Are you craving a warm, chewy cookie that's both comforting and utterly delicious? Look no further! This recipe takes inspiration from the classic, high-quality bakes you'd find at Williams Sonoma, but simplifies the process to make it perfect for home cooks of all levels. These chewy oatmeal cookies are a fantastic example of easy recipes that deliver incredible flavor and texture, perfect for a quick dessert or a satisfying treat any time of day. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this simple yet incredibly rewarding recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light 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
- 2 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate – your choice!)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat and 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 the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer works great for this, but a good old-fashioned hand mixer will do the job just as well.
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Add Eggs and Vanilla: 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, and salt.
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Gradually Combine Wet and 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 and Chocolate Chips: Stir in the rolled oats and chocolate chips (and nuts, if using).
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Scoop and 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. Keep a close eye on them towards the end of baking time, as ovens can vary.
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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.
Tips for the Best Chewy Oatmeal Cookies:
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Use softened butter: Softened butter creates a more tender and chewy cookie.
- 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 the cookies from spreading too much.
- Adjust baking time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust the baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a dash of nutmeg or ginger for a warm, spiced twist.
- Fruity fun: Incorporate dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots for a burst of fruity flavor.
- Peanut butter power: Stir in ½ cup of creamy peanut butter for a delicious peanut butter oatmeal cookie.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on variations and serving size)
- Fat: 8-10g
- Saturated Fat: 5-7g
- Sugar: 15-20g
These Williams Sonoma inspired chewy oatmeal cookies are a perfect example of delicious dishes that are surprisingly easy to make. Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful treats with your loved ones! They're a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to special celebrations. Happy baking!