If you are looking for a timeless treat that blends wholesome oats with sweet bursts of chocolate, you have just discovered the Best Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe. This classic cookie recipe balances a chewy texture with a crisp edge, creating the perfect bite every single time. Whether you are making them for an afternoon snack, a cozy dessert, or to impress friends and family, these cookies bring warmth and comfort with every bite. Rich, buttery, and packed with those iconic chocolate chips, this recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite for homemade cookies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind the Best Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe lies in using simple, high-quality ingredients that each play an important role. From the creamy butter that enriches flavor to the oats that add wholesome chewiness, every item on this list helps create the perfect cookie texture and taste.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides richness and helps the cookies spread evenly while baking.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor for chewiness.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Contributes to crisp edges and sweetness balance.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
- Vanilla extract (1 1/2 teaspoons): Enhances the overall flavor complexity.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Forms the structure of the cookies, creating softness in the center.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise to the perfect texture.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Works with baking soda for balanced leavening.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Amplifies flavors and balances sweetness.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (3 cups): Add hearty chew and wholesome body to the cookies.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (1 1/2 cups): Provide melty bursts of chocolate in every bite.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (1/2 cup, optional): Introduce crunchy texture and a nutty aroma, perfect for variation.
How to Make Best Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick—all essential for perfect results.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—this usually takes around 2 to 3 minutes. This creaming step adds air, which helps your cookies rise and develop a delightful texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in your vanilla extract to inject that unmistakable warm sweetness into your dough.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures that your leavening agents and seasonings are evenly distributed throughout, preventing any unwanted clumps or unevenness.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything comes together. Overmixing can make your cookies tough, so gentle mixing is key for tender bites.
Step 6: Stir in Oats, Chocolate Chips, and Nuts
Finally, fold in the rolled oats, chocolate chips, and the optional chopped nuts. These ingredients bring all the delightful texture contrasts that make this the Best Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look just set—slightly underbaking results in an irresistible chewy center.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This brief cooling helps the cookies firm up perfectly without losing that chewy charm.
How to Serve Best Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are delicious on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top makes a beautiful visual and flavor enhancer. You can even sprinkle sea salt for a sophisticated sweet-salty balance that takes them to the next level.
Side Dishes
A tall glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee complements these oatmeal chocolate chip cookies wonderfully. For a more decadent treat, serve alongside vanilla ice cream to create an easy yet luxurious dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Arrange your cookies on a rustic wooden board with clusters of fresh berries and nuts. Or, sandwich two cookies together with a scoop of your favorite ice cream for an indulgent homemade ice cream sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature where they will stay fresh and chewy for up to five days. Adding a slice of bread in the container helps maintain moisture for that soft texture.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag once solid. Alternatively, scoop the dough onto parchment-lined trays and freeze the raw dough balls for quick baking later.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies warm, simply microwave them for 10 to 15 seconds or heat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This tip refreshes softness and enhances the melty chocolate experience.
FAQs
Can I substitute the nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! If you have nut allergies or just prefer a nut-free cookie, simply omit them. You could also substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a different texture and flavor.
How do I get chewy oatmeal cookies instead of crunchy?
For chewier cookies, slightly underbake them by taking them out when the centers look just set and soft, then let them finish cooking on the baking sheet. Using more brown sugar and oats also promotes chewiness.
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?
It’s best to stick with old-fashioned rolled oats because they hold their texture better during baking. Quick oats may result in softer cookies with less chew.
What variations can I try with this Best Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe?
Feel free to mix in dried fruit like raisins or cranberries, swap semisweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate or white chocolate, or add a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm spice note.
Is it possible to make these cookies vegan?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and use flax or chia egg replacers instead of eggs. Keep in mind the texture might vary slightly but will still be delicious.
Final Thoughts
There is truly nothing quite like the joy of biting into a freshly baked cookie filled with hearty oats and gooey chocolate chips. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this Best Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe as much as I do. It’s simple to prepare, irresistibly tasty, and perfect for any occasion. So grab your mixing bowl, preheat that oven, and treat yourself to a batch of cookie comfort today!
Print
Best Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Best Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe yields soft, chewy, and flavorful cookies packed with oats, rich chocolate chips, and optional nuts. Perfectly balanced with a hint of vanilla and just the right amount of sweetness, these classic American dessert cookies are easy to make and sure to satisfy any cookie craving.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Main Mix-Ins
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes using a mixer.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition to combine thoroughly. Then stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well mixed.
- Mix Dry into Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just incorporated.
- Add Oats, Chocolate Chips, and Nuts: Fold in the old-fashioned rolled oats, semisweet chocolate chips, and chopped nuts if you are using them, ensuring everything is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Form and Bake Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the centers are just set.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing breakage.
Notes
- For chewier cookies, slightly underbake and allow the cookies to finish setting on the baking sheet.
- Swap semisweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate or dried fruit for a delicious variation.
- Cookie dough can be portioned into scoops and frozen for quick baking at a later time.
