Big Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Introduction

Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are a timeless classic loved by people of all ages. Combining the hearty texture of oats with the melty sweetness of chocolate chips, these cookies strike the perfect balance between indulgence and comfort. This recipe is an ode to the humble oatmeal cookie, enhanced with rich chocolate chips and a soft, chewy texture that will make them an instant favorite.

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups old-fashioned oats
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

Instructions and Methods

Prepare the Dough:

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Incorporate Oats and Chocolate Chips:

Gently fold in the oats, chocolate chips, and nuts (if using). The dough will be thick and hearty.

Chill the Dough:

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

Bake the Cookies:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop out dough (about 2 tablespoons per cookie) and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft.

Cool:

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Creaming Method

Start by creaming the softened butter with brown and granulated sugars. Use a hand or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the dough, resulting in softer cookies.

Gradual Mixing

Add eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.

Dry Ingredients Preparation

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Sifting or whisking the dry ingredients helps evenly distribute the baking soda for proper leavening.

Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Use a spatula or the mixer on low speed to prevent overmixing, which can make the cookies dense.

Folding in Add-Ins

Gently fold in the oats, chocolate chips, and optional chopped nuts. Be careful not to overwork the dough during this step.

Chilling the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours). Chilling firms up the dough, enhances flavor, and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Shaping and Baking

Scoop the dough into 2-tablespoon portions (or use a cookie scoop) and place them 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft.

Cooling

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling on the sheet helps the cookies set without overbaking.

Additional Tips

For Chewier Cookies: Use more brown sugar than white sugar, as it adds moisture.
For Crispier Cookies: Bake a minute or two longer, ensuring the edges are golden brown.
Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze the dough for fresh cookies anytime!

These methods ensure you get perfectly soft and chewy oatmeal chocolate chip cookies every time!

History

Oatmeal cookies date back to the 1800s, originating as a healthier alternative to sugar-filled treats. Adding chocolate chips became popular in the mid-20th century, transforming them into the delicious hybrid we know today. With their roots in wholesome simplicity, oatmeal chocolate chip cookies have evolved into a worldwide favorite.

The origins of oatmeal cookies date back to the early 1800s when oats were introduced as a versatile and healthy ingredient in baking. Oatmeal was commonly used in Scottish and English kitchens due to its affordability, availability, and long shelf life. The first oatmeal cookies were simple and rustic, often made without any sweeteners or add-ins.

In the late 19th century, oatmeal cookies began to gain popularity in the United States, where oats were marketed as a health food. The Quaker Oats Company played a pivotal role in this movement by including oatmeal cookie recipes on their packaging starting in the early 1900s, encouraging Americans to bake with oats at home.

The addition of chocolate chips to oatmeal cookies came about in the mid-20th century, inspired by the creation of the iconic chocolate chip cookie in 1938 by Ruth Wakefield of the Toll House Inn. Bakers began combining the hearty texture of oatmeal with the rich, melty sweetness of chocolate chips, creating a new and indulgent variation that became a favorite in households worldwide.

Today, oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are a beloved treat, cherished for their chewy texture, wholesome oats, and gooey chocolate. They represent the perfect blend of health-conscious baking and indulgent flavors, making them a timeless classic in the world of cookies.

Benefits

Energy-Boosting: The oats provide sustained energy and are a great source of fiber.
Mood Enhancer: Chocolate chips are known for releasing serotonin, giving you a happy boost.
Heart-Healthy: Oats help lower cholesterol levels and support cardiovascular health.
Customizable: Add raisins, nuts, or even dried cranberries for a personalized touch.

Rich in Fiber

The oats in these cookies are an excellent source of dietary fiber, aiding digestion, promoting gut health, and keeping you full longer.

Energy Boosting

The combination of oats and sugar provides quick and sustained energy, making these cookies a great snack for active days or pre-workout fuel.

Heart Health

Oats contain beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL), supporting cardiovascular health.

Mood Enhancer

The chocolate chips in the cookies are rich in serotonin-boosting compounds, helping to improve mood and reduce stress.

Kid-Friendly Nutrients

These cookies are a fun way to incorporate some whole grains into children’s diets, while still offering a sweet treat they’ll love.

Versatile Add-Ons

Adding nuts provides healthy fats and protein, while dark chocolate chips offer antioxidants that can protect against free radicals.

Homemade Goodness

Unlike store-bought cookies, homemade versions allow you to control the ingredients, reducing preservatives and artificial additives.

Portion-Control Friendly

The individual cookie size helps with portion control, so you can enjoy a treat without overindulging.

These benefits make oatmeal chocolate chip cookies a more wholesome indulgence than many other baked goods!

Nutrition (Per Cookie)

Calories: ~180
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 14g

(Approximately, based on a standard-sized cookie made with the recipe provided)

Calories: 180
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 80mg
Total Carbohydrates: 24g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 14g
Protein: 3g
Iron: 1mg (6% of daily value)
Calcium: 20mg (2% of daily value)
Potassium: 75mg

Key Nutritional Highlights

Fiber: The oats provide a good source of dietary fiber to support digestion.
Iron: Chocolate chips and oats contribute to the iron content, important for healthy blood production.
Protein: A small amount of protein helps with muscle repair and energy.
Moderate Calories: A great balance of indulgence and nutrition for a sweet treat.

You can adjust the nutrition by swapping ingredients—for example, using dark chocolate chips for more antioxidants or reducing sugar for fewer calories!

Conclusion

These oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are the perfect treat for anyone who loves soft, chewy textures with bursts of chocolate in every bite. Whether you enjoy them with a glass of milk or on their own, they’re bound to bring warmth and sweetness to your day.

Why People Love Them

They’re easy to make and even easier to eat!
They have the perfect blend of healthful oats and indulgent chocolate.
Their chewy texture and rich flavor make them universally loved by both kids and adults.

Give them a try, and they might just become your new favorite cookie recipe