Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

When my original plan for the EBBP package going to Zabeena went awry, I took a fall-back position to a tried-and-true theme of all-American favourites, and the cookies you see above were part of that.

When I was growing up, one of the favourite desserts that my mother made on a regular basis were Toll House chocolate chip cookies.  Over the years, as I became more interested in baking and made batch after batch of  my own cookies, I found that I was looking for a bit more texture and chew, which led to the inclusion of oatmeal.

Edited 30 October 2005: I'm sure there are about a thousand versions of these cookies out there, and mine probably isn't so different (or different at all!), but no matter. If you're looking to try a different variation of an old favourite, this ought to do the trick. but this one from Cook's Illustrated is absolutely perfect. If you're looking for the quintessential oatmeal chocolate-chip cookie, this is most definitely it.

Oatmeal Chocolate-Chip Cookies
Yields 18 large cookies

1 1/2 cups FLOUR
1/2 teaspoon SALT
1/2 teaspoon BAKING POWDER
8 ounces (2 sticks) UNSALTED BUTTER, softened
1 cup LIGHT BROWN SUGAR, packed
1 cup GRANULATED SUGAR
2 large EGGS
3 cups OATS
1 1/2 cups CHOCOLATE CHIPS

1. Preaheat oven to 350 degrees, and line two large cookie sheets with parchment paper.

2. Whisk flour, salt and baking powder together in a medium bowl.

3. In a separate bowl, by hand or by mixer, beat butter until creamy. Add sugars and beat the mixture until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time.

4. Stir dry ingredients into butter-sugar mixture with a wooden spoon or a large rubber spatula. Stir in oats and chocolate chips.

5. Place dough onto parchment-lined cookie sheets by large spoonfuls (about 2 tablespoons each), leaving at least 2 inches between.

6. Bake until cookie edges turn golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Slide cookies (on parchment) onto cooling rack. Let cool, and store in airtight container.

A tip from my mum: Place a piece of bread (any type) in with the cookies to prevent them from becoming stale. If they hang around long enough, that is!

Recipe reprinted with kind permission from the The Best Recipe Cookbook, by the editors of Cook's Illustrated magazine. Selected articles, recipes, books, and subscription information are available online at www.cooksillustrated.com.

Comments

[celiaK]

Gorgeous looking cookies you have there. mmmm!

[chef 'em out]

I've been away for awhile, and now I have to catch upon my required reading to see what I've missed. You photography is still stunning!

[The Missus]

For the typical American purist, nuts and oatmeal do not belong in choc. chip cookies, that goodness there aren't many of them here! I have never thought of or ever tried the bread thing, it's on my list.

[chef 'em out]

Nuts and oatmeal do belong in chocolate chip cookies, if the are called oatmeal chocolate chip cookies (am I making sense here?).If purists think they don't belong in chocolate chip cookies...don't eat them!

[Monkey Gland]

Ok, I'm spending tommorow morning making these bad boys...

[Chef Aimee]

Well then, the American purist would be missing out! I believe the famous "Neiman Marcus" cookie contains oatmeal... (althought it is ground up with chocolate into a very fine "dust" and used like flour!) These look delish!

[Pille]

Hi Moira - these looks nice! I only always make oatcakes with butter and flour - very basic recipe. Maybe it's time to 'upgrade' them a little next time and throw in some choc chips as well;)
By the way - I've tagged you for the childhood food memories meme - hope you'll have time to participate one day! The link is here:
http://nami-nami.blogspot.com/2005/08/meme-childhood-memories.html

[jillian]

I challenge other food bloggers to give aid to those who worked in the food industry and made New Orleans so flavorful:

New Orleans Hospitality Workers Disaster Relief Fund A fund has been established to benefit employees of the hospitality industry of the Greater New Orleans area who have experienced hardships because of the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. Contributions may be sent to:

New Orleans Hospitality Workers Disaster Relief Fund
Greater Houston Community Foundation
4550 Post Oak Place, Suite 100
Houston, TX 77027
Call 713-333-2200 for additional information

http://www.commanderspalace.com/new_orleans/index.php

[Monica]

Hey, that might be one of the best cookie pictures I've ever seen. I'm drueling at work now thanks :)
Happy baking, might have to go home later and attempt those...

