Are you craving a warm, gooey cookie that delivers both comfort and deliciousness? Look no further! This recipe elevates the classic oatmeal chocolate chip cookie to new heights, offering a simple yet satisfying treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this easy recipe guarantees perfectly chewy, flavorful cookies that will become a family favorite. Get ready to experience the ultimate homemade cookie indulgence!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking)
- 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate – your choice!)
Instructions:
Get started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
Cream the butter and sugars:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. An electric mixer makes this step super easy, but you can certainly do it by hand if you prefer a little arm workout.
Add wet ingredients:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine dry ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Bring it all together:
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
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Stir in the rolled oats and chocolate chips.
Bake to perfection:
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Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
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Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Cookie Success:
- Softened butter is key: Make sure your butter is truly softened – this ensures that it creams well with the sugars, resulting in light and fluffy cookies.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the dough (optional): For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
- Adjust chocolate: Feel free to add nuts, dried fruit, or different types of chocolate chips to customize your cookies.
Variations:
- Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add ½ cup of creamy peanut butter to the wet ingredients.
- White Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies: Substitute white chocolate chips for the semi-sweet chocolate chips and add ½ cup of dried cranberries.
- Spiced Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg and ½ teaspoon of ground ginger to the dry ingredients.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on size and ingredients)
This recipe provides a delicious and easy way to enjoy a classic treat. The customizable nature allows for endless variations, ensuring that there’s a perfect oatmeal chocolate chip cookie for everyone. Enjoy baking and the delicious results!