Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (220g) unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup (150g) dark brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp molasses
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups (225g) all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups (175g) old fashioned rolled oats (not quick oats)
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Add-ins
- 1 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips, plus more for topping
- 1/2 cup walnut halves, toasted and chopped
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a small baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for toasting the walnuts.
- Toast the walnuts: Spread walnut halves evenly on the baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes until fragrant. Chop into fine, bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Browns the butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter, stirring continuously. Heat until it transitions from bubbly to quiet and frothy, then continue stirring until it turns a rich amber color and emits a nutty, toffee-like aroma.
- Cool browned butter: Remove from heat and pour browned butter into a measuring glass, scraping in the browned bits. The amount should be just over 3/4 cup. Allow to cool to lukewarm.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, rolled oats, cornstarch, kosher salt, baking soda, baking powder, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Combine sugars and molasses: In a large bowl, mix dark brown sugar, granulated sugar, and molasses.
- Add browned butter: When the browned butter is no longer piping hot, pour it into the sugar mixture and whisk until combined.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Crack in the eggs and add vanilla bean paste, then whisk vigorously until the mixture is pale and smooth.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet and fold together with a rubber spatula. Halfway through mixing, fold in the chopped toasted walnuts and chocolate chips, ensuring all dry bits are fully incorporated.
- Prepare baking sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop and shape cookies: Using a 2-ounce scoop (or 1/4 cup measure), scoop four mounds of dough onto the baking sheet. Press each gently with the palm of your hand to flatten them to about 1 inch thick. Optionally, sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top.
- Bake: Bake cookies for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden and centers appear slightly underdone.
- Add finishing salt: Remove cookies from oven, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, and transfer to a cooling rack.
- Repeat baking process: Continue scooping, shaping, and baking the remaining dough in batches.
- Cool and serve: Allow cookies to cool completely before enjoying.
Notes
- Using browned butter adds a rich nutty flavor that enhances the overall cookie taste.
- Old fashioned rolled oats provide the best texture; avoid quick oats for these cookies.
- Pressing the dough slightly before baking helps achieve the desired thickness and chewiness.
- Sprinkling flaky sea salt on top balances sweetness and elevates flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American