Name: Soft Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2/3 cup (90g) all purpose flour; 1 1/4 cups (130g) old fashioned rolled oats; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup (130g) creamy peanut butter; 1/2 cup (110g) unsalted butter, room temperature (vegan or regular); 2 tbsp unsweetened apple sauce; 1 tsp vanilla flavoring; 1/2 cup (100g) dark brown sugar, packed; 1/4 cup (55g) granulated sugar; 1 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips (vegan or regular); Flaky sea salt for sprinkling

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 14 reviews

If you have a soft spot for cookies that combine comforting textures with rich, irresistible flavors, you’re going to adore this Soft Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. These cookies are the perfect marriage of chewy oats, creamy peanut butter, and melty chocolate chips, delivering a warm, tender bite every single time. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in, packing a sweet treat for friends, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this recipe offers a deliciously soft cookie experience that feels homemade and utterly satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of thick cookie dough in a clear glass bowl, filled with visible oats and many small dark chocolate chips mixed evenly throughout. The mixture has a golden-brown color with a rough, chunky texture due to the oats and chips. A white spatula with a wooden handle rests inside the bowl, pressed slightly into the dough on the right side, showing the dough’s soft but thick consistency. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering just the right ingredients is the first step to baking these delectably soft peanut butter oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. Each component plays a crucial role, from the oats that add hearty texture to the brown sugar that brings sweetness and moisture for that tender chew.

All-purpose flour (2/3 cup or 90g): Provides structure, keeping the cookies soft but sturdy enough to hold their shape.
Old fashioned rolled oats (1 1/4 cups or 130g): Adds wholesome texture and a subtle nutty flavor that complements the peanut butter perfectly.
Baking soda (1/2 tsp): Helps the cookies rise slightly, ensuring a light, tender crumb.
Baking powder (1/2 tsp): Works in combination with baking soda for gentle lift and softness.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup or 130g): The star ingredient delivers rich creaminess and that unmistakable peanut buttery goodness.
Unsalted butter, room temperature (1/2 cup or 110g): Provides moisture and contributes to a melt-in-your-mouth texture—vegan or regular works.
Dark brown sugar, packed (1/2 cup or 100g): Adds sweetness and moisture, keeping these cookies tender and soft.
Granulated sugar (1/4 cup or 55g): Balances the brown sugar for a perfect sweetness and slight crisp edge.
Unsweetened applesauce (2 tbsp): A clever addition that boosts moisture without extra fat, making cookies extra soft.
Vanilla flavoring (1 tsp): Enhances the overall flavor, adding warm and comforting depth.
Mini semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Little bursts of chocolate that melt perfectly into every bite.
Flaky sea salt: A finishing touch to balance sweetness and highlight the chocolate and peanut butter flavors.

How to Make Soft Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. While it heats up, line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and makes cleanup a breeze, plus it helps the cookies slide off with ease once baked.

Step 2: Cream Together the Wet Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and use a hand or stand mixer to beat together the peanut butter, unsalted butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar until you achieve a smooth, creamy mixture. This step is essential for a soft cookie texture because the right amount of sugar and butter incorporation traps air and keeps the cookies tender.

Step 3: Add Applesauce and Vanilla

Next, mix in the unsweetened applesauce and vanilla flavoring. These ingredients add moisture and a lovely aroma, which make your cookies sing with warmth and softness.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients and stir just until combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep your cookies delightfully tender instead of tough.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Fold in the mini semisweet chocolate chips gently with a rubber spatula. This ensures that every cookie ends up studded with those luscious, melty chocolate pockets everyone loves.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Use a large 2-ounce cookie scoop or a 1/4-cup measuring cup to portion out the dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Leave about 3 inches of space between each scoop because these cookies spread a little while baking. You’ll fit about five cookies per sheet, so get ready for two rounds in the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn a very light golden brown.

Step 7: Add Final Touches and Cool

When the cookies come out warm but still on the baking sheet, sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top along with a pinch of flaky sea salt. These finishing touches bring out the rich flavors and add a delightful texture contrast. Let them rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up just enough before transferring to a cooling rack.

Step 8: Enjoy Your Soft Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe!

These cookies stay incredibly soft even once fully cooled—so feel free to indulge warm or at room temperature for a perfect treat anytime.

How to Serve Soft Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

A close-up view shows a pile of oatmeal chocolate chip cookies on brown parchment paper placed on a wooden board. Each cookie has a rough, uneven surface textured with visible oats and studded with small dark chocolate chips scattered across the top. The cookies have a golden brown color, with some areas darker, giving a baked look. Some sea salt flakes lightly decorate parts of the cookie tops. In the background, there is a white plate filled with more chocolate chips, scattered chocolate chips are also visible on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on warm cookies instantly elevates their flavor, balancing sweetness with a hint of savory crunch. You can also drizzle a little melted peanut butter or chocolate over the top for an extra special touch.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, a cup of rich coffee, or a creamy vanilla or chocolate ice cream scoop. For an indulgent twist, serve them alongside fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these delightful cookies into ice cream sandwiches by sandwiching softened vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies. Alternatively, crumble them over yogurt or sprinkle bits on top of your morning oatmeal for a delicious peanut butter-chocolate kick.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep your Soft Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They maintain their softness without drying out, making them a perfect make-ahead treat.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a tray until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven softness, warm the cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This reheating trick rejuvenates the tender texture and melty chocolate chips every time.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Natural peanut butter can be used, but keep in mind it may alter the texture slightly by adding a bit more oils, which could make the cookies spread more. Stir well before measuring to ensure consistency.

Are these cookies vegan?

This recipe can be vegan if you use vegan butter and vegan chocolate chips. The applesauce helps replace some fat and keeps them moist without eggs, making it a great vegan-friendly treat.

Can I substitute the oats with quick oats?

While you can use quick oats in a pinch, old fashioned rolled oats give the best chewy texture and hold up better during baking, providing that signature bite you’ll love in these cookies.

How do I make the cookies crispier?

If you prefer crispier cookies, reduce the applesauce slightly and bake for a couple extra minutes, but be careful not to overbake or they may become too hard. These cookies shine best when soft and tender.

Can I mix in other ingredients?

Definitely! Feel free to add chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even white chocolate chips to diversify the flavors. Just remember to keep the total mix-ins moderate to maintain the cookie’s soft texture.

Final Thoughts

Trying out this Soft Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe means diving into a batch of cookies that feel like a warm hug in every bite. Their chewy texture paired with the blend of peanut butter and chocolate makes them irresistible for any occasion. I encourage you to bake a batch soon—you’ll quickly understand why they become an instant favorite in any cookie jar!