Introduction
Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are a delightful treat that combines the heartiness of oats with the sweetness of chocolate chips. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy evening at home or a gathering with friends. This recipe is designed to be easy to follow, ensuring that even beginners can bake delicious cookies.
Ingredients
To make approximately 24 cookies, you’ll need:
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (213g) packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (99g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups (150g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 3 cups (240g) old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup (175g) semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
- Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Add Oats and Chocolate Chips: Stir in the rolled oats and chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Scoop Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Cookies
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until ingredients are just combined.
- Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Check Oven Temperature: Oven temperatures can vary. Keep an eye on your cookies during the last few minutes of baking.
Variations
Feel free to customize your cookies with these variations:
- Add Nuts: Incorporate 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
- Use Different Chips: Swap semisweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate chips.
- Add Dried Fruit: Mix in 1/2 cup of raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dried apricots for a fruity twist.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal flavor.
Storing and Freezing
- Storing: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Freezing: To freeze cookie dough, scoop dough balls onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to three months. To bake, place frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Table of Contents
Conclusion
Introduction
Ingredients
Instructions
Tips for Perfect Cookies
Variations
Storing and Freezing
Conclusion
These oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are a delightful blend of textures and flavors, offering a chewy center with a hint of crispiness around the edges. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!