made them.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
While quick oats can work in a pinch, old-fashioned oats provide the best texture for these cookies, giving that ideal chewy bite and a heartier feel. Quick oats tend to make the cookies denser and less chewy.
What if I don’t have nuts or don’t want them?
No problem at all! The nuts are completely optional and can be left out without affecting the core taste and texture. The cookies will still be deliciously rich and chocolate-studded.
Is it okay to substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate?
Absolutely! Feel free to use dark chocolate chips for a more intense chocolate flavor, or milk chocolate for a sweeter, creamier touch. It’s all about your personal preference and making the recipe your own.
How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and don’t overmix the dough. Also, chilling the dough for 15-30 minutes before baking can help control spreading and result in thicker cookies.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, doubling is easy and great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping. Just be sure to use multiple baking sheets or bake in batches, as crowding the cookies too close will affect baking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to experience the warm, cozy joy of homemade cookies that truly stand out, this Best Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is your new go-to. It combines simplicity with incredible taste, turning pantry staples into a crowd-pleasing classic. Make a batch, share with loved ones, and savor every delicious, chocolate-studded bite. You’ll be making these favorites again and again!
Print
Best Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This recipe for Best Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies delivers soft, chewy cookies loaded with hearty oats and rich semi-sweet chocolate chips. Enhanced with warm cinnamon and an optional nutty crunch, these cookies bake up golden brown with a slightly underdone center for that perfect texture. Perfect for a comforting homemade treat or sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Mix-ins
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the old-fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and pure vanilla extract to the creamed mixture until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender cookie texture.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips and Nuts: Using a spatula, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips along with the optional chopped walnuts or pecans if using.
- Portion the Dough: Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough (about 1 1/2 tablespoons each) onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers still appear slightly underdone for a soft, chewy center.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra chewiness, do not overbake; the cookies should look slightly underdone in the middle when taken out.
- Optional nuts add a delightful crunch but can be omitted or substituted with your preferred nuts.
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugars.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- These cookies freeze well; freeze baked cookies or dough portions and thaw as needed.
