4.92 from 73 votes

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Jump to Recipe ▼

155 Comments

Servings: 24 large cookies

1 hr 7 mins

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure policy.

These soft, thick, and chewy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies are made with a sneaky secret ingredient for the BEST flavor and texture. My recipe makes 24 large cookies and can be made in advance. Includes a how-to video!

Close-up of oatmeal chocolate chip cookie to show texture

The Ultimate Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

There are few things that can’t be improved by the addition of chocolate. While I already have a pretty fantastic (in my humble opinion) recipe for oatmeal cookies, this space was sorely missing a standalone oatmeal chocolate chip cookie recipe.

While, sure, you can just toss some chocolate chips into my classic recipe (and I include instructions over there on how to do so), I felt this standalone recipe needed a bit more pizzaz, so I borrowed a critical secret ingredient from my chocolate chip cookies. Can you guess what it is?

Maple syrup! Just a few tablespoons enhance the flavor and add to the chewiness of the cookies WITHOUT actually making them taste like maple syrup. Everyone will be wondering what makes these cookies so good, but only you will know 😉

Why use my recipe:

  • Uses simple pantry staples.
  • Strikes just the right balance between oatmeal and chocolate chip cookies.
  • Makes large cookies, just like a bakery!
  • Can be made in advance.
  • Super soft and chewy results!

What You Need

Overhead view of ingredients including oats, chocolate chips, flour, vanilla, and more.

Several carefully selected ingredients come together to make these oatmeal cookies:

  • Butter. I use unsalted butter to have maximum control over the flavor of my cookies. You can read more about this in my salted vs unsalted butter post.
  • Sugar. Using more brown than granulated sugar makes for mega-soft and chewy cookies. I prefer to use dark brown sugar for the best flavor, but you can substitute light brown sugar if you don’t have dark on hand.
  • Maple syrup. If you don’t have maple syrup on hand, I suggest you make my classic oatmeal cookie recipe instead and just add chocolate chips (there are notes in the recipe on how to do so).
  • Ground cinnamon. This is optional, but I love the subtle, festive depth of flavor that it adds.
  • Old-fashioned oats. Use old fashioned oats, not “quick” or instant oats. Old fashioned oats gives you chewier and heartier cookies.

SAM’S TIP: I know that some people are maple syrup purists, but I’ve made these oatmeal cookies with both pure maple syrup and with pancake syrup and either will work perfectly fine here.

Remember, this is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why. For the full recipe please scroll down to the bottom of the post!

How to Make Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Balls of oatmeal cookie dough on a baking sheet.
  1. Cream the butter – Beat the butter until creamy, then add the sugars and mix well.
  2. Add the flavorings – Stir in the eggs, vanilla, and maple syrup.
  3. Stir in the dry ingredients – Combine the dry ingredients in a separate bowl, then gradually add them to the wet ingredients.
  4. Add the mix-ins – Stir in the oats and chocolate chips until combined.
  5. Cover and chill – Cover with plastic and chill for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Scoop and bake – Drop 2 tablespoon-sized scoops onto a parchment lined baking sheet and bake for 12-13 minutes.
  7. Enjoy! Let the cookies cool completely on their baking sheets before enjoying.

SAM’S TIP: Never place cookie dough on a hot cookie sheet! The dough will start to melt before the cookies even make it into the oven and your cookies will spread much more than they are supposed to.

Oatmeal cookie that's been bitten into to show lots of melty chocolate chips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use raisins instead of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! You can substitute an equal amount of raisins for the chocolate chips, or you can make my oatmeal raisin cookies instead.

Can these cookies be frozen?

Yes! If you’d like to freeze before baking, check out my how to freeze cookie dough post for instructions. If you’d like to freeze after baking, simply wrap well and store in an airtight container or ziploc bag for up to 3 months.

Why are my oatmeal cookies hard?

The most likely reason for hard, dry oatmeal cookies is over-baking or over-measuring your flour. Make sure to take your cookies out of the oven when they are still a bit underdone in the middle; this will allow them to finish cooking outside the oven on their baking sheets for soft and chewy results!

Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies on a baking sheet after baking.

Love oats and chocolate? Try my cowboy cookies or my oatmeal cookie bars!

Enjoy!

