Chewy Chocolatey Oatmeal Cookies

There are few things more comforting than a warm, chewy oatmeal cookie, just pulled from the oven. These cookies are one of my favorite winter time snacks. When my kids were young I spent a lot of time experimenting with ways to make delicious treats that also had just a little healthy component. The addition of molasses gives these cookies a nice depth of flavor. The oat bran delivers that extra dose of goodness to make these cookies guilt free. Nuts can be added to transform these tasty bites into the perfect on the go breakfast.

Winters in upstate NY can be long and frigid. These cookies are the perfect antidote to cabin fever.

The ingredients, all pantry staples, make it easy to whip up a batch of these cookies anytime.

Be sure to scrape down the bowl to ensure an even mix.

Using a small scooper results in uniform cookies that will all cook at the same rate.

Chewy Chocolatey Oatmeal Cookies

Yields about 2 dozen 

Ingredients:

1c flour

1/2c oat bran

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1c butter, room temperature 

1c brown sugar

1/2c sugar

2 eggs

1 tbl molasses

1 tsp vanilla

3c oatmeal

1 1/2 chocolate chips

1/2 walnuts, chopped (optional)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Line cookie sheets with parchment paper

1. In a large bowl whisk together flour, oat bran, cinnamon, baking soda and salt.

2. In the bowl of a standing mixer blend butter and sugars until fluffy and pale yellow in color.

3. Add eggs, molasses and vanilla, mix until combined.

4. Scrape down the bowl and add dry ingredients just until blended.

5. Add chocolate chips and nuts, if desired.

6. Using a small scooper or two tablespoons, divide the dough onto the cookie sheets, spacing about 3" apart. 

7. Bake about 10 minutes or just until cookies begin to brown around the edges.

8. Remove from the oven and let the cookies rest for a few minutes before moving to a cooling rack.

Store in an airtight container for about a week.