When it comes to comfort food that brings a sense of nostalgia, few things compare to the simple joy of biting into a warm oatmeal raisin cookie. Recently, I decided to try a new recipe for these classic treats, and I must say, it was an absolute hit with my family. The cookies were everything you would hope for—soft, chewy, with just the right amount of sweetness from the raisins and a hint of spice from the cinnamon. My kids, who usually turn up their noses at anything with raisins, couldn’t stop reaching for more. Even my husband, a self-professed chocolate chip cookie purist, found himself sneaking a few extra cookies when he thought I wasn’t looking. This recipe has now earned a permanent spot in our family cookbook, and I’m excited to share it with you.
Ingredients
The beauty of oatmeal raisin cookies lies in their simplicity and the wholesome ingredients that come together to create a delightful treat. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions
Creating these oatmeal raisin cookies is straightforward, and the process is just as enjoyable as the final product. Follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Add the eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Incorporate the oats and raisins: Stir in the oats and raisins until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop the dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Facts
These cookies are not only delicious but also provide a comforting treat that you can enjoy without too much guilt. Here’s what you need to know:
Servings: This recipe makes about 24 cookies. Each cookie is approximately one serving.
Calories per serving: Each cookie contains approximately 120 calories. Of course, this can vary slightly depending on the size of the cookies and any variations in ingredients.
Preparation Time
One of the great things about this oatmeal raisin cookie recipe is how quickly it comes together. From start to finish, you can have a batch of freshly baked cookies in under 30 minutes. Here’s a breakdown of the time you’ll need:
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Baking time: 10-12 minutes
- Total time: Approximately 25-30 minutes
How to Serve
These oatmeal raisin cookies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of your cookies:
- Serve warm with a glass of cold milk for a classic pairing that never fails to satisfy.
- Crush a few cookies and sprinkle them over vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert topping.
- Pack them in lunchboxes for a sweet midday treat.
- Layer them with cream cheese frosting for an indulgent cookie sandwich.
- Serve them alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack.
Additional Tips
To ensure your oatmeal raisin cookies turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This will help them incorporate more easily and evenly.
- Don’t skip the chilling: If you have time, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
- Switch up the add-ins: Feel free to substitute or add ingredients like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried cranberries for a twist on the classic recipe.
- Measure the flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure your flour. This prevents adding too much flour, which can lead to dry cookies.
- Store properly: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness. They can also be frozen for up to three months.
FAQ Section
Here are some frequently asked questions about oatmeal raisin cookies and their answers:
- Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats? Yes, you can use quick oats, but the texture of the cookies might be slightly different. Old-fashioned oats give a chewier texture.
- How can I make my cookies softer? Ensure you don’t overbake them. Removing the cookies from the oven while they’re still slightly underbaked in the center will result in a softer texture as they cool.
- My cookies are spreading too much. What can I do? Try chilling the dough before baking, and make sure your baking sheets are cool before placing new batches of dough on them.
- Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
- How long do these cookies last? When stored in an airtight container, these cookies can last up to a week at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months.