Soft Oatmeal Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Soft Oatmeal Chocolate Chunk Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the chewiness of oats with the rich, gooey goodness of chocolate chunks. These cookies are soft in the middle with a slight crisp edge, making them a perfect indulgence for any time of the day. Here’s a comprehensive recipe to make these delicious cookies from scratch:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), room temperature: Provides richness and moisture.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies.
• 1 cup packed brown sugar: Adds depth of flavor and moisture.
• 2 large eggs: Helps bind the dough and adds richness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the cookie dough.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Provides additional lift.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the cookies.
• 2 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats: Adds chewiness and texture.
• 1 1/2 cups chocolate chunks: Adds rich, melty chocolate pieces.
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts: Such as walnuts or pecans, for added crunch.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:

1. Cream Together:

• In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer or stand mixer, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

3. Add Wet Ingredients:

1. Mix in Eggs and Vanilla:

• Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
• Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

1. Add Dry to Wet:

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.

5. Add Oats and Chocolate:

1. Stir in Oats:

• Fold in the rolled oats until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

1. Add Chocolate Chunks:

• Gently fold in the chocolate chunks and optional nuts, if using.

6. Shape the Cookies:

1. Scoop Dough:

• Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The dough will spread a bit during baking.

7. Bake the Cookies:

1. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set. The cookies will continue to cook slightly on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.

1. Cool:

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

8. Enjoy:

• Serve and Store:
• Enjoy the cookies warm or at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a resealable bag or container for up to 3 months.

Tips for Success:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with the sugars.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
• Use Old-Fashioned Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats provide better texture than quick oats.
• Check Doneness: Cookies may appear soft in the center but will firm up as they cool.

Variations:

• Add-Ins: Experiment with other add-ins like dried cranberries, coconut flakes, or different types of chocolate (white, dark, etc.).
• Spices: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.

Conclusion:

Soft Oatmeal Chocolate Chunk Cookies are a comforting and satisfying treat that combines the chewy texture of oats with the rich sweetness of chocolate. With a simple preparation and a few key ingredients, you can create a batch of cookies that are sure to be a hit with everyone. Follow this recipe for perfectly soft, chewy, and indulgent cookies that will delight your taste buds.

Enjoy baking and savoring these delicious cookies!

This detailed guide should help you create perfectly soft and chewy oatmeal chocolate chunk cookies every time. Happy baking!