Indulge in the Best Big Chewy Oatmeal Cookies: A Classic Recipe Perfect for Any Occasion
There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma and satisfying taste of a homemade oatmeal cookie. This recipe for Big Chewy Oatmeal Cookies takes inspiration from Marion Cunningham’s cherished Cape Cod Oatmeal Cookies, as featured in The Fannie Farmer Cookbook. What’s intriguing is the striking contrast in yield: the original recipe produces a generous 70 cookies, while this adapted version focuses on a more manageable batch of 10. You might imagine these cookies to be gargantuan, but rest assured, their size is quite reasonable and comparable to the delightful, generously-sized treats you’d find at your favorite local bakery.
These large, delectable oatmeal cookies are designed for maximum chewiness and flavor, making them an ideal choice for anyone craving a truly substantial sweet treat. They strike a perfect balance, offering a rich, wholesome taste without being overly buttery or dense. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe provides a straightforward path to creating oatmeal cookies that are sure to impress with their robust flavor and wonderfully soft, chewy centers.
Perfect for Bake Sales and Thoughtful Gifting
These big chewy oatmeal cookies are more than just a delightful snack; their substantial size and appealing presentation make them absolutely ideal for bake sales, school events, or even as thoughtful homemade gifts. They fit perfectly into cookie sleeves, which is incredibly handy for individual packaging and display. Imagine a row of these beautiful, golden-brown cookies, each promising a satisfying chew and a burst of comforting flavor. Their visual appeal alone makes them stand out.
Of course, the unique aspect of this recipe is that it yields only 10 cookies. While this is perfect for a small household or a modest craving, if you’re planning for a larger event like a bake sale or a party, you’ll want to adjust. Instead of attempting to double the ingredients in one go (which can sometimes alter the texture and consistency of a recipe), we highly recommend making two separate batches. This approach ensures that each batch maintains the perfect balance of ingredients and results in consistently excellent cookies. Baking in smaller quantities also allows for fresh batches as needed, preserving that homemade warmth and irresistible chewiness.
Beyond bake sales, these cookies are fantastic for gifting. Wrap a couple in a decorative bag, tie it with a ribbon, and you have a heartfelt present that’s sure to be appreciated. Their impressive size and delicious flavor convey a sense of care and indulgence, making them a memorable treat for friends, family, or neighbors.
Unleashing Flavor: Best With Creative Add-Ins
When made as large cookies, these are thick, satisfying, and wonderfully chewy oatmeal cookies. They boast a wholesome flavor that isn’t overly buttery or rich, providing the perfect canvas for a variety of delightful additions. This recipe truly shines when you get creative with add-ins, allowing you to customize each batch to your personal preference or the occasion. While the base recipe calls for a classic combination of raisins or dried cranberries and pecans, don’t hesitate to experiment.
You might consider increasing the quantities of the suggested add-ins – if you love a cookie packed with texture and flavor, go ahead and add even more raisins, cranberries, and nuts than specified. The generous size of these cookies can comfortably accommodate a higher volume of mix-ins without becoming crumbly or losing their structural integrity. Imagine a cookie where every bite offers a delightful surprise!
For those looking to explore beyond the traditional, here are some fantastic ideas for your homemade oatmeal cookies:
- Chocolate Chips: Milk, dark, or white chocolate chips can add a luscious sweetness. Mini chocolate chips are great for even distribution.
- Other Dried Fruits: Apricots, chopped dates, dried cherries, or blueberries can offer different flavor profiles and textures.
- Toffee Bits: For a buttery, caramel-like crunch, add some toffee bits.
- Shredded Coconut: Sweetened or unsweetened shredded coconut introduces a tropical hint and chewy texture.
- Spices: A pinch of nutmeg, a dash of ginger, or a hint of cardamom can elevate the flavor complexity.
- Citrus Zest: Orange or lemon zest can brighten the cookie with a fresh, aromatic note, especially delicious with cranberries.
It’s important to note that while this recipe can be scaled down to make smaller cookies, in my opinion, they are far superior when made large. The thick, substantial nature of the larger cookie allows for that perfect chewy texture throughout and provides ample space for the add-ins to shine. Smaller cookies, while still tasty, tend to lose some of that exciting chewiness and might not showcase the add-ins as effectively. So, embrace the “big” in Big Chewy Oatmeal Cookies for the ultimate experience!
