Old Fashioned Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
Chewy, chocolate chip oatmeal cookies with a rich vanilla flavor and nutty crunch, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings or sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the shortening and sugars together.
- Add eggs and baking soda with hot water to the mixture and mix well.
- Stir in flour, salt, and vanilla until combined.
- Add oatmeal, chocolate chips, and chopped walnuts or nutmeats (if desired).
- Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of dough onto a cookie sheet.
- Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a chewier cookie, use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter. To enhance the chocolate flavor, consider adding a touch of espresso powder. Make sure not to overmix the dough after adding the flour to keep the cookies tender. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect for an afternoon snack paired with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee. They also make a great dessert when served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a fun twist, try crumbling them over a bowl of yogurt with fresh fruit. They pair beautifully with Caramel-Apple Streusel for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To enjoy them warm, reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies contains roughly 227 calories, with 4g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A.
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 other types of nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the walnuts with pecans, almonds, or even macadamia nuts for a different flavor profile. You can also omit the nuts altogether if you prefer a nut-free cookie. Just keep the overall measurement the same to maintain the right texture.
What can I do if my dough is too dry?
If your dough feels too dry, you can add a tablespoon of milk or water to help hydrate it. Make sure to incorporate it well into the dough. Sometimes, the moisture content in the oats can vary, so it's good to adjust as needed for the perfect consistency.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when they are golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven, so it's better to take them out a little early than to overbake them. Let them cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
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).