Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Before we talk about these Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies, let's talk about our feelings. With the start of the new year, I've been thinking about how 2013 was and about what I hope 2014 will be. It's a lot to think about. I moved to Los Angeles back in February, I've been laying good foundation with my acting career, I've had some key auditions, I've made some amazing friends out here, I've been pretty consistent about updating the blog, I've dealt with the emotional difficulties of moving across country and being away from family and friends, I've had some good ups and some bad downs. It really has been a roller coaster of a year and I'm excited to see what 2014 has to offer.

A few other bloggers have chosen focus words for the year. I'm still not entirely sure what mine is for the year. I'm torn between "Invest" and "Create". I like the idea of a focus word instead of making resolutions that generally just set you up to fail. I would, however, like to try and make some goals for this blog. I would love to post more frequently - maybe 2-3 recipes a week. I'd like to try and get some dinner or snack ideas on here. I'd like to finally upgrade the blog. I'd like to try a bunch of things, but I'm hesitant to formally make goals because if there's a week or a month where I don't accomplish what I want, will I feel like I've let myself down?

These are the problems I worry about around New Years.

One thing I know I can count on is the presence of more cookies. Like these oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. They're my mom's favorite cookie, and since I didn't have a chance to make these when I was home for the holidays, I decided to bake them now and share them via the internet. They're a hearty little cookie, and because there are oats in them, they're a healthy cookie. See how this works? For all of you New Years Resolutioners that are vowing to get in shape, eat healthy, etc - you can still eat these!

I already have all sorts of ideas on different variations of this cookie. They're hearty and sturdy. There's none of that crumble or break in half as you pick them up because they're so thin. Not that those cookies are bad, but these are delicious little fat cookies.

I made these oatmeal chocolate chip cookies on New Years Day after working 12 hours the night before and after working the opening shift on NYD. It had been a long 48 hours, and all I wanted was a cookie. I managed to snag a few pictures before all the natural light disappeared. I also got to experiment and play with my new camera lens! Doesn't it make the cookies look even more delicious? See the focus on those melty jumbo chocolate chips?

I may have just drooled.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

makes about 2 dozen cookies

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup rolled oats
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 1/4 cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

In a large mixing bowl, beat together butter, sugar and brown sugar until fluffy. Add in the egg and vanilla, beating until combined and smooth. With the mixer on low speed, mix in the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Slowly beat in oats until dough comes together. Fold in chocolate chips.

Line baking sheets with silpat baking mats or parchment paper.

Roll dough into golf ball sized balls. Set on sheet and leave about 2 inches between dough balls. Gently press down the cookie dough to flatten slightly. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are golden brown.

Let cool on sheet for 5 minutes and then transfer to wire cooling rack. Store in an airtight container.

[source: barely adapted from How Sweet It Is]