Let’s bake together! I’ll be walking you through all the steps in my written recipe and video below! If you try this recipe, be sure to tag me on Instagram, and you can also find me on YouTube and Facebook

Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies on a baking sheet after baking.
4.92 from 73 votes

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

These soft, thick, and chewy oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are made with a sneaky secret ingredient for the BEST flavor and texture. My recipe makes 24 large cookies and can be made in advance.
Recipe includes a how-to video!
Prep: 25 minutes
Cook: 12 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
Total: 1 hour 7 minutes
Servings: 24 large cookies
Save this recipe!
Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new recipes from us every week!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (216 g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup (200 g) dark brown sugar, firmly packed
  • ½ cup (100 g) sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature preferred
  • 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 Tablespoons maple syrup, (real maple syrup or pancake syrup will work)
  • 1 ¾ cup + 2 Tablespoons (230 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 Tablespoon cornstarch, cornflour in UK
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ teaspoon cinnamon, optional
  • 3 cups (285 g) old fashioned rolled oats
  • 2 cups chocolate chips, I prefer semisweet or dark, but milk or even white chocolate chips would work, depending on your preference

Instructions 

  • Place butter in large bowl and beat with an electric mixer (alternatively you can use a stand mixer) until creamy.
    1 cup (216 g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • Add brown sugar and granulated sugar and beat until thoroughly combined.
    1 cup (200 g) dark brown sugar, firmly packed, ½ cup (100 g) sugar
  • Add eggs and egg yolk, vanilla extract, and maple syrup and stir until well-combined.
    2 large eggs, 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 Tablespoons maple syrup
  • In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
    1 ¾ cup + 2 Tablespoons (230 g) all-purpose flour, 1 Tablespoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ¾ teaspoon salt, ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
  • With mixer on low speed, gradually add flour mixture to the butter mixture until ingredients are completely combined.
  • Add oats and chocolate chips, stirring until thoroughly combined.
    3 cups (285 g) old fashioned rolled oats, 2 cups chocolate chips
  • Cover bowl with plastic wrap and transfer cookie dough to refrigerator. Chill for at least 30 minutes¹.
  • Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and prepare cookie sheets by lining with parchment paper.
  • Once dough has chilled, drop cookie dough by rounded 2 Tablespoon-sized scoops onto parchment paper, spacing cookies at least 2" apart.
  • Bake on 350F (175C) for 12-13 minutes (edges should be slightly browned, centers may still be slightly underbaked but shouldn't be raw, they'll bake completely as they cool).
  • Allow cookies to cool completely on cookie sheet before enjoying.

Notes

¹Dough may be chilled longer, up to several days, just keep in mind that if it sits longer than several hours it will be very firm and difficult to scoop and may need to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes or so to soften enough to scoop.

Video note

In the video I call for 1 egg and 1 egg yolk. I’ve since updated the recipe and prefer it to be made with 2 whole eggs. It will still be good the other way! I just prefer it now with 2 eggs.

Nutrition

Serving: 1large cookie | Calories: 312kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 139mg | Potassium: 80mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 290IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!

This recipe was originally published 01/19/2018. Post has been updated to include more information, photos, and an instructional video on 09/18/2019.

Cover photo of my gourmet cookie ebook.

Now Available!

Get my most popular bakery-style cookie recipes in one beautiful ebook. Foolproof recipes and bakery-worthy cookies you can make at home.

You May Also Like:

4.92 from 73 votes (18 ratings without comment)

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




155 Comments

  1. Jeffery D says:

    5 stars
    These cookies are AMAZING! They were a big hit with everyone in my house. The ONLY thing I did differently was adding some roasted hazelnuts to it. I will be using this recipe again 🙂

  2. joan says:

    3 stars
    could not taste the pancake syrup sadly and the cookie was really dry and crunchy-baked 11 minutes

    1. Sam Merritt says:

      I’m so sorry to hear this happened, Joan! Is it possible your oven was running hot? Did you make your dough balls the same size as mine?

  3. Janet says:

    5 stars
    Cookies are delicious! One of my favorites! Great recipe! Came out perfect first time just like the picture!

    Thank you!

  4. Shruti says:

    Since lactation cookies are basically oatmeal chocolate chip cookies with brewers yeast & flax meal, and all your cookie recipes always turn out perfect for me, I wanted to modify this recipe by adding 1/4c brewers yeast an 2-3 tbsp flax meal. Any advice on how to do that? Was going to try subbing out the flour…

    Also, would love to see an official “lactation” cookie recipe from you! This is the first time I’ve googled a cookie recipe on your website and NOT found it!

    1. Sam Merritt says:

      Hi Shruti! Unfortunately I have not experimented with doing this so I can’t say for sure how it would turn out. If you do try it I would love to know how it goes. 🙂

  5. Julia says:

    5 stars
    The are THE BEST cookies!

