Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookie Bread.

September 1, 2011 · 147 comments

I’d so love to tell you that this quick bread is different a million times over than other quick breads – say banana, pumpkin or apple spice. But that would be a lie.

This bread is just like all those other breads. Completely devourable and best served in skinny slices since they are virtually calorie-free. But you know that by now. And you’re totally freaking out about those black specks all over the top, but it’s just that weirdo sugar + chocolate + coffee grinder from Trader Joe’s. So chill. Another {delicious} option would be to use some raw turbinado sugar because it’s extra crunchy. Texture is my jam.

This marked the second time I busted out the Trader Joe’s chocolate coffee grinder; the third being yesterday morning when I threw it on top of some oatmeal. It had been nearly a year since I made a steaming mess of porridge, so not only did I forget how to make it, my end result was an overflowing pot of mush. And it just reminded me that I don’t really like oatmeal that much to begin with. Gross. But! I figured out a way to finish that bowl. Twist the grinder, take a bite. Twist the grinder, take a bite.

Don’t judge. That would be rude.

So yeah. I’d much rather eat my oatmeal inside of things, like cookies or even cake and especially bread speckled with chocolate chunks. And this even tastes like a cookie. Best of both worlds if you ask me.

 

On an unrelated note, can you tell me how in the world it is September 1st? What the what? Where is the time going and why am I getting old and why do the days feel approximately 4 seconds long? Is the world ending? And on a second unrelated note, today is my brother Andy’s birthday. I’d give you his address to send him some cookies but that would be creepy, so a simple happy birthday should suffice. Or we could just throw a giant party with copious amounts of food. Now wouldn’t that be swell?

Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookie Bread

makes one loaf

1/4 cup of butter, softened

1/3 cup brown sugar

1 large egg

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 3/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour {or all-purpose}

1 cup old fashioned oats

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup buttermilk

3/4 cup chocolate chunks

coarse sugar for topping

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly butter a loaf pan {mine is 9×5}. In a bowl, add flour, oats, cinnamon, salt and baking soda together and mix. Set aside.

In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat butter until creamy then add sugar. Beat on high speed until fluffy, scraping the bowl down occasionally – about 3-4 minutes. Add in egg and mix until fully combined, then add in vanilla and do the same. Add half of the dry ingredients. Once combined, add the buttermilk, then the rest of the dry ingredients. Scrape down sides and mix on low speed until completely incorporated. Fold in chocolate chunks. Pour batter into the buttered pan and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired. Set on top of a baking sheet and put in the oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool for 30 minutes before serving.

Thank goodness for skinny slices.

{ 139 comments… read them below or add one }

Savannah @ Sweet and Savvy September 1, 2011 at 9:57 am

Umm WOW! Is all I have to say here. :)

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Gina @ Running to the Kitchen September 1, 2011 at 10:00 am

I am planning a TJ’s trip this weekend, my mission is to find this sugar + chocolate grinder stuff!

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Elan September 1, 2011 at 10:07 am

Would this work with all-purpose flour? I’m cheap and broke, so all-purpose is usually all we manage to keep on hand.

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Jessica September 1, 2011 at 10:10 am

Absolutely. :)

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Jen @ keepitsimplefoods September 1, 2011 at 10:08 am

I feel your pain about the days being too short and getting old too fast! Ack!

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Ashley O. @ The Vegetable Life September 1, 2011 at 10:16 am

Gah! I am in love with my trader joe’s chocolate, sugar, coffee grinder soooo good on top of ice cream!!!!!

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Erin September 1, 2011 at 10:20 am

Your creations make me gain weight just looking at them. Gah, I want.

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Amy @ What Jew Wanna Eat September 1, 2011 at 10:29 am

And since it is a bread, this is definitely breakfast appropriate. My brother’s name is Andy too! I like to call him Andypooh. Don’t tell anyone.

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Dianna September 1, 2011 at 10:50 am

okay- my recollection is that oatmeal cookies are usually iced, right? Just a drizzle on top? or- I am sure I have seen it somewhere, that they make ice cream sandwiches out of oatmeal cookies…. am I not right again? OMG! this looks and sounds fabulous… even with the little black specks on top. YUM!
slice, ice cream, slice, drizzle… fork!

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Jessica September 1, 2011 at 2:37 pm

Even better!

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Leanne (Bride to Mrs.) September 1, 2011 at 10:51 am

Yum. :D :D :D

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Melanie September 1, 2011 at 10:51 am

STOP making stuff that I NEED to make! OK, really, don’t. stop. ever.

More things I love: 1.) You don’t like raisins. 2.) I always have the ingredients on hand. 3.) You rarely use white sugar (It’s unhealthy). ;)

Happy birthday, “Brother How Sweet.”

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Jessica September 1, 2011 at 2:36 pm

Raisins are nasty.

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Carissa September 1, 2011 at 10:51 am

Yum! I hope Andy’s getting a loaf of this for his b-day!!

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Andy September 1, 2011 at 6:40 pm

andy does too!

