Favorite Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chewy oatmeal chocolate chip cookies with rich chocolate and nutty crunch, perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying as a delightful snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream shortening and sugars together.
- Add eggs and vanilla to the mixture.
- Pour boiling water over the baking soda.
- Add the baking soda mixture to the creamed mixture.
- Mix thoroughly, then add flour and mix.
- Add oatmeal and mix again.
- Stir in chocolate chips and nuts if desired.
- Drop teaspoon-sized portions onto a lightly greased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 375°F for 8 minutes for soft cookies or up to 10 minutes for harder cookies.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, you can substitute half of the shortening with unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat. If you prefer a chewier texture, use old-fashioned rolled oats instead of quick oats. Remember to let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack for optimal texture. These cookies pair beautifully with Snow Ghost Cocoa Cream Pie for dessert.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cookies warm with a glass of milk or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat. They also make a great addition to a dessert platter or can be gifted in a decorative tin. Consider pairing them with Texas Hush Puppies for a fun and varied snack spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a sealed bag for up to three months. To reheat, place in a microwave for a few seconds or warm in an oven at 350°F for a few minutes until soft.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Favorite Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies contains roughly 106 calories, with 1g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 5g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use butter instead of shortening?
Yes, you can substitute butter for shortening in this recipe. However, using butter will result in a slightly different texture and flavor, as butter tends to make cookies a bit more crisp. If you want chewier cookies, it's best to stick to shortening or a mix of both.
How can I make these cookies healthier?
To make these cookies healthier, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour and reducing the sugar by a third. You can also add in dried fruits or seeds for extra nutrition. Additionally, using dark chocolate chips can enhance flavor while providing antioxidants.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can scoop the dough into balls and freeze them, then bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time for fresh, warm cookies anytime.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).