Soft oatmeal cookies with chocolate chips.

### Instructions

1. **Preheat the Oven**
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will help the cookies bake evenly and prevent sticking.

2. **Cream the Butter and Sugars**
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or a whisk. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

3. **Add the Eggs and Vanilla**
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and mix until everything is combined.

4. **Combine Dry Ingredients**
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.

5. **Fold in Oats and Chocolate Chips**
Stir in the oats and chocolate chips using a spatula or spoon, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

6. **Scoop the Dough**
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading as they bake.

7. **Bake the Cookies**
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. For extra soft cookies, aim for the lower end of the baking time.

8. **Cool and Enjoy!**
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will firm up as they cool, but they will remain soft and chewy in the center.

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### Why You’ll Love These Soft Oatmeal Cookies with Chocolate Chips

– **Perfectly Soft Texture**: These cookies are soft and chewy thanks to the combination of butter, oats, and a little less baking time. They’re not overly crunchy, making them ideal for anyone who loves soft cookies.
– **Rich Chocolate Flavor**: The addition of chocolate chips ensures every bite is packed with delicious chocolatey goodness. You can adjust the amount to your liking, whether you prefer a little or a lot!
– **Simple and Easy**: With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe comes together quickly and easily. There’s no complicated process—just mix, bake, and enjoy.
– **Versatile**: If you want to switch things up, you can experiment with different mix-ins like raisins, chopped nuts, or even white chocolate chips for a fun twist.

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### Pro Tips for the Best Oatmeal Cookies

– **Use Old-Fashioned Oats**: For the best texture and flavor, make sure to use old-fashioned rolled oats. Quick oats can make the cookies too soft and mushy.
– **Don’t Overbake**: To keep the cookies soft and chewy, avoid baking them too long. If you’re unsure, take them out of the oven when they’re golden at the edges but still soft in the center—they’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet.
– **Chill the Dough**: For thicker, puffier cookies, you can chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
– **Customize the Mix-ins**: Feel free to add other mix-ins to personalize the cookies. Dried fruit like cranberries or raisins, chopped nuts, or even coconut flakes would all complement the oats and chocolate wonderfully.

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### The Perfect Snack or Dessert

These **Soft Oatmeal Cookies with Chocolate Chips** make for an irresistible snack or a sweet dessert to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea. Whether you’re baking them for a family gathering, a bake sale, or just as a treat for yourself, they are sure to please everyone. The comforting taste of oats paired with the indulgent chocolate will have you reaching for one (or two) every time.

Next time you’re in the mood for a sweet, homey treat, whip up a batch of these oatmeal cookies and watch them disappear in no time!