30-Minute Crispy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
These crispy oatmeal chocolate chip cookies combine the perfect balance of chewy oats and crunchy texture. Made with a blend of vegetable shortening and butter for optimal crispiness, they're packed with semisweet chocolate chips and optional toasted nuts. The addition of water in the dough creates steam during baking, contributing to their signature crispy edges while maintaining a tender center. Perfect for cookie jars, lunch boxes, or afternoon snacks with milk.
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons vegetable shortening, 72 grams
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened, 77 grams
- 1 cup dark brown sugar, 220 grams
- ½ cup granulated sugar, 100 grams
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ¼ cup water
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ¼ cups all purpose flour, 150 grams
- 2 cups rolled oats, 200 grams
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped nuts(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
- 2
Cream together shortening, butter, both sugars, egg, water, vanilla, salt and baking soda in a large bowl
- 3
Stir in flour until fully blended
- 4
Stir in the oats
- 5
Stir in chocolate chips and toasted pecans if using
- 6
Drop by heaping tablespoonfuls onto lined or non-stick baking sheets
- 7
Press down slightly so they are an even thickness
- 8
Bake for 12-14 minutes
- 9
Let cool on a rack
- 10
For flatter cookies, bonk with back of spatula
Tips
Press cookies slightly before baking to ensure even thickness and consistent cooking throughout.
For extra flat cookies, gently press with the back of a spatula while still warm from the oven.
Toast nuts beforehand for enhanced flavor and crunchiness that complements the crispy texture.
Good to Know
Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week
Dough can be prepared and refrigerated up to 2 days ahead before baking
Best served at room temperature with milk or coffee
Common Mistakes
Don't overbake to avoid hard cookies - remove when edges are just set
Cream butter mixture thoroughly to avoid dense cookies
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, baked cookies freeze well for up to 3 months in airtight containers. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
What if I don't have vegetable shortening?
Replace with equal amount of butter, though cookies will be slightly less crispy and more tender.
How do I make them extra crispy?
Bake an extra 1-2 minutes until golden brown and press flat with spatula while warm.