[AugustusGloop]

Yum. Oatmeal cookies! Looks delicious, and easy too! Doubly good!

I hope you don't mind, but I've also tagged you for the Childhood Food Memories meme. That'll be the third meme to round out your collection! =) I can't wait to hear about the foods you grew up with!

[Moira]

Hello everyone...my husband has been away at school for the past month, so I've been very busy with my two little ones! Thank you for all of your lovely comments, and tags for memes, which I shall get busy with as soon as possible. I'm glad there are a lot of oatmeal chocolate chip cookie fans out there!

Cheers,

[debi]

Hi
Your pumpkin blossom is printed and on my wal. I love, love, love North American Fall. Ilive in Canada and fall colours and photos are especially dear to my heart. I have forwarded your site to all my Chinese, Taiwanese, Australian and New Zealand email pals. Tonight our JOY club - 4yrs to 12ys old kids will enjoy the Oatmeal Choc Chip cookies.

Thanks
Debi - Canada

[Moira]

Hi Debi...wow, you printed my blossom out? That's so cool! Thank you for your support and for leaving such a lovely comment. I hope the kids liked the cookies!

[LISE]

EXCELLENT....... I ADDED A DASH OF ALMOND EXTRACT AND A CUP OF DRIED FRUIT, FAMILY IS VERY SATISFIED.YUMMMMM YUMMMM

[Keely- Brooklyn]

Wow, a long search for the perfect oatmeal chocolate chip cookie recipe has now ended. I like to throw in some butterscotch chips, too. The dried blueberry idea sounds fabulous. Or maybe dried cranberries with some orange zest.... These are exceptionally good-- just chewy enough, and the perfect consistency and baking temp to cook through without burning the outside. My neighbors thank you.

[Laura Carraway]

I can't wait to try this recipe. I've been looking for a good oatemeal chocolate cookie recipe for a while now. Can you make these without the parchment paper?

[Nicole]

Forget the final cooked product...the batter is devine! I used mini-chocolate chips. Love it! Baked ones come out of the oven in 10 minutes and you bet I'll be munching!

[Kate]

I used your recipe tonight and LOVED it, as did the boyfriend, who is very particular on his oatmeal chocolate chip cookies! :) However, I found that my cookies burned at your suggest 20-25 minutes. I left mine in for about 11-12 minutes and they were perfect. Just a little note, thanks so much!!

[Jessie]

These are a HUGE hit with my fiance and everyone else. They are always declared the BEST cookies around. I always add a little bit of cinnamon and nutmeg. Thanks!

[Mindy Caldwell]

These cookies are delicious!! I used the Muesli cereal that I got from IKEA instead of the oatmeal. It added some extra fiber without my kids knowling!
Thanks! Mindy

[Mary]

I took this receipe and did some conversion, as I am baking for 2 diabetics;one juvenile and the other type 2. I substituted half of the brown sugar, with splenda brown sugar, and all of the sugar with white granulated splenda. I added mini choc chips and chopped walnuts. Turned out fabulous.....my diabetics were thrilled.

[Candice M]

I was looking for a recipe for oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, and made these tonight. They haven't completely cooled but they're delicious; hard on the outside and chewy on the inside. My boyfriend has already eaten 4 of them and he doesn't normally like oatmeal in cookies!!
My secret is to grind the oatmeal in the food processor (or blender) into a powder and you can barely tell it's in there. I wish I could post pictures they look fantastic. Yum!!

[diana]

thank you so much for sharing this recipe. I have been making these cookies since I first stumbled onto this page. today I return since I have misplaced my recipe card and I am set on making these cookies once again. they are sooo amazing thanks again for sharing!

[j moore]

i would love to try this recipe, but i only have about 1/2 cup of brown sugar. any suggestions? i've been craving these cookies all weekend:|