CHOCOLATE CHIP OATMEAL VALENTINE COOKIES, dairy-free option, slightly healthier indulgence; make-ahead, easy

There is no way a chocolate chip cookie can be healthy, even if it includes oatmeal....

updated 9/24

Oatmeal adds a healthy high-fibre twist to Chocolate Chip Cookies 

...and the only way to go with this mix of chocolate and oatmeal is to treat them as a slightly healthier treat and behave accordingly.

That said, the crisp, slightly chewy cookies are high in fibre (slowing down the absorption of sugar and aiding digestion) and the oatmeal adds a lovely nubbly texture that is very appealing.  67 added orange zest and replaced vanilla with orange essence to add a hint of citrus.

This recipe is easy and perfect for encouraging newbies and kids to bake. Check that the individual ingredients have been measured out correctly (each  in a separate small bowl or paper case) before proceeding with mixing, forming, baking and freezing. If using a hand mixer, a little help may be needed at the end stages when the dough is thick and a little unwieldy.

The recipe makes 40'ish cookies but the recipe halves nicely.  Bake some straight away and freeze the rest for later.  Whenever the desire strikes for a fresh cookie or two (or three!), dip into the  freezer stash and bake. (Note: small quantities of cookies bake up beautifully in a air-fryer) (see tips below)

Cost: £5'ish (9/2024)

Makes: about 40 med cookies

Ingred:

    225gm/9 oz soft unsalted butter (zap in microwave 20 secs if necessary) (For vegan margarine; measure it just while solid, just out of the fridge , then soften)
    140gm/5oz soft brown sugar
    135gm/5.2 oz white sugar

    2 large eggs, lightly beaten
    1 tsp orange extract (or vanilla extract)
    zest of one orange (opt)
     
     240gm/8.5oz plain flour 

     150gm/5.2oz oatmeal
       1 tsp salt
       1 tsp baking soda

   up to 200-300gm/7-10.5 oz regular or dairy-free chocolate chips (67 used 150gm)
          
Method:

1. Using electric beaters, cream butter and sugars together until well blended; it will take a few mins
2. Add eggs, beating well; then orange essence & zest; blend
3. Mix plain flour, salt, baking soda; add to mixer, blend 
4. Beat in oatmeal 
5. Mix in chocolate chips, distributing as evenly as possible 

Baking immediately:

1. Preheat oven to 350f/180c/160fan
2. Line a baking sheet/s with greaseproof paper, use a bit of the cookie dough to stick down the corners to prevent slipping
3. Using a tablespoon or a 1.5in/4cm hinged ice cream scoop, form dough into rough balls: drop onto cookie sheet, leaving 2-3 inches in between -- they spread, a lot!
4. If you wish, place in refrigerator 20 mins to ensure even shaped cookies
5. Bake 10-12 mins; leave to cool on the tray: store in an airtight tin

Freezing and baking later:

1. Using a tablespoon or  a 1.5in/4cm hinged ice cream scoop, form rough balls of dough; drop onto a lined cookie sheet/s, no need to leave much space between 
2. Freeze on tray 1-2 hours
3. Remove from tray; place in sealable freezer bag 
4. When ready to bake, arrange chosen number of frozen cookies on a baking tray OR an air fryer traylined with greaseproof paper, leaving a generous inch in between
5. Preheat oven to 350f/180c/160fan
6. Bake 10-12 mins; leave to cool on the tray
7. The cookies will look slightly underdone but will be fine once cool. 

Comments:

'These really grow on you and add a virtuous glow!' retired writer

'Nice and moist, and not-too-sweet.  If I found these in my local posh whole food shop, I'd go back for more.' Political Agent

Tips:

• Add half a mug of raisons or reconstituted dried fruit like cranberries, cherries or blueberries
• 3-4 cookies will bake well in a standard upright air fryer at 160C, 12-15 mins 
• For Double Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies, replace 20gm/2/3 oz flour with 18gm/generous half oz cocoa 
• For a more frugal cookie, reduce amount of chocolate chips

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This recipe has been developed by B  Lee/ Bright Sun Enterprises and may not be reproduced, in any form, without the author's written permission