Name: BEST Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 150 min
Ingredients: 10 tbsp unsalted butter ((140g)); ½ cup light or dark brown sugar ((packed, 100g)); ¼ cup white sugar ((50g)); 1 large egg; 1 egg yolk; 1 tsp vanilla bean paste; 1 1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats ((150g)); 2/3 cup all purpose flour ((85g)); 1/2 tsp cinnamon; ¾ tsp salt ((reduce to ½ tsp if desired)); ½ tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp baking soda; 4 oz dark chocolate ((chopped, 113g)); 4 oz milk chocolate ((chopped, 113g)); flakey sea salt (to serve (optional))

Introduction to Best Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

When you think of the ultimate cookie, oatmeal chocolate chip cookies need to top your list. These cookies are the perfect blend of thick, crispy, and chewy, creating a delightful texture that’s hard to resist. The nuttiness from the oats pairs beautifully with rich chocolate, giving each bite a satisfying flavor explosion.

Why Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies Are a Must-Try

What sets the best oatmeal chocolate chip cookies apart? For one, they’re incredibly versatile. Want to add nuts for an extra crunch? Go for it! Prefer dark chocolate over milk? You got it!

But perhaps the best part is how they can be enjoyed at any time. These cookies make a fantastic snack, a sweet addition to your afternoon pick-me-up, or even a comforting treat after a long day. Plus, knowing that oats are a wholesome ingredient makes indulging feel just a little less guilty.

If you're looking to impress family and friends or simply want a delightful homemade treat, these cookies are the way to go. Trust me, once you try this recipe by Zoha, you’ll be coming back for more! So grab your ingredients and get ready to bake these amazing cookies that promise to become a staple in your cookie repertoire!

Ingredients for Best Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

List of Essential Ingredients

To whip up the best oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, here’s what you’ll need:

Unsalted butter (10 tbsp)
Brown sugar (½ cup, packed)
White sugar (¼ cup)
Large egg (1, plus 1 egg yolk)
Vanilla bean paste (1 teaspoon for flavor depth)
Old fashioned rolled oats (1 ½ cups)
All-purpose flour (⅔ cup)
Cinnamon (½ tsp)
Salt (¾ tsp, adjust to taste)
Baking powder (½ tsp)
Baking soda (¼ tsp)
Dark and milk chocolate (4 oz each, chopped)
Optional: Flaky sea salt for topping

Notes on Ingredient Quality

Quality matters! Choose fresh, old-fashioned rolled oats for that delightful chewy texture and rich taste. When it comes to chocolate, high-quality dark chocolate can elevate these cookies to gourmet status. Opt for grade A vanilla bean paste for a more intense flavor compared to vanilla extract; it truly makes a difference. The butter should be unsalted to give you full control over the saltiness. Treat your ingredients well, and your cookies will thank you with every bite!

Shopping for these essentials? Check out this guide on choosing the right butter!

Step-by-step Preparation of Best Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Making the best oatmeal chocolate chip cookies is a delightful journey, and with these straightforward steps, you'll achieve that warm, homemade goodness. Let’s dive in!

Toast the oats for added flavor

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (conventional). This step enhances the nutty flavor of the oats, making your cookies irresistibly tasty. Spread your 1 ½ cups of old-fashioned rolled oats on a large baking pan and toast them for about 7–8 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You want them golden brown, not burnt. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be a perfect teaser for what's to come.

Prepare the buttery mixture

While your oats are toasting, grab a non-stick pan and place 10 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Stir continuously for a few minutes until the butter takes on a brown color and begins to smell nutty—this is your flavor booster. Turn the heat down to low and whisk in ½ cup of brown sugar and ¼ cup of white sugar for 1–2 minutes until everything is well-combined. It’s alright if the mixture looks a bit grainy at this stage; we’re not looking for perfection just yet.

Combine wet and dry ingredients

Remove the buttery mixture from heat and let it cool for about 5 minutes (it should be warm, not hot). Now, beat in 1 large egg, an extra yolk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste. This is where the magic happens; whisk until creamy and smooth. In a separate bowl, sift together ⅔ cup of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and your leavening agents—¼ teaspoon baking powder and ¼ teaspoon baking soda. Add in your toasted oats and stir to combine.

Form the cookie dough

Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture in two batches using a rubber spatula. Be gentle here; overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Finally, fold in 8 ounces of chopped dark and milk chocolate until evenly distributed. Use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out your dough—you're aiming for 10 cookie balls. If the dough feels soft and too sticky, refrigerate it for about 10 minutes to firm it up.

Chill the dough before baking

Place the cookie balls on a plate or baking sheet and top them with a few extra chocolate chunks if you fancy. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but if you can swing it, let the dough chill overnight. This patience pays off in the flavor department!

