There is something incredibly comforting about a classic cookie that combines wholesome oats with the rich, melty goodness of chocolate chips, and that’s exactly what this Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe delivers in every bite. These cookies are a perfect balance of chewy and soft with just the right hint of sweetness, making them an irresistible treat for any time of day. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving a warm snack, this recipe will become your go-to favorite because it’s straightforward, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple and straightforward ingredients come together in this recipe to create cookies with the perfect texture, flavor, and sweetness. Each component plays a key role, from the buttery richness to the oatsy chew and that chocolate burst everyone loves.
- 3/4 cup butter (softened): Provides rich flavor and a soft, chewy texture essential for great cookies.
- 1 and 1/2 cups brown sugar (packed, dark preferred): Adds moisture and a deep caramel note for chewiness and sweetness.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the structure.
- 1 large egg yolk: Boosts richness and tenderness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances flavor depth and aroma.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled): The base that supports the cookie’s shape and crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just the right amount.
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder: Aids in creating a tender and light texture.
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt (or 1/2 teaspoon table salt): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats: Adds chew and wholesome oat flavor.
- 1 and 1/4 cups old fashioned rolled oats (blended into coarse flour): Gives body and structure without heaviness.
- 2 and 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips: The star mix-in that delivers gooey pockets of chocolate joy in every bite.
How to Make Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Begin by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two half-sheet baking pans with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure your cookies bake evenly without sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy, about one minute. Then add the brown sugar and continue beating for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is fluffy and light, scraping down the sides as you go. This step is crucial for a tender cookie with a soft crumb.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the large egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. These wet ingredients contribute richness and help hold the cookie dough together beautifully.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gently stir these dry ingredients together before adding them to the wet mix. When you add the flour mixture, beat until just combined—it’s okay if your dough looks a little flour-heavy at this stage; we’ll mix in the oats next.
Step 5: Incorporate Rolled Oats
Add 1 cup of old fashioned rolled oats directly to the dough. These whole oats provide chewiness and heartiness to your cookies.
Step 6: Blend and Add Oat Flour
Place 1 and 1/4 cups of rolled oats into a blender or food processor and pulse until it looks like a coarse flour. This oat flour mix is folded into your dough, giving body and structure without the heaviness of extra wheat flour.
Step 7: Stir in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the 2 and 1/2 cups of semisweet chocolate chips just until evenly distributed. These pockets of chocolate are what make each bite so indulgently delicious.
Step 8: Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, shape the dough into balls roughly 1 and 3/4 inches in diameter—about the size of a slightly larger golf ball. Place them on the lined baking sheets spaced 2 inches apart to give them room to spread.
Step 9: Bake and Shape Immediately
Bake the cookies at 325 degrees for 9 to 10 minutes until the edges are firm and slightly golden, while the centers still look a bit shiny. The secret to the perfect texture is to reshape the cookies immediately after taking them from the oven using two spoons. Gently push the cookies together and up in the middle to achieve a thick, fudgy center with crisp but tender edges. Don’t wait more than 30 seconds or the cookies will firm up too much to shape.
Step 10: Cool and Finish
Let the cookies rest on the pan for 5 to 10 minutes after reshaping—they will firm up just enough to handle but remain soft inside. For an irresistible look, press a few extra chocolate chips on top and lightly sprinkle with Maldon sea salt flakes if you like a touch of salty contrast. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before enjoying—or dive in warm if you’re feeling daring!
How to Serve Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Garnishes
Add a finishing touch by pressing extra chocolate chips on top of the warm cookies so they melt slightly and look inviting. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt like Maldon brings out the rich sweet and chocolate flavors, creating that perfect sweet-and-salty sensation.
Side Dishes
These cookies are heavenly on their own but pair beautifully with a tall glass of cold milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a cozy cup of hot coffee or tea. These classic companions elevate the experience by balancing sweetness and temperature contrasts.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your batch of oatmeal chocolate chip cookies into a charming gift by stacking them with parchment paper in a decorative box tied with twine. Or, sandwich two cookies together with a dollop of peanut butter or marshmallow fluff for a nostalgic twist. For parties, serve cookie crumbles over ice cream or sprinkle them on top of dessert yogurt for a delightful crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies fresh and chewy by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay delicious for up to a week, ready whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking by placing them on a lined baking sheet and chilling in the freezer for 30 minutes. Then transfer to a ziplock bag and freeze for up to 3 to 4 months. Bake the frozen dough balls by adding 1 to 2 minutes to the original bake time. Alternatively, fully baked cookies also freeze wonderfully but are best enjoyed within three weeks to retain their perfect texture.
Reheating
For freshly baked cookies that have cooled, pop them in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or warm them in a 300-degree oven for a few minutes. This little heat refreshes their soft, melty charm as if they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old fashioned oats?
While quick oats can work in a pinch, old fashioned rolled oats provide the best texture and chewiness for this Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. Quick oats tend to make the cookies softer and can alter the structure slightly.
Do these cookies need chilling before baking?
Chilling is not necessary for this recipe, making it faster to enjoy your cookies. However, resting the dough can intensify the flavors and help with shaping, but it’s optional.
Why do I need to reshape the cookies right after baking?
Shaping the cookies immediately after baking with two spoons helps create a thick, fudgy center and prevents the edges from becoming too crisp. It’s a small step that dramatically improves the texture and overall eating experience.
Can I substitute the chocolate chips with nuts or dried fruit?
Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, or dried cherries make excellent alternatives or additions if you want to customize your oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. Just keep the quantity similar to maintain balance.
How large should the cookie dough balls be?
They should be approximately 1 and 3/4 inches across or slightly bigger than a golf ball. This size ensures the cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect texture balance.
Final Thoughts
Once you make this Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved classic with a twist that takes it over the top. The blend of oats in whole and flour form, combined with melty chocolate chips and a subtle sprinkle of sea salt, creates a cookie that’s both nostalgic and unique. Don’t hesitate to try it out and share the warm, cozy feeling it brings with your loved ones – a batch of these cookies is guaranteed to bring smiles and happy hearts all around.
Print
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 32 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously soft and thick Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies with a perfect balance of chewy oats, rich chocolate chips, and a hint of vanilla. These cookies feature a unique blend of whole rolled oats and oat flour for a tender texture and are baked to golden perfection with crispy edges and a fudgy center. Easy to make and perfect for sharing or freezing for later enjoyment.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup butter, softened (1 and 1/2 sticks)
- 1 and 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed (dark brown sugar preferred)
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt (or 1/2 teaspoon table salt)
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 and 1/4 cups old fashioned rolled oats, blended or food processed into coarse oat flour
Add-ins
- 2 and 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F and line two half baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prepare for baking.
- Beat Butter: In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter until soft and creamy, about 1 minute. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
- Add Brown Sugar: Beat in the packed brown sugar thoroughly. Scrape the bowl again and continue beating for another 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is fluffy and light.
- Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add the whole egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Beat well to fully incorporate, scraping the sides and bottom as needed.
- Add Flour: Spoon and level the all-purpose flour into the bowl but do not mix it in yet.
- Combine Baking Agents and Salt: Sprinkle baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt over the flour and stir gently with a small spoon to evenly distribute these ingredients into the flour.
- Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet: Use the beaters to mix the flour mixture into the dough just until the dough is still somewhat white from flour. Scrape down the edges but avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Add Whole Rolled Oats: Stir in 1 cup of whole old fashioned rolled oats into the dough.
- Prepare Oat Flour: In a blender or food processor, pulse 1 and 1/4 cups of old fashioned rolled oats until ground into a coarse oat flour, which should take 30 to 60 seconds.
- Add Oat Flour: Incorporate the blended oat flour into the cookie dough.
- Mix Dough: Beat just until the flour streaks disappear and the oats are barely mixed in, scraping the sides and bottom thoroughly. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough cookies.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips just until evenly distributed in the dough.
- Optional Chill: The dough does not require chilling, but chilling can help with easier shaping. See notes for details.
- Shape Dough: Using a cookie scoop (1 and 3/4 inches wide) or hands, shape dough into balls just under 2 inches wide, about 1 and 3/4 tablespoons each.
- Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place dough balls onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Approximately 9 cookies fit per half baking sheet.
- Bake Cookies: Bake at 325°F for 9 to 10 minutes until edges are firm and just turning golden. The centers may still look slightly shiny–this is normal. If fully shiny on top, bake an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
- Remove from Oven: Take the baking sheets out of the oven carefully.
- Reshape Cookies: Immediately use two spoons to gently push each cookie inward, shaping to create a thick, soft center and well-rounded edges. This must be done within 30 seconds before edges crisp.
- Cool on Pan: Let cookies set on the baking sheets for 5 to 10 minutes to firm up. Be cautious when handling as they are delicate when warm.
- Optional Garnish: Before fully cooled, press extra chocolate chips on top of each cookie for an attractive finish.
- Add Sea Salt (Optional): Lightly sprinkle with Maldon sea salt flakes if desired for a salty contrast.
- Cool Completely: Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store: Keep cookies covered at room temperature until ready to enjoy.
- Freezing Dough: Place dough balls on a lined cookie sheet and freeze for 30 minutes until firm. Move to a ziplock bag and store up to 3 to 4 months. When baking frozen dough, add 1 to 2 minutes to the baking time and consume baked cookies within 3 weeks for best freshness.
Notes
- Cookies do not require chilling before baking, but chilling can make shaping easier and improve flavor.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is incorporated to prevent tough cookies.
- The reshaping step immediately after baking is critical for achieving thick, fudgy centers with crisp edges.
- Maldon sea salt is optional but recommended to enhance the chocolate flavor with a hint of saltiness.
- Use a cookie scoop for consistent cookie sizes and even baking.
- Cookie dough can be frozen for convenience; bake directly from frozen adding a couple extra minutes.

