These Easy Oatmeal Fig Cookies are chewy and packed with yummy figs and dark chocolate chunks. They make a sweet treat that’s both tasty and a bit healthier!
When I bake these cookies, the smell fills my kitchen and just makes my day! I love enjoying them with a cup of tea, and you’ll find it hard to stop at just one. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: I always use unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness of the cookies. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut oil or vegan butter works well, just let it soften first.
Figs: Dried figs add sweetness and chewiness. If fresh figs are available, feel free to use those! If you can’t find figs, raisins or chopped dates are excellent substitutes.
Chocolate: Dark chocolate chips are my favorite for these cookies. But if you want a lighter option, semi-sweet or milk chocolate also works fine. Or for a healthier twist, consider dark chocolate with a higher cocoa content.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give a great texture. If you only have quick oats, you can use them, but the cookies might be a bit softer.
How Do I Ensure My Cookies Are Chewy?
To achieve that perfect chewy texture in your oatmeal fig cookies, a few key points need to be followed.
- Butter temperature: Make sure your butter is softened—not melted. This keeps the cookies from spreading too much.
- Don’t overmix: Combine the dry and wet ingredients until just blended. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies.
- Oven temperature: Preheating to the right temperature is key. An oven thermometer can help ensure it’s accurate.
- Cooling: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet first. This helps them firm up without becoming too hard.
Easy Oatmeal Fig Cookies with Dark Chocolate Chunks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup dried or fresh figs, chopped
- 3/4 cup dark chocolate chunks or chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 10-12 minutes to bake. You’ll have delicious cookies ready in no time, with very little waiting involved!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your cookies bake perfectly. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined. Set this bowl aside for a moment.
3. Cream the Butters and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or a wooden spoon to cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla:
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the buttery mixture. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture you prepared earlier to the bowl with the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix!
6. Fold in Oats, Figs, and Chocolate:
Now, add the rolled oats, chopped figs, and dark chocolate chunks to your dough. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to fold these in so that they are evenly distributed.
7. Scoop and Bake:
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop heaping spoonfuls of dough onto your lined baking sheet. Make sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
8. Bake Until Golden:
Pop the cookies in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cookies look set. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
9. Cool the Cookies:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy!
Your chewy oatmeal fig cookies with dark chocolate chunks are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them warm or store them in an airtight container for later. Happy baking!
FAQ for Easy Oatmeal Fig Cookies
Can I Use Different Sweeteners?
Absolutely! You can substitute the brown and granulated sugar with coconut sugar or even maple syrup. Just keep in mind that using liquid sweeteners may require adjusting the other wet ingredients slightly.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Use Other Dried Fruits?
Yes, you can replace figs with other dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or apricots. Just chop them into small pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the cookies.
What If I Don’t Have Oats?
If you don’t have rolled oats, you can use quick oats or even ground oats (oat flour), but the texture of the cookies may change slightly. If using oat flour, reduce the amount by 1/4 cup for best results.
