If you dream of the perfect blend of chewy oats, gooey melted chocolate, and a buttery crumb, these Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies are guaranteed to win your heart. This beloved recipe balances nostalgic comfort with irresistible flavor, producing golden-edged cookies that are soft in the center and bursting with chocolate chips in every bite. Whether you need a sweet snack, a bake sale hero, or a crowd-pleasing dessert, these cookies truly stand out among homemade treats.
Ingredients You’ll Need
In this recipe, each ingredient serves a purpose—whether it’s creating chewy texture, giving structure, or delivering decadent flavor. It’s an unfussy ingredient list, but every component brings you one step closer to the ultimate Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): The real magic behind a melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor.
- Light Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds a caramel-like depth and helps keep the cookies chewy.
- Granulated Sugar (½ cup): Balances sweetness and contributes to a crisp edge.
- Large Eggs (2): Bind everything together for a cohesive, tender cookie.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Brings warm, aromatic notes to each bite.
- All-Purpose Flour (1½ cups): The foundation that holds the cookies together without making them cakey.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Guarantees a gentle lift and lightness.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and intensifies the other flavors.
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats (2½ cups): Provides classic chew and hearty texture.
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips (1½ cups): The star ingredient for pockets of melty, rich chocolate throughout.
How to Make Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), then line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies won’t stick and promotes even baking, letting you lift them effortlessly once they’re done.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat them together for 2 to 3 minutes, until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. Creaming is crucial—it builds the base for soft, airy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies by aerating your dough.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with a subtle, comforting aroma. This step helps the dough come together smoothly and ensures that every cookie is moist and flavorful.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Combining these ingredients first helps them distribute evenly. Now, slowly add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing until everything is just combined—no over-mixing! This keeps your cookies tender instead of tough.
Step 5: Add the Oats and Chocolate Chips
Pour in the rolled oats and chocolate chips, then fold gently using a spatula or wooden spoon. Make sure everything is nicely incorporated, so each cookie is packed with chocolate and chewy oats. This is the exciting moment when you see just how loaded your dough is!
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Use a tablespoon (or cookie scoop) to portion out your dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each mound. This gives the cookies space to spread while baking. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges are golden and the centers still look slightly underdone—this is the secret to perfect chewy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This lets them finish setting up and makes it easier to move them without breaking. Once cool (if you can wait that long!), it’s time to sample these irresistible cookies.
How to Serve Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Garnishes
Enhance your cookie platter by sprinkling a touch of flaky sea salt on top of each Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie while they’re still warm from the oven—a little salty kick makes the chocolate flavor pop! You can also drizzle with melted chocolate or dab a bit of caramel on top for an extra-indulgent finish.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with an ice-cold glass of milk for the classic experience, or try them with a mug of strong coffee or spiced chai. For parties, serve alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, letting the creamy flavors play off the cookies’ warm spice and chocolate.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies into mini ice cream sandwiches for a summer treat, crumble them over yogurt or pudding, or serve in a stack tied with baker’s twine for a cute homemade gift. If you’re feeling ambitious, make a cookie sundae bar and let everyone build their own dessert masterpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 5 days—though it’s likely they’ll disappear much sooner!
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies freeze beautifully. Pop baked, cooled cookies in a zip-top bag, or freeze portioned-out dough balls for fresh-baked treats whenever the craving strikes. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To enjoy warm cookies in seconds, briefly microwave them for 10 to 15 seconds or warm in a low oven until just heated through. This revives that just-baked gooey chocolate texture everyone loves.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Yes, though the texture will be slightly less chewy. Old-fashioned rolled oats give the cookies more bite and rustic charm, but quick oats will still yield tasty results if that’s what you have on hand.
How do I make these Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. Your cookies may be a bit more tender, but they’ll still be delicious.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried fruit like cranberries are wonderful add-ins. Mix them in alongside the chocolate chips for even more texture and flavor.
What’s the secret to chewy cookies?
The key is to slightly underbake the cookies and let them finish setting on the cookie sheet. This creates that perfect chewy center while the edges stay golden and crisp.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
It could be from overly soft butter or too much sugar. Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking next time, which helps control the spread and maintains a thick, chewy shape.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies from scratch before, now is the perfect time to try. There’s nothing quite like biting into a fresh, homemade cookie still warm from the oven. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just for yourself, these cookies promise comfort and joy in every bite. Happy baking!
Print
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect blend of chewy oats and rich, melty chocolate chips. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these cookies are a classic treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: To 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream together ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients and mix.
- Add oats and chocolate chips: Fold them into the dough until combined.
- Bake: Scoop dough onto baking sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes until golden. Cool on a wire rack.
Notes
- For chewier cookies, slightly underbake and let them finish setting on the pan.
- You can add chopped nuts or swap in dark chocolate chips for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