    1. Julia LaBorde says:

      5 stars
      Typos… but they really are the best. Came back to say I make these often and they’re always a crowd favorite! I have some chilling right now for an after supper treat.

      1. Sam Merritt says:

        I’m so glad you enjoy them so much, Julia! 🙂

  6. Cathy says:

    5 stars
    I’m so glad I found this recipe! These are the best oatmeal chocolate chip cookies I’ve ever made! This recipe is a keeper!

  7. Katie C says:

    5 stars
    I made these last night and baked them today and they are amazing! I added 3/4 cup (90 grams) of chopped walnuts and 1 1/4 cup of a combo of milk chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate chips because I made the ‘WORST’ chocolate chip cookies first.
    Thank you so much for all your delicious recipes!

  8. Ruth says:

    5 stars
    I made this recipe yesterday and they are the best oatmeal cookies Ive ever had!!! Just perfect !!

    1. Emily @ Sugar Spun Run says:

      We’re so happy you enjoyed them, Ruth! Thanks for the review ❤️

  9. Cp Kimbrel says:

    5 stars
    These are my favorite… perfect recipe!

  10. Linda M. Jardee says:

    I left a message & plan on making these tomorrow (1-21-24). I want to add a cup of chopped walnuts. Can I do this without any issues? Thank you!!!

    1. Sam says:

      Hi Linda! Yes that will be fine, enjoy!

      1. Janis Van says:

        hi…this recipe calls for old fashioned rolled oats. i have 1minute oats…is there a difference?

      2. Sam says:

        Hi Janis! The old fashioned oats will give your cookies a chewier and heartier cookie, but the instant oats will work. 🙂

    2. Linda M. Jardee says:

      5 stars
      I made these last night. OH MY GOSH….AWESOME! I ended up baking them 13 minutes first batch, but then 14 minutes the last couple batches. They have various wonderful flavors popping all over my tastebuds sending me into ‘close your eyes’ so good territory. The texture is great. A little crispy on the outside, but softer on the insider. Love these. Now hopefully they will be as good today as they were last night. I have them stored in a tight lid plastic container.

      1. Robert P Prout says:

        4 stars
        I read a number of recipes before choosing this one. The cookies came together easily and they taste great. I only wish I had seen your comment about using the 2 eggs instead of following the recipe exactly. I’m gifting half a batch to our sick neighbors.

      2. Sam says:

        I’m so glad you enjoyed them, Robert! That’s very kind of you to share with your neighbors. I hope it helps them feel better! 🙂

  11. Tam says:

    5 stars
    These are the best oatmeal, chocolate chip cookies I’ve ever tasted!

  12. Brigit says:

    5 stars
    These turned out great! I used 1 1/2 cups coconut sugar in place of the brown and granulated sugars. I also did half white chocolate chips and the other half regular semi sweet. Although I put to much flour in they still turned out fine after pressing down before baking. I’ll definitely be making them again.

  13. Mary says:

    4 stars
    They’re good cookies, but a little too sweet for me. I only had salted butter so I reduced the salt as stated, but I think the full amount of salt would have cut out the sweetness. Again, good cookies! Thank you! I’m also making the worst cookie recipe. Also with salted butter. Hope they come out just as good and maybe a little less sweet. I did add a little more salt to this recipe.

  14. Haley says:

    Hi you have not updated the print version of your recipe to say 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk. So unfortunately for those who didn’t watch the video they added two full eggs. 🙁

    1. Emily @ Sugar Spun Run says:

      Hi Haley! We have a note in the printable recipe explaining this. It will still work and taste great either way 😊

      1. R says:

        Hi, Sam. Would melted butter work for this recipe instead? Thanks

      2. Sam says:

        You can, but the cookies will need to chill longer. 🙂

  15. Elizabeth C. says:

    5 stars
    This recipe gets five stars because my Mom forced me to give them away to her orthopedic surgeon and his office staff after trying just 1!!!!! She said they were too good and must vacate our house immediately!! Sam , you are TOO good. She keeps complaining every week, I’ve gained 3 pounds since you brought that into this house! *said in that DEEP Southern Mississippi accent* … oops! Lol. I just tell her that I need to maintain my baker’s bod or else everyone will think my baking isn’t good!!! Sacrifices must be made for her retirement! 😉

    1. Sam says:

      🤣 I’m so glad everyone enjoyed them so much, Elizabeth! I like the “baker’s bod” 🤣 I’m stealing that one. 🙂