When it comes to classic cookies, there’s one combination that never fails to delight: chocolate chip oatmeal cookies. This classic treat combines the chewy heartiness of oats with the sweet, melty decadence of chocolate chips. It’s a mouthwatering recipe that appeals to both the oatmeal lovers and the chocolate chip fans, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. And let me tell you, after trying out this recipe, it’s hands-down the BEST chocolate chip oatmeal cookies I’ve ever made.
If you’re a cookie enthusiast or just someone looking to whip up something delicious for your family or friends, this recipe is for you. It won King Arthur’s Baking Recipe of the Year in 2015 for a reason – the flavor, texture, and consistency are unparalleled. These cookies are soft, chewy, slightly crispy on the edges, and packed with flavor that keeps you reaching for just one more.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the details of the recipe, some of the tips to make them just right, and why this particular recipe stands out from the rest. So, let’s dive in and get ready to bake the best chocolate chip oatmeal cookies you’ve ever tasted!
Why Is This Recipe So Special?
There are plenty of chocolate chip oatmeal cookie recipes out there, but this one stands apart due to a few key reasons:
- Perfect Balance of Oats and Chocolate Chips: Some oatmeal cookies have too much oatmeal, making them dry and cakey. Others have too much chocolate, making them overly sweet. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between the chewy oats and the rich, melty chocolate chips.
- Texture: The combination of butter, brown sugar, and a generous amount of oats results in a chewy, yet slightly crispy cookie that’s just impossible to resist. The cookie’s structure is just right, and the addition of both granulated and brown sugar adds a depth of sweetness and richness.
- Dough Consistency: One of the best features of this recipe is the dough. It’s easy to work with and holds its shape during baking, which results in perfectly round and thick cookies. You can refrigerate the dough to help the cookies keep their shape, or bake them immediately for a slightly softer result.
- Golden Award-Winning Flavor: By choosing the right type of oats, the right balance of sugars, and the perfect amount of chocolate chips, this recipe delivers a flavor profile that’s both comforting and indulgent. It’s the right kind of sweet that doesn’t overwhelm you.
- King Arthur’s Stamp of Approval: Winning King Arthur’s Recipe of the Year in 2015 isn’t just a title—it speaks volumes about the quality and thoughtfulness behind this recipe. King Arthur’s Baking Company is known for its precise and reliable recipes, so if it’s their recipe of the year, you know it’s something special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the step-by-step baking process, let’s take a look at the ingredients that make these cookies extraordinary:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter – Room temperature, softened. Butter adds richness to the cookies and helps create a perfect chewy texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps with the cookies’ crisp edges.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar – Brown sugar gives the cookies their moist, chewy texture and a deeper flavor due to the molasses.
- 2 large eggs – These are the binding agents that hold the dough together and give the cookies their soft and chewy texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – For added depth of flavor. Vanilla really complements the chocolate chips and oats in these cookies.
- 2 cups rolled oats – These are the hearty base of the oatmeal cookies. Rolled oats provide the perfect chewy texture.
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips – The star of the show! You can also opt for milk chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips if you prefer.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – This helps form the dough and ensures the cookies hold together.
- ½ tsp baking soda – Helps the cookies rise slightly and gives them a light, fluffy texture.
- ¼ tsp salt – Balances out the sweetness and enhances all of the flavors.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon – A warming spice that pairs wonderfully with the oats, adding a comforting note to the cookies.
Optional Add-Ins:
While these cookies are fantastic as-is, you can get creative by adding some optional ingredients like:
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans – If you enjoy a nutty crunch, this addition will take these cookies to the next level.
- 1 cup shredded coconut – For a tropical twist that complements the oats and chocolate chips.
- M&Ms or other candy pieces – If you have kids or just enjoy colorful treats, these add-ins can make your cookies even more fun.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Best Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cookies bake evenly when you place them in the oven. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This typically takes about 2-3 minutes. Creaming the butter and sugars properly is essential to getting a soft, chewy cookie, so be sure to do this step well.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs, one at a time, and mix well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl if necessary. Add the vanilla extract and continue mixing until it is fully incorporated into the dough.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients before adding them to the wet ingredients. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
Step 5: Add the Oats and Chocolate Chips
Fold in the rolled oats and chocolate chips (and any optional add-ins, like nuts or coconut). Again, mix just until combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky, which is exactly what you want for a chewy cookie.
Step 6: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, portion out about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie. Roll the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. If you prefer larger cookies, you can scoop larger portions, but be mindful of the baking time.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the cookies should be golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they appear a bit soft when you remove them from the oven.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will be soft and chewy on the inside, with a crisp golden exterior. Enjoy them with a glass of milk, coffee, or even on their own!
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes to an hour before baking helps the cookies keep their shape and prevents them from spreading too much. This step is especially helpful if you’re using soft butter.
- Use Rolled Oats, Not Instant Oats: For the best texture, always use old-fashioned rolled oats in this recipe. Instant oats will make the cookies too mushy and don’t provide the same chewiness.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you like your cookies a bit less sweet, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar or chocolate chips. However, keep in mind that the brown sugar gives the cookies their chewiness and flavor, so don’t cut back too much.
- Storage: These cookies keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let them cool completely before freezing.
Conclusion
These chocolate chip oatmeal cookies are not only the best you’ll ever make, but they are also a classic favorite that has been crowned as King Arthur’s Recipe of the Year in 2015. Whether you’re baking them for a family treat, a party, or just for yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to deliver soft, chewy, and utterly delicious cookies every time.
By following the simple steps in this article and using high-quality ingredients, you’ll have the perfect batch of chocolate chip oatmeal cookies that’ll have everyone coming back for more. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and get baking—your future self (and anyone who tastes these cookies
) will thank you! Happy baking! 🍪
