Laura Bush'S Oatmeal Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Chewy oatmeal cookies loaded with chocolate chunks, walnuts, and dried cherries, offering a delightful mix of sweet, nutty, and tart flavors perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups butter ⓘ
- 1 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar ⓘ
- 3 eggs ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon vanilla ⓘ
- 3 cups flour ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon ⓘ
- 3 cups quick oats ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped walnuts ⓘ
- 1 1/2 packages (8 oz each) chocolate chunks ⓘ
- 2 cups coarsely chopped dried sour cherries ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- With an electric mixer, cream together the butter, sugar, and light brown sugar.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, blending until well combined.
- Stir in quick oats, chopped walnuts, chocolate chunks, and dried sour cherries.
- Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until cookies are golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter and toasting the walnuts before adding them to the dough. You can substitute half of the chocolate chunks with dark chocolate for a more intense taste. If you want to lessen the sugar, try using a sugar substitute like erythritol, but keep in mind this may affect the texture. Additionally, using rolled oats instead of quick oats can give the cookies a chewier texture.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee. For an added touch, serve them alongside a scoop of Buttermilk Sherbet for a delightful dessert combination. They make a great treat for gatherings or as a sweet snack to enjoy any time of day.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the microwave for a soft, fresh taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Laura Bush'S Oatmeal Chocolate Chunk Cookies contains roughly 3033 calories, with 38g protein, 275g carbohydrates, and 197g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (77% of the Daily Value), protein (75% of the Daily Value), and iron (63% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2320mg per serving (101% of the Daily Value).
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 regular oats instead of quick oats?
Yes, you can use regular oats instead of quick oats, but keep in mind that the texture of the cookies will change slightly. Regular oats will yield a chewier cookie, while quick oats integrate more seamlessly into the dough.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when they are golden brown around the edges and still slightly soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet, so avoid overbaking for a chewy texture.
Can I substitute the walnuts with another nut?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute walnuts with pecans, almonds, or even macadamia nuts for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the nuts are chopped to a similar size for even distribution in the cookies.
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).