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Ashley September 1, 2011 at 11:22 am

This post had my dy-ing in laughter, especially about the hot mess of oatmeal. I definitely need to pick up one of those grinders when I’m home! The bread obviously looks incredible. Love the photo with the missing slice!

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Kris September 1, 2011 at 11:31 am

Um, hello….you are speaking my language!! Looks divine!!

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Lindsay @ Lindsay's List September 1, 2011 at 11:35 am

I agree – time has FLOWN by! Can’t believe it’s going to be Fall already! Bring on the candy corn and pumpkincremes.

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Sara September 1, 2011 at 11:36 am

I would love a slice of this right now to go with my coffee! Mmm, I know what I’ll be baking this weekend.

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Kaitlyn September 1, 2011 at 11:36 am

I swear yesterday was Christmas.

Time flies!

I got all excited because I thought I had every ingredient in my kitchen already to whip this up ASAP. But no, no buttermilk or chocolate chunks ( I know, what is wrong with me!). Time to go shopping!

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Jessica September 1, 2011 at 2:36 pm

You can make your own buttermilk! 1 cup milk + 1 teaspoons lemon juice/vinegar, stir and let sit for 5 minutes.

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Sara September 1, 2011 at 4:39 pm

Any type of vinegar in particular to make my own buttermilk? I definitely want – no, need – to make this recipe! Thanks for sharing!! Oh, and I am now ADDICTED to pinterest. I can’t stop pinning and repinning things. Thanks for the introduction to the site haha

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Jessica September 1, 2011 at 4:43 pm

I usually use just white vinegar, but you know… I think one time I was out and use apple cider and it worked. I would not use balsamic though… haha.

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mis-cakes September 1, 2011 at 11:48 am

i do the same thing with oatmeal i don’t have it forever then i see it in the cupboard and think “i’m sure i liked this once i’m going make this and be super healthy!!” then i end up with a bowl full of yuck and decide oatmeal is made for things with butter and sugar only.

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Brooke @ BittersweetBrooke September 1, 2011 at 11:51 am

I don’t like oatmeal either, I felt like I was one of the only food bloggers that didn’t but now I know I’m not alone! But I definitely agree with oatmeal in cookies or cake and chocolate…never raisins blah. And a few thin slices never equals half the bread, at least that’s what I tell myself.

Ps. Happy birthday to your brother!

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nancy k September 1, 2011 at 11:55 am

I haven’t been to Trader Joe’s in ages… might have something to do with the leg I broke in June and the fact that crowds make me a bit anxious while still on crutches. I thought that was the reason I feel the summer just disappeared but since you are in one piece and feel the same way, I wonder what is up. I heard someone say the other day that February seems ten time s longer that August even though it has fewer day. Anyway, the chocolate/coffee grinder thing at TJ, will cause me to be brave and head there today. This bread looks yummy andis on the list for weekend baking for sure. Thanks for sharing!

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Jessica September 1, 2011 at 2:35 pm

Oh my gosh… heal quickly!!

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Katie September 1, 2011 at 12:03 pm

I much prefer my oats in baked form, too. Blech to big bowls of oatmeal – they are just vehicles for tastier things like almond butter, granola, and sugar + coffee + chocolate grinder bits.

Happy birthday Andy!

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Dana September 1, 2011 at 12:06 pm

Wow – that looks like it would be amazing for breakfast! Could even add some pureed pumpkin in there – num!

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Lindsay @ biking before bed September 1, 2011 at 12:47 pm

I think my oatmeal overflows almost every time I make it. If only my microwave had a self cleaning function. How nice of you to give a shout out for your brother’s birthday. I would have shared some embarrassing moment from his childhood or something:)

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Eric @ TasknConquer September 1, 2011 at 12:55 pm

I bought the grinder after I saw it on your blog and have been waiting to see what you do with it. This looks really good. I love the way you write your posts. They make me laugh…a lot. I really wish there was some kind of delivery service that would bring me some of what you make every day. Your pictures are awesome and the food always looks so good.

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Jessica September 1, 2011 at 2:34 pm

Thanks so much Eric!

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Jessica @ Bake a Little September 1, 2011 at 2:02 pm

This looks dangerously addictive. In a fabulous way!

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Heather of Kitchen Concoctions September 1, 2011 at 2:14 pm

I have had a pan of brownies on my counter the past couple of days that I keep *sneaking* “skinny slices” every time I walk by. At least this bread has oatmeal in it providing all sorts of essential vitamins… right?

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Jessica September 1, 2011 at 2:34 pm

Yes… and fiber!

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Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries September 1, 2011 at 2:30 pm

absolutely delicious looking!!

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Baking N Books September 1, 2011 at 2:34 pm

Hmm…I agree with all of this except the “skinny slices” . No such thing. Must be thick. Skinny slices only add up to multiple trips to the kitchen ;)

Looks fantastic! And the recipe is relatively healthy…not that much sugar.

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Dana September 1, 2011 at 3:26 pm

I’m glad this delicious looking bread isn’t too different from other quick breads…. becasue I LOVE quick breads! They are always so moist and delicious…. this one seems to be no exception!

