Sweet Baked Life

Did you ever have to make something special, for someone special, for a mistake you made? If so, these classic Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies are the way to go! They will turn that “make-up” or “I’m sorry” sting into pure sweetness for everyone!

For me, it was one of those mornings…my hubby had been asking me all week to help him with a proposal, and of course after working long hours, playing mom, wife and cook, sometimes I just don’t have the energy on a week night to do one more thing! So, I decided to get up extra early that Thursday morning so I could surprise him and edit the document.

I sleepily walked to my office, woke up my MAC and proceeded to opened up his email draft. In order for me to edit and format this all-important proposal, I needed to bring it into Word where I could work my magic. This would be a simple task, one that I have done hundreds of times before. I quickly opened Word, toggled back to the email and with my tired fingers I highlighted all of the text, then I did the keyboard shortcut to copy. But for some unknown reason I accidentally did the shortcut to paste.

Yikes! In an instant all the text was replaced my last known paste. Out of my half-sleep state I went into a panic. Help! What do I need to do? As quick as I could (which mind you was not so quick at 5AM) I attempted to exit the email, but unfortunately it auto saved! I tried to “undo”, plus a few other keyboard tricks, but nothing worked. I was left there sitting at a blank screen and my heart sank. All I could think was, “boy, I am in big trouble…and I was just trying to help.”

I then had the daunting task of walking downstairs to tell my hubby that all the work he had done on the proposal was lost. The only good thing I could think of was that he is super understanding and does not get all crazy when things go awry. I could barely get the words out of my mouth, and when I did, he proceeded to tell me, “that’s ok, I’m sure it’s there somewhere.” Nope. Not here or there or anywhere. It’s gone! I felt so bad — and not a good way to start the day!

And then I stated, “well, at least you have the hand written version.” Wrong. He had decided to be all “high-techy” on me and actually only used the computer to input his thoughts! Oh no!

#amistupidorwhat #idiotwife #onlytryingtohelp #doghouse

As he handed me a freshly brewed cappuccino, I gazed over to him and apologized over and over again. He remained, calm and cool and told me not to worry about it. How did I get so lucky? He is the most understanding person I know.

Throughout the day I thought about what I could do for him to let him know how sorry I was. Then it came to me. I would make his favorite Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies when I got home. Now mind you, baking cookies after a long day at work is not something I normally do. But for him, and because of my terrible mistake, there was no question, this is what I would do.

This traditional cookie has just the right amount of softness and firmness to tantalize your taste buds and the incredible flavor combination of nutty oatmeal surrounded by sweet smooth milk chocolate chips can melt your heart. My hubby loved these — especially right out of the oven as the warm chocolate gently oozed out with every bite! In my home, deliciously sweet fresh baked goods make everyone feel comforted and satisfied and bring lots of happiness.

After making these heart-warming cookies, I took his re-written proposal — yes, this time it was done on lined paper and began the process of taking is well thought out words and turning them into the perfect proposal. Yep, it was a long night, but in the end, all was good on the home front!

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups Old Fashioned Oats
2 cups milk chocolate chips

Heat your oven to 350 degrees.

In a medium bowl add the flour and baking soda and stir to combine. Set aside until ready to use.

In a large bowl of an electric stand mixer with the paddle attachment , add the butter and sugars and mix until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, incorporating after each addition. Then add the vanilla and combine. With the mixer on low, slowly add the flour mixture until just combined. Remove the bowl from the stand and add the oatmeal and stir with a spoon or spatula until combined. Then fold in the chocolate chips and stir until incorporated.

Using a 1-inch cookie scoop, place the cookie dough on your cookie sheets, placing about 2-inches apart. Bake for 12-14 minutes until they begin to brown. Cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Makes about 4 dozen cookies.

These traditionally scrumptious Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies will turn a bad situation into a good one in no time. And your home and hearts with be filled with an amazing aroma of sweetness — something we can all use a little more of these days!