Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookies
There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm chocolate chunk oatmeal cookie fresh from the oven. These cookies are not only delicious, but they also bring a delightful chewiness and a hint of spice that makes each bite a true treat. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet snack, these Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookies are sure to hit the spot.
What makes these cookies stand out is the combination of rich chocolate chunks and wholesome oats, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. They’re a fantastic choice for anyone who loves cookies that are both satisfying and slightly indulgent. Let’s dive into how you can whip up a batch of these delightful cookies!
What Sets This Recipe Apart
The secret to the incredible taste of these Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookies lies in the blend of flavors and textures. The butter provides richness, while the sugars give just the right amount of sweetness. The rolled oats add a hearty chewiness, and the chocolate chunks melt beautifully, creating pockets of gooey chocolate in every bite. Plus, the hint of cinnamon elevates the flavor profile, making these cookies irresistible.
Shopping List
- 1 cup softened and cooled butter
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 eggs, whisked
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup chocolate chips or diced chocolate bars
Gear Up: What to Grab
- Mixing bowls: For combining your ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to success.
- Whisk: To blend the eggs and mix the dough.
- Baking sheets: For placing the cookies to bake.
- Parchment paper: To line your baking sheets and prevent sticking.
- Cooling rack: To cool the cookies after baking.
Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookies — Do This Next
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar. Using a whisk or electric mixer, cream these ingredients together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the batter, leading to a lighter cookie.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Eggs
Mix in the vanilla extract and the whisked eggs. Continue to blend until everything is well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and spices throughout the flour.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients with Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep your cookies tender.
Step 6: Fold in Oats and Chocolate
Gently fold in the rolled oats and chocolate chips or diced chocolate bars. Make sure the chocolate is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: Scoop the Dough
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie for spreading.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they’ll continue to cook as they cool.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely (if you can resist!) and enjoy your Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage.
What to Use Instead
- Butter: You can substitute with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative for a vegan version.
- White sugar: Coconut sugar can be used for a more natural sweetness.
- Chocolate chips: Try using dark chocolate or white chocolate for a different flavor profile.
- Rolled oats: Quick oats can be used, but they will yield a different texture.
Cook’s Notes
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This will affect the texture of your cookies.
- Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can help the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits to the mix for added flavor and texture.
- These cookies can be made ahead of time and frozen for later enjoyment. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Keep-It-Fresh Plan
To keep your Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you prefer them warm, you can microwave them for a few seconds to bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste. For longer storage, consider freezing the baked cookies in a single layer, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months!
Popular Questions
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats, but the texture of the cookies will be slightly different. Rolled oats provide a chewier texture, while quick oats may yield a softer cookie.
What type of chocolate is best for these cookies?
Dark chocolate adds a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cookies, but feel free to use milk chocolate or even white chocolate according to your preference!
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Look for the edges to be lightly golden and the centers to be set but slightly soft. They will continue to cook as they cool on the baking sheet.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to also check that your oats are certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
Bring It Home
There you have it! A delightful recipe for Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookies that brings together the best of both worlds: wholesome oats and rich chocolate. These cookies are perfect for sharing (or not!) and are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re whipping them up for a family gathering or simply treating yourself, each bite will remind you of the joy that fresh-baked cookies bring. Happy baking!
Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Step 3: Mix in the vanilla extract and the whisked eggs until well combined.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
- Step 6: Fold in the rolled oats and chocolate chips or diced chocolate bars.
- Step 7: Drop rounded balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
- Step 8: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Step 9: Let cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Notes
- Ensure your butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.
- Chill the dough for about 30 minutes to help maintain shape while baking.
- Add nuts or dried fruits for extra flavor and texture.
