We have to assume Santa likes some variation on Christmas Eve, so the dough in this recipe is a perfect cross between a chocolate chip and an oatmeal cookie; soft and chewy in the center with a slight crunch at the edge.The best part of this cookie is that you can dress it up with all sorts of inclusions.

We promise – Santa will not be bored at your house. He may even stop and rest a bit while nibbling on these treats. 

You will need:

2½ c. ground “Old Fashioned” oatmeal
2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 Tbsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. salt
2 sticks of salted butter, room temperature
1 c. granulated sugar
1 c. light brown sugar
2 eggs, large
1½ tsp. vanilla
12 oz. semi sweet chocolate chips*

Directions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350ºF.  In the bowl of a Cuisinart mixer, pulse the oats until they are ground into a powder, approximately 20-30 seconds.  In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.  Use a whisk or fork to mix well. Set aside.

Step 2

In medium size bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, add softened butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla.  Blend on low speed until well combined. Slowly add the dry mixture, one third at a time, into the butter mixture.  Mix on low speed until the ingredients are combined.  Scrape down the sides; add the next third of dry ingredients, repeat.

Step 3

Use a teaspoon or a medium size ice cream scooper to extract a mound of dough in the shape of a ball.  Place the balls on the cookie sheet.  When all of the balls are formed, take the palm of your hand and gently press each ball down to flatten it a bit. Then take some chocolate chips and press them into each cookie. (Kids love this part).  Use as many chips as you like. The chip to dough ratio is extremely personal.  

Bake for 9-10 minutes. Remove when they are slightly browned on the edges. Soft centers are quite delightful. Move to a cooling rack. Eat as soon as you can stand the temperature.

SASS IT UP!

Why stop at chocolate chips?  Since the chips are placed on top of each cookie, rather than in the mixing bowl, these cookies are perfect to experiment with different inclusions. We suggest trying these variations. You can flavor each cookie separately or combine for a unique cookie concoction.

Chips: Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, butterscotch, or peanut butter.

Fruit:  Dried cranberries, cherries, apricots or raisins.

Other: Caramel bits, Heath bar bits