Irresistibly Chewy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Beloved Classic Recipe

Indulge in the ultimate comfort treat: Chewy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies. Combining the wholesome goodness of oats with rich, melty chocolate chips, these cookies are a symphony of texture and flavor, perfect for any occasion.

Hello, fellow baking enthusiasts! As I write this, I’m in the very final stretch of what has been quite an eventful pregnancy. Just approaching 39 weeks, the baby is full term, and the anticipation is palpable. While some days seemed to fly by, others moved at an incredibly slow pace, making this journey feel like an eternity at times.

This winter, in particular, has added its own unique set of challenges. Experiencing a harsh season of extreme weather, including the infamous “polar vortex,” combined with being nine months pregnant, created a truly memorable, albeit sometimes crazy, period. Just last week, our family battled the stomach flu, and my week culminated with an unfortunate fall on ice, leading to an unexpected hospital visit. Thankfully, our little one was perfectly fine, though I was left with quite a scare and knees that looked like baseballs! It’s been a vivid reminder of how precious and unpredictable life can be.

Reflecting on this pregnancy, it’s striking how different it has been from my first experience with my son, Will. His arrival coincided with a scorching August, where temperatures soared to 100 degrees. This time, it’s been a frigid winter, often -40 degrees. My cravings have shifted dramatically too! With Will, it was all about watermelon, olives, pickles, and mac & cheese. This time around, I’ve been a walking cliché of pregnancy cravings: pizza, pancakes, and, of course, cookies. Yes, the stereotypes hold true for me!

The Ultimate Chewy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

These persistent cookie cravings bring me to today’s star recipe: Chewy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies. Without a doubt, these have always been my absolute favorite cookie! The blend of wholesome oats and decadent chocolate chips creates an irresistible texture and flavor profile that truly satisfies.

You might recall my Mom’s Loaded Oatmeal Cookies, which I shared last year. If you haven’t checked them out yet, I highly recommend it! They were incredibly popular in my home and garnered rave reviews from everyone lucky enough to try a few. My Mom was the type of baker who always had a fresh batch of homemade cookies in the jar, and her oatmeal cookies were, by far, my biggest weakness. There’s just something about a cookie made with love that no store-bought version can replicate.

Today’s recipe is a simplified, yet equally delicious, adaptation of that beloved family recipe. Instead of all the wonderful fixings my Mom’s loaded cookies had – coconut, dried cranberries, and raisins – these focus purely on the irresistible combination of oatmeal and chocolate chips. Yes, I just used “just” and “chocolate chips” in the same sentence, as if they aren’t satisfying enough on their own! Trust me, these cookies are more than enough to curb any sweet craving, pregnancy-induced or not.

Why These Cookies Are Unforgettable

What sets these Chewy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies apart is their perfect balance of chewiness, a slight crisp at the edges, and a soft, tender center. The oats provide a delightful texture and a subtle, nutty flavor that complements the rich, melted chocolate beautifully. They’re comforting, nostalgic, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re making them for family, friends, or just for yourself (no judgment here!), they’re guaranteed to be a hit.

Ingredients for Your Perfect Batch of Chewy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Crafting these delectable cookies requires a few pantry staples. Using quality ingredients will elevate the flavor and texture significantly.

• 1 cup (2 sticks) Unsalted Butter, melted and slightly cooled: Melted butter is key to that signature chewy texture.
• 1 cup Packed Light Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture, depth of flavor, and contributes to the chewiness.
• 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar: For a touch of crispness and sweetness balance.
• 2 Large Eggs: Essential for binding and structure.
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: A crucial flavor enhancer.
• 1 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour: The base for our cookie dough.
• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread.
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
• 3 cups Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Do not use instant oats; old-fashioned oats provide the best texture.
• 1 1/2 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: You can adjust the type of chocolate (milk, dark, or a mix) to your preference.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Your Chewy Delights

1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted and slightly cooled butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Whisk or beat with an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and well combined, about 1-2 minutes. The melted butter ensures the sugar fully dissolves, leading to a chewier cookie.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture should be light and fluffy.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Make sure these are thoroughly mixed to ensure even distribution in the dough.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
6. Fold in Oats and Chocolate Chips: With a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold in the old-fashioned rolled oats and chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Scoop and Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. For perfectly uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop.
8. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Do not overbake if you want truly chewy cookies.
9. Cool and Enjoy: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This initial cooling on the hot sheet helps them set without becoming crumbly.

Achieving the Perfect Chewy Texture: Expert Baking Tips

A truly chewy oatmeal chocolate chip cookie isn’t just about the recipe; it’s about the technique. Here are my top tips:

• Melted Butter is Your Secret Weapon: Unlike many cookie recipes that call for softened butter, using melted butter significantly increases the chewiness. It also helps to prevent over-spreading. Just be sure to let it cool slightly so it doesn’t cook the eggs when added.
• Brown Sugar Dominance: A higher ratio of brown sugar to white sugar adds moisture and contributes to a softer, chewier texture thanks to its molasses content.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tougher cookies.
• Old-Fashioned Oats Only: Instant or quick oats will result in a different, often gummier, texture. Stick with old-fashioned rolled oats for the ideal chew and structure.
• Slightly Underbake: For that perfect soft, chewy center, take the cookies out of the oven when the edges are set and golden but the very center still looks a tiny bit underdone. They will continue to cook slightly on the hot baking sheet.
• Cool on the Pan: Letting the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack helps them firm up without losing their tender interior.

Variations and Customizations for Your Oatmeal Cookies

While these classic Chewy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect as is, they are also incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different add-ins to create your own signature cookie.

• Nutty Additions: Enhance the texture and flavor with chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds. Add about 1/2 cup with the chocolate chips.
• Dried Fruit Delights: For a more traditional oatmeal cookie feel, swap out some chocolate chips for dried cranberries, raisins, or even chopped dried apricots.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a touch of ginger can add a wonderful warmth and complexity to the cookies.
• Different Chocolate Types: Experiment with dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chunks, or even white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile. A mix of chocolates can also be divine!
• Sweet & Salty: Sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for an irresistible sweet and salty combination.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

These chewy oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they also store well:

• At Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
• Freezing Cookie Dough: Scoop portions of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, place frozen dough balls on a prepared baking sheet and bake for a few extra minutes until golden brown.

Now, go make these cookies, and you can thank my pregnancy cravings later for inspiring such a delicious treat!

Don’t forget to save your favorite recipes to your personal recipe box using the button found on all my recipes! You can even create a Meal Plan with your “favorited” recipes, and the ingredients will automatically be added to your very own Grocery List!

This recipe is lovingly adapted from my Loaded Oatmeal Cookies, simplifying for pure, unadulterated chocolate-oat goodness.

For more delightful sweets, cookies, and treats, make sure to check out my Sweet Tooth Pinterest Board!

Connect with A Cedar Spoon on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Google + and Instagram. Stay tuned for more recipes and updates!

Enjoy the baking, and more importantly, enjoy the eating!

Julia