Bake to perfection

When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven to 370°F (conventional, no fan) and line a large, light-colored cookie sheet with parchment paper. Space your cookie dough balls about 3 inches apart on the sheet, and pop them into the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes depending on how soft you like your cookies. Pro tip: always bake one test cookie first! A sprinkle of flakey sea salt on top adds that perfect finishing touch. Let your cookies cool for 10-15 minutes before indulging. Enjoy while still warm for the ultimate experience!

By following these simple steps, you’ll soon be savoring the best oatmeal chocolate chip cookies you’ve ever made!

Variations of Best Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Nuts and Seeds for Extra Crunch

Elevate your best oatmeal chocolate chip cookies by adding different nuts and seeds! Try incorporating chopped walnuts, pecans, or even sunflower seeds for that delightful crunch. Not only do they add texture, but they also provide healthy fats and protein, making your cookies a bit more substantial. Plus, they can complement the buttery flavor perfectly!

Different Types of Chocolate Chips

Why stop at just one type of chocolate? Mix it up with dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips. You could also use flavored chocolate, like butterscotch or peanut butter chips, for a unique twist. Each variation offers a different taste experience, ensuring each bite is a delightful surprise! For a gourmet touch, consider adding some sea salt on top to balance out the sweetness.

Cooking Tips and Notes for Best Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

How to Achieve the Perfect Texture

For the best oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, focus on the butter. Browning it not only adds a nutty flavor but also contributes to that rich, chewy texture. Chilling the dough for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, allows the flavors to develop and helps maintain a thicker cookie shape during baking. Don’t skip the weighted measurements for accuracy—this ensures you get the perfect blend of ingredients.

Storing Cookies for Maximum Freshness

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Consider adding a slice of bread to absorb moisture, keeping them soft and chewy. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookie dough balls. Just scoop and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a container, ensuring you have fresh cookies ready to bake anytime!

Serving Suggestions for Best Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pairing Cookies with Beverages

To elevate your best oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, consider pairing them with a rich, creamy hot chocolate or an aromatic chai latte. For a refreshing option, iced coffee with a touch of vanilla perfectly complements the cookie's nutty flavors. If you want something unique, try serving them with herbal teas like peppermint or chamomile for a delightful balance.

Creative Ways to Serve at Gatherings

Impress your guests by presenting your cookies on a beautiful platter lined with parchment paper. Add a sprinkle of flakey sea salt on top for a gourmet touch! You might even create a build-your-own cookie sundae bar with scoops of ice cream and toppings like crushed nuts or caramel sauce—perfect for summer gatherings! For more serving ideas, check out this Cookie Presentation Guide.

Time Breakdown for Best Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Preparation time
Get ready to indulge! The preparation time for these delightful cookies is about 30 minutes. This includes gathering your ingredients, melting butter, and mixing the dough.

Chilling time
For the best oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, chilling time is crucial—allow a minimum of 2 hours, but overnight is even better for achieving that perfect texture.

Baking time
When you’re ready to bake, the baking time is just 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as the cookies will continue to firm up after you take them out of the oven.

Total time
All in, you’re looking at about 2.5+ hours if you include chilling. Trust me, the wait is worth every minute for these irresistible cookies!

For more tips on achieving the perfect bake, check out resources from Serious Eats or America's Test Kitchen.

Nutritional Facts for Best Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

When indulging in the best oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, knowing the nutritional breakdown can help you enjoy them mindfully. Here's a quick glance at their benefits:

Calories per cookie

Each cookie contains approximately 200 calories, allowing you to enjoy a satisfying treat without overindulging.

Protein content

These cookies pack about 2.5 grams of protein each, thanks to the oats and eggs, giving you a little boost to fuel your day.

Sodium levels

With only 150 milligrams of sodium, these cookies manage to balance flavor without excess salt, making them a sweet option for your snack cravings.

For more detailed nutritional information, you can use tools like MyFitnessPal to tailor the recipe to your dietary preferences and needs. Enjoy your baking!

FAQs about Best Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Can I use different types of oats?

Absolutely! While old fashioned rolled oats are ideal for the best oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, you can experiment with quick oats or steel-cut oats. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary; quick oats will yield a softer cookie, while steel-cut oats may result in a chewier consistency. For an extra crunch, mix in some toasted nuts or seeds!

How can I make the cookies chewier?

For chewier cookies, a couple of tweaks can make a big difference:

Use more brown sugar and less white sugar, as brown sugar adds moisture.
Add an extra egg yolk for richness.
Chilling the dough longer before baking will also intensify those chewy elements.

What should I do if my dough is too runny?

If your dough is looking a bit too runny, no worries! Simply chill the dough for about 10 minutes. If it’s still too sticky afterwards, mix in a bit more all-purpose flour until it reaches a more manageable consistency. This will help you achieve those perfect rounded cookie shapes!

For more tips, check out this guide on cookie textures.

Conclusion on Best Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

In summary, these best oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are not just a treat; they’re an experience. Their thick, crispy, and chewy texture complements the rich chocolate and nutty flavors perfectly. Whether you’re sharing with friends or indulging solo, these cookies will become your ultimate go-to recipe. Enjoy!