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Joy September 1, 2011 at 4:10 pm

This looks heavenly!

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Kristen @ notsodomesticated September 1, 2011 at 5:12 pm

I’m loving your theory that skinny slices = zero calories. I’ll take 10 skinny slices, please. :)

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Molly @ RDexposed September 1, 2011 at 5:56 pm

This is a perfect marriage of desserts!!

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Melissa (MelissaLikesToEat) September 1, 2011 at 8:03 pm

I wish I could live in your head. I bet it’s amazing in there. :)

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Jamie (Thrifty Veggie Mama) September 1, 2011 at 8:36 pm

Must try this. And that Trader Joes grinder sounds delicious! I have been avoiding Trader Joes because I always end up with so many things that weren’t on the list. Kids putting things in the cart again :)

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Honey @ Honey, What's Cooking September 2, 2011 at 12:52 am

is this one of your creations? if so, you are a genius! very nice, i’ll definitely be baking this
thanks.

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Lyn @LovelyPantry September 2, 2011 at 1:59 am

You’re killin me here! This is gorgeous! (Food can be gorgeous, right???) I’ll be making this too.
I <3 You …. *stares dreamily at the chocolate chunk oatmeal cookie bread*

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Katrina September 2, 2011 at 6:12 am

I love the chocolate coffee grinder idea! It would really add flavour to a whole whack of things baked. This looks awesome!

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Amanda September 2, 2011 at 7:04 am

Oh yeah. This is so gonna be made by me.

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Leanne @ Healthful Pursuit September 2, 2011 at 7:17 am

It totally looks like cookie bread. I was skeptical, but you made me a believer :P

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Denise September 2, 2011 at 9:52 am

Since the slices are so skinny, I’d say its safe to add a huge dollop of whipped cream. ;) I’ll have to try this with white chocolate!!!

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Elle September 2, 2011 at 10:22 am

First off, Happy Belated Birthday, Andy!
Second, I have that coffee chocolate grinder from TJ’s, too. It’s freaking incredible.
Third, do you deliver?

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Jessica September 2, 2011 at 10:28 am

For you? Yes. :)

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Claire September 2, 2011 at 10:42 am

Amen to skinny slices!

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Jil @ Big City, Lil' Kitchen September 2, 2011 at 11:24 am

Loveee.this. …that is all. :)

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CouponClippingCook September 2, 2011 at 11:52 am

You have so many good ideas. Love the idea of a cookie bread! This bread looks so moist and with chocolate, it sounds amazingly delish.

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Donna September 2, 2011 at 11:55 am

I saw your reply to a comment on how to make buttermilk. I’m slow – just to clarify – you can use 1 tsp lemon juice OR vinegar, right? I always have vinegar but rarely lemon juice. (Does one taste better than the other because I love to make a buttermilk pancake recipe but always have to plan ahead and buy buttermilk, which rarely happens. I want to make sure the homemade buttermilk tastes ok for the pancakes.) That was 2 questions in one. :)

Here’s one more question. I always have choc chips on hand. I assume choc chunks are bigger, but would this recipe be great with the choc chips? Thanks for answering!!

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Jessica September 2, 2011 at 11:56 am

As far as I know, yes you can use EITHER! I always use vinegar and never use lemon juice. But my grandma used to use lemon juice. And I think this will be perfect with chocolate chips. :)

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Paula @ Dishing the Divine September 2, 2011 at 12:48 pm

anything with chocolate chunks and oatmeal is probably a winner… except maybe hamburgers. But anything else, for sure. :) I’m printing this recipe to make soon! :)

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Madeline September 2, 2011 at 1:34 pm

I just popped this in the oven. The batter was SUPER thick. Like really sticky cookie dough. I used stored bought buttermilk. What kind of consistency was yours? More banana bread-esque or cookie dough? I pray this turns out!!!

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Jessica September 2, 2011 at 1:45 pm

No, mine wasn’t that thick, but it was fairly thick – thicker than cake batter. Did you use any different ingredients like regular whole wheat flour or anything? Maybe lessen the cooking time a bit and keep checking on it!

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Madeline September 2, 2011 at 3:51 pm

It came out great! I’d never used store bought buttermilk. I always make my own. And I was surprised by how thick it was. I used all purpose flour as allowed to while wheat. I just ended up baking it about 35 minutes instead. Great recipe!!

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Mary Ann September 2, 2011 at 5:31 pm

I made this for my kids after school snack today in mini loaves and my 9 yr old said it was “the best bread ever!”. Thanks for a great recipe!

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Ann September 3, 2011 at 1:19 am

Stunning! I LOVE what you decided to do with your chocolate sugar grinders!

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Doris September 3, 2011 at 2:13 pm

WHAT IS A CHOCOLATE SUGAR GRINDER. IS IT SIMILAR TO A COFFEE GRINDER?

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Barbara September 3, 2011 at 5:07 pm

I’m trying this bad boy this weekend..can’t wait…not putting the chunks in though..thinking on something else…I’ll let you know if it works when it’s over… lol… Cannot wait.

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