Chewy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Rolled oats: These provide a chewy texture and a slight nutty flavor to the cookies.

All-purpose flour: This forms the base of the cookie dough, giving it structure.

Coconut oil: Used as a fat source, it adds a subtle coconut flavor and keeps the cookies moist.

Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor, contributing to the chewiness.

White sugar: Provides additional sweetness and helps with the cookie's texture.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and become tender.

Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.

Vegan chocolate chips: Adds rich, chocolatey goodness to every bite.

When mixing the melted coconut oil with the brown sugar and white sugar, ensure that the mixture is thoroughly combined and smooth. This helps to evenly distribute the sugars and oil, which contributes to the chewy texture of the cookies. Additionally, when folding in the rolled oats and vegan chocolate chips, be gentle to avoid over-mixing, which can lead to tougher cookies.

• rolled oats - Substitute with quinoa flakes: Quinoa flakes provide a similar texture and are also gluten-free, making them a good alternative for those with gluten sensitivities.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, and it will give the cookies a slightly nuttier flavor.

• melted coconut oil - Substitute with vegan butter: Vegan butter will provide a similar fat content and moisture, ensuring the cookies remain chewy.

• brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and provides a rich, caramel-like flavor similar to brown sugar.

• white sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds natural sweetness and a slight maple flavor, and it also keeps the cookies moist.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but complementary flavor profile that pairs well with chocolate.

• baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Baking powder can be used in a pinch, though you may need to use a bit more to achieve the same leavening effect.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can enhance the overall flavor of the cookies and provide a slightly different mineral content.

• vegan chocolate chips - Substitute with carob chips: Carob chips are naturally sweet and caffeine-free, making them a good alternative for those avoiding chocolate.

• To keep your chewy chocolate chip oatmeal cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and chewy for up to a week.
• If you prefer a longer storage option, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about an hour. Once they are firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, they won't stick together, and you can enjoy them for up to three months.
• For an extra touch of freshness, you can add a slice of bread to the container. The bread will help maintain the moisture of the cookies, keeping them soft and delightful.
• When you're ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. If you prefer warm cookies, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes or microwave them for 10-15 seconds.
• If you want to prepare the dough in advance, you can freeze the unbaked cookie dough. Scoop the dough into individual portions and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you're ready to bake, simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time, and you'll have freshly baked cookies in no time.

• Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Warm them for about 5-10 minutes, or until they are heated through. This method helps retain their chewy texture.

• If you prefer a quicker method, use a microwave. Place a damp paper towel over the cookies and microwave them on medium power for 10-15 seconds. This will help keep them moist and prevent them from drying out.

• For an alternative method, you can use a toaster oven. Set it to 300°F (150°C) and place the cookies on a small baking tray. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking frequently to ensure they don't overcook.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 300°F (150°C). Place the cookies in the basket in a single layer and heat for 3-5 minutes. This method can give them a slightly crispier edge while keeping the inside chewy.

• For a stovetop method, use a non-stick skillet over low heat. Place the cookies in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, checking frequently to avoid burning. This method can give a slight caramelization to the edges.

• Oven: Used to bake the cookies at the specified temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Mixing bowl: Needed to combine the wet ingredients and later to mix the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients.

• Whisk: Utilized to whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

• Spatula: Handy for folding in the rolled oats and vegan chocolate chips into the dough.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the rolled oats, flour, coconut oil, and sugars.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring smaller quantities like vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt.

• Baking sheet: Used to place the spoonfuls of cookie dough for baking.

• Parchment paper: Lined on the baking sheet to prevent the cookies from sticking.

• Spoon: Used to drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet.

• Wire rack: Needed to cool the cookies completely after baking.

Measure ingredients ahead: Pre-measure all ingredients and have them ready to go before you start mixing.

Use a cookie scoop: A cookie scoop ensures uniform cookie sizes and speeds up the process of dropping dough onto the baking sheet.

Melt coconut oil in microwave: Quickly melt the coconut oil in the microwave instead of on the stove.

Mix dry ingredients first: Whisk together the dry ingredients in advance to streamline the mixing process.

Preheat oven early: Start preheating your oven before you begin mixing to save waiting time.