Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

This peanut butter oatmeal cookie recipe will satisfy your sweet tooth dessert cravings for sure! If you’re looking for a new homemade cookie this is it using Quaker Old Fashioned oats integrated into your Jif treats.

Quaker Oats Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

Years ago we made these peanut butter cookie brownies and they were just over the top I tell you. They weren’t really homemade as we used cake mix as the base, so we thought we’d integrate Old Fashioned oats this go around.

If you don’t cook or bake with kids currently I would encourage you to do so with this great recipe. It is a life lesson they’ll need forever more and measurements can be sort of a math lesson (but they won’t realize it).

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

I do like to use a mixer for these. Yes I do have a big upright KitchenAid but let me tell you how much I love this one. It fits right under my counter with a lid that has a hole for adding all the things in it when you need to. Inexpensive too!

• Space is always key too. I hate cluttering up my kitchen counter so anything that is small and fierce I just have to share.
• It has an ice cream maker attachment too so it’s 2 appliances in 1!
• This one is super simple for kids to work with too with just one setting in the front to turn it low to high.

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Recipe 

1. Mixer or 2 large bowls
2. Old Fashioned oats
3. Creamy peanut butter
   1. I wouldn’t use natural peanut butter
   2. You could use crunchy peanut butter
4. Butter
5. Brown sugar
6. Eggs
7. Vanilla
8. All purpose flour
9. Baking soda and salt
10. Chocolate chips are optional, 1/2 cup

And a non stick baking sheet so you can allow them to cool just like we do with our best ever peanut butter cookies recipe.

What is a substitute for eggs in peanut butter cookies?

You could easily fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips at the end too. That is on our list for next time. I think the key to any cookie with add ins is to mix all the ingredients together and then fold in what might break apart. Oats go in last for us on this one. Chocolate chips and/or raisins would go in last too.

• If you need an egg free cookie recipe you can also use applesauce instead. Substitute 1/4 cup applesauce for one egg in the cookie recipe.
• Sunflower butter or almond butter works too
• This tweak will give the cookie dough moistness and impart the cookies with great flavor.

The only other difference is they may not puff up as you would normally expect, they’re a bit denser if you ask me. I love a chewy cookie though so it is beyond perfect with every bite. Of course if you prefer a crispy outcome just add a few minutes. For me that ruins my treats but to each their own I suppose. 😉

Homemade Peanut Butter Cookies

I have a printable recipe cared at the bottom of this post but I will give you a quick rundown here. I would highly recommend using a small cookie scoop so they’re the same size so they bake evenly.

1. Mix together wet ingredients in a bowl
   1. If you want an intense peanut butter flavor add 3 tbsp, for “regular” add 2
2. In a separate bowl blend together dry ingredients and then slowly integrate the two
3. Gently fold in oats and any other add ins you’d like
4. If you chill the dough in the fridge for an hour or so they will maintain a more uniform shape when baked golden brown
5. Take off cookie sheet and transfer to cooling rack so they can cool completely and maintain chewy texture

What is the secret to soft chewy cookies?

No matter whether you bake them or make as Air Fryer Oatmeal Cookies, using more brown sugar than white tends to result in a moister, softer cookie.

• If you want to increase chewiness, add an extra egg yolk.
• Rolling the cookie dough balls to be taller than wider increases thickness.
• Using melted butter, and little bit more flour increases chewiness as well
• Taking out when they’re very lightly browned is key

I haven’t doubled the recipe yet but I imagine it would be fine to do so.

Should I refrigerate cookies after baking?

In general I would say no NOT, no! Unless they contain a cream or custard filling they will go stale much faster and lose quality quickly if stored in the refrigerator. These definitely shouldn’t be put in the cold. BUT it does keep them fresh longer so that should be taken into account I suppose. Here are a few guidelines;

1. Room Temperature Storage;

Most cookies, especially those with low-moisture content like chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal cookies, and shortbread cookies, are best stored at room temperature in an airtight container. When stored properly, they can stay fresh for several days to a week at room temperature.

2. Refrigerating Leftover Cookies

Refrigerating cookies is not generally necessary for most types of cookies, and it can sometimes lead to changes in texture and flavor. However, if they have a high moisture content or contain perishable ingredients like cream cheese or custard, then refrigeration may be advisable to prevent spoilage. Examples include cheesecake cookies or some filled cookies.

• If you’re in a very hot and humid environment, refrigerating cookies briefly (1-2 hours) can help set the icing or frosting on decorated cookies.

3. How to Freeze Leftover Cookies

If you want to store cookies for an extended period, freezing is a better option than refrigeration. Freeze cookies in an airtight container or freezer bags, separating layers with parchment paper, to prevent freezer burn. Frozen, they can then last for several months and can be thawed at room temperature before serving.

