Introduction:
Everyone loves a warm, gooey cookie fresh out of the oven, but what if you could enjoy that indulgence without all the preparation? Enter the magic of Frozen Dough Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies—the ultimate solution for cookie lovers who crave homemade, fresh-baked treats without spending hours in the kitchen. With this recipe, you can prepare a batch of dough, freeze it, and bake it whenever the cookie craving strikes. In this post, we will walk you through everything you need to know to make the best oatmeal chocolate chip cookies with frozen dough, from the ingredients to the baking process, plus tips and tricks to make them even more delicious.
Why You’ll Love Frozen Dough Cookies:
Frozen dough oatmeal chocolate chip cookies bring the best of both worlds to your kitchen. Not only do you get the wholesome, chewy texture of oatmeal and the sweetness of chocolate chips, but you also have the convenience of freezing the dough for a later date. Imagine having the ability to bake fresh cookies anytime you want, without the hassle of mixing and measuring each time. Whether you’re hosting a last-minute gathering, preparing for a busy week, or simply want to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies make life easier while delivering big on flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1 tablespoon milk (optional, for dough consistency)
Necessary Tools of Frozen Dough Cookies:
To make this recipe a breeze, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:
- Mixing bowls – For combining the dough ingredients.
- Electric mixer – For creaming the butter and sugars (optional, but speeds up the process).
- Baking sheets – To bake the cookies.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – To prevent sticking.
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon – For portioning the dough.
- Plastic wrap – For wrapping the dough before freezing.
- Freezer-safe container – To store the frozen dough.
Ingredient Swaps and Additions:
Want to customize the recipe or make it fit dietary needs? Here are some ideas for ingredient swaps and additions:
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
- Vegan Version: Replace butter with vegan butter and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water = 1 egg).
- Nuts: Feel free to add chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried fruit such as raisins or cranberries for extra flavor.
- Chocolate Choices: If you prefer, use milk chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even peanut butter chips for a twist.
- Spices: For a spiced version, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
Start by creaming the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together in a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer or whisk vigorously by hand until the mixture is light and fluffy—this step is key to getting soft, chewy cookies.
2. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The eggs bind everything together, while the vanilla adds a hint of warmth and sweetness.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until fully incorporated. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky, but not overly dry.
4. Fold in the Oats and Chocolate Chips:
Then, gently fold in the rolled oats and chocolate chips (and any optional ingredients like nuts) using a spatula. Be careful not to over-mix—just fold until everything is evenly distributed.
5. Form the Dough Balls:
Then, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough (or use a cookie scoop) and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6. Freeze the Dough:
Later, once all the dough balls are on the baking sheet, place the baking sheet in the freezer. Freeze for about 2 hours, or until the dough is firm.
7. Store the Frozen Dough:
After freezing, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe container or a large Ziploc bag. Finally, label the bag with the date and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Pro Tips for Success of Frozen Dough Cookies:
- Ensure Proper Freezing: Freeze the dough balls individually on a baking sheet before storing them in a container. This prevents them from sticking together, allowing you to bake only as many as you need.
- Thicker Dough for Chewy Cookies: If the dough seems too thin, add a tablespoon of milk to thicken it up for a chewier cookie.
- Baking Time Adjustments: If baking from frozen dough, increase the baking time by about 2 minutes. No need to thaw—just pop them directly into the oven.
- Chill for Extra Softness: If you’re baking immediately, chill the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes for softer, thicker cookies.
Serving Suggestions:
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Place a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two warm cookies for a delicious treat.
- Milk Pairing: Serve with a glass of cold milk for a classic cookie experience.
- Cookies with Coffee: These oatmeal chocolate chip cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or tea—perfect for an afternoon snack.
Discover the convenience of pre-made dough with Craig’s Cookies’ Just The Frozen Dough, perfect for baking fresh cookies anytime without the hassle!
Storing and Reheating:
- Storing Baked Cookies: Store your freshly baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: To refresh stale cookies, warm them up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: You can also freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie):
- Calories: ~150
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 12g
FAQs – Frozen Dough Cookies:
1. Can I bake these cookies from frozen dough? Yes! Simply increase the baking time by 2-3 minutes if baking directly from frozen.
2. How long can I store frozen dough? Frozen dough can be stored for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
3. Can I make these cookies dairy-free? Yes, by using dairy-free butter and plant-based milk in place of regular butter and milk.
4. Can I add raisins to this recipe? Of course, you can substitute some of the chocolate chips with raisins or other dried fruit.
5. How do I ensure my cookies stay soft? Chilling the dough before baking helps ensure your cookies stay thick and chewy.
Conclusion:
Frozen dough oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are a game-changer for anyone who loves freshly baked cookies without the hassle of starting from scratch every time. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of preparation, you can enjoy delicious, warm cookies whenever the mood strikes. Whether you’re baking a batch to enjoy now or freezing some for later, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So, try it today and enjoy the ultimate cookie experience—whenever you want it!
Moreover, try My Eco Cookie’s Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Raisin Cookies for a delightful twist on classic oatmeal cookies, perfect for those who love chewy, wholesome treats!