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Chewy Texture
The secret to truly chewy oatmeal cookies lies in a few key steps. First, the use of melted butter in this recipe contributes significantly to the chewy rather than crisp texture. Melting the butter before combining it with the sugar ensures a different sugar dissolution and gluten development, resulting in a softer, chewier crumb. Second, the molasses isn’t just for flavor; it also adds to the moistness and chewiness, giving the cookies that signature depth of taste and texture.
Chilling the dough is another crucial step. While it might seem like an extra wait, this short period in the refrigerator allows the flour to fully hydrate and the fats to firm up. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, ensuring they remain thick and chewy. It also deepens the flavor, giving you a more robust and satisfying cookie.
When baking, avoid overbaking. You want the edges to be set and lightly golden brown, but the centers should still look slightly soft. They will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet. Removing them from the oven at this point guarantees a wonderfully chewy interior.
Storage and Enjoyment
Once your batch of Big Chewy Oatmeal Cookies has cooled completely, proper storage is essential to maintain their delightful texture. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. If you’re concerned about them drying out, placing a slice of bread in the container can help keep them soft and chewy for longer. For extended freshness, these cookies freeze beautifully. Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave for a fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.
These versatile cookies are perfect on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a warm cup of coffee or tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent dessert. Their hearty nature makes them a satisfying snack at any time of day.
- Cape Town Brownies
- Easy and Good Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- Oatmeal Cookie Bars with Chocolate Icing
- Oatmeal Coconut Chocolate Chip
- Dark Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
Recipe for Big Chewy Oatmeal Cookies
Big Chewy Oatmeal Cookies
Cookie Madness
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 stick unsalted butter (114 grams)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams)
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ cups all purpose flour (200 grams)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 ⅔ cup old fashioned oats
- ½ cup pecans — toasted and coarsely chopped
- ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries
Instructions
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Melt the butter in the microwave or in a saucepan. In a mixing bowl, whisk together hot melted butter and granulated sugar, then mix in the molasses, vanilla extract, and large egg until well combined.
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In a second bowl, thoroughly mix together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon. Gradually stir this dry flour mixture into the wet sugar mixture until everything is just combined and no streaks of flour remain.
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Next, stir in the milk until incorporated. Then, fold in the old-fashioned oats, toasted and coarsely chopped pecans, and your choice of raisins or dried cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
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At this stage, the cookie dough will likely be quite soft. To make it easier to handle and ensure minimal spreading during baking, place the bowl in the refrigerator and chill the dough for about 30 minutes, or until it is firm enough to hold its shape when scooped.
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Using a generous (heaping) ¼ cup measure, scoop the chilled dough into 10 equal portions. Roll each portion into a smooth ball, then gently flatten the tops to create neat mounds. Place these dough mounds back in the refrigerator, covered, until you are ready to bake them. This chilling step is key for thick, chewy cookies.
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper or nonstick foil to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
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Arrange 4 or 5 of the chilled dough mounds on the prepared cookie sheet, ensuring adequate space between them as they will spread slightly during baking.
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Bake for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies appear golden brown and set, but the centers still look slightly soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes; this helps them set further without breaking. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, where they will crisp up slightly on the edges while remaining chewy in the middle.
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Repeat the baking process with the remaining chilled cookie dough. As the cookies cool, they will become sturdier, making them perfect for individual wrapping and attractive presentation, especially useful for bake sales or gifting.
Notes
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Oatmeal Cookie Recipe
These Big Chewy Oatmeal Cookies are more than just a recipe; they’re an invitation to experience the pure joy of a perfectly baked homemade treat. Inspired by a timeless classic and thoughtfully adapted for modern kitchens, they offer a satisfying chew, a comforting flavor, and endless possibilities for customization with your favorite add-ins. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, a bake sale, or simply to indulge in a moment of sweet bliss, these cookies promise a delightful experience.
So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to enjoy what might just become your new favorite oatmeal cookie. Don’t forget to savor the process, from mixing the dough to that first warm, chewy bite. Happy baking!