4. Cookie Texture;

Refrigeration can change the texture of some, making them firmer or drier. This is more likely to happen with varieties that have a lower fat content. If you do refrigerate your leftover batch, allow them to come to room temperature before serving to help restore their texture.

In the end, for most homemade cookies, storing them at room temperature in an airtight container is the best way to maintain their flavor and texture. Only refrigerate baked goods if they contain perishable ingredients or if you have specific concerns about spoilage. When freezing, be sure to use proper freezer-safe containers to maintain the quality of them for an extended period.

How do I keep fresh baked cookies fresh longer?

Whether you’re making cookies made from cake mix, or homemade from scratch, storing remains the same. Most will stay fresh when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for about three days. If you’re not going to consume them before that, it’s best to freeze them. Here’s a guide to follow;

1. Cool Completely – Allow your freshly baked cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before attempting to store them. This helps prevent excess moisture from getting trapped in the container, which can lead to soggy cookies.
2. Choose the Right Container
   • Use an airtight container with a tight-sealing lid to store your cookies. Glass or plastic containers with a rubber gasket work well.
   • You can also use resealable plastic bags or a vacuum sealer for extra protection against air and moisture.
3. Layer Cookies
   • Place a sheet of parchment paper or wax paper between layers of cookies to prevent them from sticking together and to maintain their appearance.
   • If you’re stacking different types of cookies, consider using separate containers or adding a barrier, like plastic wrap, between them to prevent flavor transfer.
4. Add Moisture Absorbers
   • To prevent from becoming soft or stale due to moisture, you can add moisture absorbers to the container.
   • For example, you can place a piece of bread or a silica gel packet in the container. The bread will become stale while protecting the cookies.
5. Store at Room Temperature
   • Most cookies are best stored at room temperature. Keep the container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
   • Avoid storing cookies in the refrigerator unless they contain perishable fillings or ingredients. Refrigeration can change the texture of many cookies.
6. Use an Airtight Lid
   • Ensure that the container’s lid is airtight and properly sealed each time you close it. This prevents air and moisture from entering.
7. Avoid Excess Air – If using resealable plastic bags, press out excess air before sealing them.
8. Freeze for Longer Term Storage
   • If you want to keep cookies fresh for an extended period, freeze them. Wrap cookies in airtight packaging and store them in the freezer. Frozen cookies can stay good for several months.
   • When you’re ready to enjoy frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature inside their packaging to avoid condensation.
9. How to Fix Stale Cookies
   • If your cookies lose their freshness, you can try reviving them by placing them in a preheated oven at a low temperature, around 300 degrees F for a few minutes. Check them regularly to prevent over-baking.
   • Sprinkling a fleck of water to add moisture to begin with helps too
   • Keep a close eye on them as it doesn’t take long

By following these tips, you can extend the freshness of your freshly baked goods and enjoy them over an extended period. Proper storage and minimizing exposure to air and moisture are key to maintaining their flavor and texture. Want to try something else different? Try our air fryer cake that’s chocolatey and ooey gooey deliciousness.

Looking for more oatmeal recipes to try? Of course you can start the day with Instant Pot oatmeal with apples in it. Air fryer peanut butter cookies are great for a small batch treat.

Creative ways to serve cookies

Oatmeal raisin muffins can use the same oats too. Cookie bars are perfect for the holidays too, but great year round really. And if you want to use more oats for breakfast, try our overnight oats recipe. There are many other dishes you can make with the same tub of oats you use for these so they won’t go to waste. How can you serve these in a fun way?

1. Stack these in various sizes and shapes to create a cookie tower. Place the largest cookies at the bottom and the smallest on top for an impressive display.
2. Make cookie sandwiches by adding a layer of frosting, ice cream, or ganache between two cookies. You can customize the fillings to match the cookies’ flavors.
3. Arrange them on a platter to create edible art. Use different colors, shapes, and sizes to craft eye-catching patterns or designs.
4. Insert cookie pops into a foam base or cake stand for a playful and portable way to enjoy cookies on a stick. Decorate them with colorful sprinkles or drizzled chocolate.
5. Fill a decorative glass jar or container with them and place it as a centerpiece on your dessert table. Attach a cute label or tag to the jar.

Offer a cookie tasting flight with a variety of cookies, each paired with a different beverage, such as milk, coffee, or flavored tea. Decorate with edible food colors and arrange them like an art gallery. Use food-safe paintbrushes to create intricate designs. Or create stacks by layering cookies with flavored cream or fruit fillings. Top them with powdered sugar or cocoa for an elegant presentation.

Remember to consider the theme and occasion when choosing how to serve cookies creatively. The presentation can enhance the overall experience and make your cookies even more enjoyable. Want more easy recipe ideas like our homemade dog biscuits recipe with peanut butter too?

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