Are you ready to bake some seriously delicious cookies? Forget those store-bought disappointments – we're diving headfirst into a recipe that's been a family favorite for generations: Momma Kelce's Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies. These aren't your average chewy delights; they're bursting with flavor, texture, and a whole lot of love. Prepare for an afternoon of baking bliss, resulting in cookies so good, they'll disappear faster than you can say "touchdown!" This easy recipe is perfect for beginners, yet satisfying enough for experienced bakers seeking a classic, comforting treat. Get ready for a healthy dose of homemade happiness!
Ingredients: A Symphony of Sweetness
This recipe yields approximately 24 generous cookies. Adjust as needed for your baking needs!
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking)
- 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or a mix!)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions: A Simple Guide to Cookie Perfection
Step 1: Cream Together the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is easily done with an electric mixer, but you can certainly use a good old-fashioned hand mixer if you prefer a bit of arm workout!
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Step 4: Gradually Add Dry to Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
Step 5: Stir in Oats and Chocolate Chips: Stir in the rolled oats and chocolate chips (and nuts, if using) until evenly distributed.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Leave some space between cookies, as they will spread during baking.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Step 8: Cool and 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 Extra Deliciousness
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened – this ensures that it creams properly with the sugars, resulting in light and fluffy cookies.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Adjust Baking Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep a close eye on your cookies. Start checking for doneness around 9 minutes.
Variations: Tailor Your Treats
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip: Add ½ cup of creamy peanut butter to the wet ingredients.
- White Chocolate Cranberry: Swap the chocolate chips for white chocolate chips and add ½ cup of dried cranberries.
- Spiced Oatmeal Raisin: Add ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg and ½ teaspoon of ground cloves along with ½ cup of raisins.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie – Approximate)
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 15-20g
These quick dinner ideas, easy recipes, and healthy meals (relatively speaking!) are a great addition to your homemade cooking repertoire. Enjoy the delicious dishes and best recipes, and happy baking!