Oatmeal Chocolate Chunk Cookies

There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your kitchen. Oatmeal Chocolate Chunk Cookies are the perfect blend of chewy oats, rich chocolate, and a hint of warmth from cinnamon. These cookies are not only delicious but also offer a delightful texture that will keep you reaching for just one more. Whether you’re looking for a snack to pair with your afternoon coffee or a sweet treat to impress guests, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your home.

Why It Works Every Time

The beauty of Oatmeal Chocolate Chunk Cookies lies in their simplicity. The combination of old-fashioned rolled oats and semisweet chocolate creates a satisfying chewiness that is both hearty and indulgent. The addition of dark brown sugar enhances the flavor profile, giving the cookies a deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate. By using room temperature ingredients, you ensure better mixing and a smoother dough, leading to perfectly baked cookies every time.

What You’ll Need

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup butter, at room temperature
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped (optional)
• 1 cup dried cherries
• 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped into chunks

Setup & Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Electric mixer (hand or stand)
• Baking sheets (lined with parchment paper)
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon
• Cooling rack

Build Oatmeal Chocolate Chunk Cookies Step by Step

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly, giving them the perfect texture.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and old-fashioned rolled oats. This blend of dry ingredients is the foundation of your cookies, providing structure and flavor.

Step 3: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In another bowl, beat together the butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process will incorporate air into the dough, leading to a tender cookie.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.

Step 6: Fold in the Add-ins

Gently fold in the toasted walnuts (if using), dried cherries, and chocolate chunks. This step adds texture and bursts of flavor to each bite.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Enjoy these delightful Oatmeal Chocolate Chunk Cookies warm or at room temperature.

Health-Conscious Tweaks

• Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber.
• Substitute coconut oil or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.
• Reduce the sugar by half or use a sugar substitute to lower calories.
• Add in some flaxseed meal for an extra boost of nutrients.

Testing Timeline

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Cooling Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 35-40 minutes

Save for Later: Storage Tips

To keep your Oatmeal Chocolate Chunk Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you prefer to keep them longer, freeze the cookies by placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes before enjoying.

Helpful Q&A

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?

While you can use quick oats, the texture of the cookies may be slightly different. Old-fashioned rolled oats give the cookies a chewier texture, while quick oats will create a softer cookie.

What can I substitute for walnuts?

If you’re allergic to nuts or just prefer not to use them, you can simply omit them or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a similar crunch.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Cookies are done when the edges are golden brown and the centers appear slightly underbaked. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before scooping and baking.

What to Make After This

• Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Peanut Butter Cookies
• Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies
• Moist Banana Bread

Save & Share

If you enjoyed these Oatmeal Chocolate Chunk Cookies, don’t hesitate to share the love! Snap a photo of your delicious creations and tag your friends. Baking is always better when shared with others, and these cookies are sure to bring joy to anyone who gets a taste.

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of biting into a warm, chewy Oatmeal Chocolate Chunk Cookie. With their perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and rich chocolate flavor, these cookies are destined to be a staple in your baking repertoire. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or stored away for later indulgence, they promise to deliver comfort and delight in every bite. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible cookies!