Are you ready to bake up a batch of cookies that will disappear faster than you can say "chocolate chips"? Then you've come to the right place! This isn't just any oatmeal cookie recipe; this is Kroll's Famous Chewy Oatmeal Cookies – a treasured family recipe passed down through generations, known for its perfectly chewy texture and irresistible flavor. These easy recipes are perfect for a quick dessert, a comforting treat, or even a thoughtful homemade gift. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this delicious dish. This recipe is a staple for healthy meals, ideal for a quick dinner, and guaranteed to become one of your best recipes.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 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!)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
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Cream Butter & Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer works wonderfully, but a good old-fashioned hand mixer will do the trick too!
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Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
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Combine Wet & Dry: 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 Oats & Chocolate Chips: Stir in the rolled oats and chocolate chips (and nuts, if using).
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Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Remember that these cookies will continue to bake slightly as they cool.
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Tips for the Best Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened – this ensures proper creaming and a tender cookie.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For even chewier cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and prevents overly spread-out cookies.
- Baking Time Varies: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep a close eye on your cookies towards the end of the baking time.
Variations:
- Peanut Butter Power: Add ½ cup of creamy peanut butter to the wet ingredients for a delicious twist.
- Fruity Fun: Incorporate ½ cup of dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots.
- Spice it Up: Add a dash of ginger or cardamom for a warm and comforting flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Around 200-250
- Fat: 10-12g
- Sugar: 15-20g
These Kroll's Famous Chewy Oatmeal Cookies are a delightful treat that will surely become a family favorite. Enjoy baking and sharing these delicious cookies with loved ones! They’re perfect for any occasion, a quick pick-me-up, or a delicious addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals.