There’s nothing quite like a freshly baked oatmeal chocolate chunk cookie—soft, chewy, and packed with rich chocolate and hearty oats. These cookies bring together the comforting flavor of buttery oats with the indulgent sweetness of melting chocolate chunks. With their crispy edges and soft, gooey centers, they’re an absolute favorite among cookie lovers of all ages.
Whether you need a quick afternoon pick-me-up, a delicious homemade dessert, or a treat to share with family and friends, these cookies are the perfect choice. Best of all, they are easy to make and require simple pantry staples.
This tried-and-true recipe has received thousands of five-star reviews—and for good reason. Once you take a bite, you’ll see why these cookies are loved by so many!
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Provides richness and moisture, creating a tender cookie.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps with crisp edges.
- 1 heaping cup brown sugar – Enhances moisture and creates a chewy texture with a hint of caramel flavor.
- 2 large eggs – Bind the ingredients together and add structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of the dough, giving structure to the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies rise and spread properly.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder – Adds a slight lift for a softer texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 3 cups quick-cooking oats – The star ingredient, adding a chewy and hearty texture.
Mix-ins
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chunks – Melts beautifully, creating gooey chocolate pockets in every bite.
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional) – Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or leave them ungreased for easy cleanup.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Continue mixing for 3 to 4 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential for creating soft cookies.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for extra depth of flavor.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Fold in the Oats and Chocolate
Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold in the quick oats, chocolate chunks, and walnuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Shape the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop or roll the dough into balls with your hands.
7. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.
8. Cool the Cookies
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Soft, chewy, and packed with chocolate
- Perfectly crisp edges with a gooey center
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Freezer-friendly for quick treats anytime
- A crowd-favorite with over 3,000 rave reviews
Pro Tips for the Best Cookies
✔ Use room temperature butter – Softened butter ensures even mixing and the perfect texture.
✔ Measure the flour correctly – Spoon and level the flour rather than scooping it directly to avoid dense cookies.
✔ Chill the dough (optional) – If you have time, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking for even thicker cookies.
✔ Don’t overbake – The cookies will continue baking on the hot tray after being removed from the oven, so take them out when the edges are golden but the center still looks soft.
Serving Suggestions
These soft oatmeal chocolate chunk cookies are perfect on their own, but they taste even better with:
- A glass of cold milk for the ultimate dunking experience.
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious cookie sundae.
- A drizzle of melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason why these oatmeal chocolate chunk cookies are a household favorite. They offer the perfect balance of chewy, crispy, and chocolatey goodness, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven, store them for later, or freeze extra dough for future cravings, these cookies will always be a crowd-pleaser.
Make a batch today, and watch them disappear in no time!