Looking for the best chewy oatmeal cookies that stay soft in the middle and crisp around the edges? This simple recipe combines hearty rolled oats with melty chocolate chips, creating the ultimate homemade cookie. Perfect for breakfast treats, snack time, or a sweet dessert, these cookies deliver bakery-style results without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love These Chewy Oatmeal Cookies
The best oatmeal cookies should be:
- Chewy inside, crisp outside for the perfect texture.
- Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
- Customizable with nuts, raisins, or extra chocolate.
- Family-friendly and ready in under 30 minutes.
Whether you’re baking for a school lunchbox, a holiday platter, or just a cozy evening at home, these cookies check every box.
Ingredients for the Best Chewy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick oats)
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter & Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs & Vanilla
Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
5. Make the Dough
Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Gently fold in oats, chocolate chips, and walnuts, if desired.
6. Bake the Cookies
Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each. Bake 12–15 minutes, until golden brown at the edges.
7. Cool & Serve
Allow the dish to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or store it in an airtight container.
Best Chewy Oatmeal Cookies: A Simple & Classic Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cup flour all purpose
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and mix well to combine.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Gently fold in the rolled oats, chocolate chips, and chopped walnuts (if using).
- Drop heaping tablespoons of dough about 2 inches apart onto your prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Please note that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe.
Nutrition
Serving Suggestions
- Classic combo: Pair with a cold glass of milk.
- Dessert upgrade: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies.
- On-the-go snack: Store in lunchboxes or pack for road trips.
Tips for Perfect Chewy Oatmeal Cookies
- Brown sugar = chewiness. It locks in moisture and adds caramel notes.
- Don’t overmix. Stir just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
- Customize. Swap chocolate chips for raisins, dried cranberries, or white chocolate.
Nutrition (per cookie, approx.)
- Calories: 252
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
Benefits of Oatmeal Cookies
| Benefit | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Fiber-rich | Oats support digestion and fullness |
| Energy boost | Great for breakfast or snacks |
| Versatile | Works with nuts, raisins, or seeds |
| Family-friendly | Loved by kids and adults alike |
Related Recipes You May Enjoy
These Best Chewy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies are everything a homemade cookie should be: soft, chewy, chocolatey, and easy to make. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a batch that rivals your favorite bakery treats. Perfect for dessert, snacks, or even a cozy breakfast treat, they’ll quickly become a family favorite.
Try this recipe today, and don’t forget to explore our other desserts, snacks & appetizers for more sweet inspiration!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How do I keep oatmeal cookies soft?
Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread, as the bread helps to maintain moisture.
Q2: Can I freeze oatmeal cookie dough?
Yes! Scoop dough onto a tray, freeze until solid, then stow in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Q3: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend and make sure to use certified gluten-free oats.
Q4: Why are my oatmeal cookies dry?
Overbaking or too much flour can cause dryness. Stick to the bake time and measure flour correctly.
