These oatmeal raisin cookies are a classic treat, combining the wholesome goodness of oats with sweet, plump raisins. They are chewy on the inside and slightly crisp on the edges, making them a delightful snack or dessert.
The recipe is simple and perfect for baking with family or friends. You can easily customize them by adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
Creating the Perfect Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Oatmeal raisin cookies are a beloved classic, cherished for their delightful combination of chewy oats and sweet raisins. These cookies are not just a treat; they embody comfort and nostalgia, often reminding us of home baking.
The process of making these cookies is straightforward, making it an ideal recipe for bakers of all levels. The key to achieving that perfect chewy texture lies in the balance of ingredients and baking time.
The Ingredients That Make a Difference
To create these cookies, you’ll need a handful of essential ingredients. The foundation is built on unsalted butter, which provides richness, and a mix of brown and granulated sugars for sweetness.
Rolled oats are the star of the show, offering a hearty texture, while plump raisins add a burst of sweetness. Optional nuts can introduce a delightful crunch, enhancing the overall experience.
Step-by-Step Baking Process
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing your baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures that your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
Next, cream together the softened butter and sugars until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, contributing to a lighter cookie. Following this, add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This step is crucial as it evenly distributes the leavening agents and spices throughout the flour.
Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, ensuring not to overmix. Finally, fold in the rolled oats and raisins, allowing them to be evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Baking and Cooling
Using a spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them appropriately to allow for spreading. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, watching for the edges to turn lightly golden.
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling period helps them set and develop their chewy texture.
Enjoying Your Cookies
Once cooled, these oatmeal raisin cookies are ready to be enjoyed. Serve them with a glass of milk for a classic pairing that enhances their flavor.
Whether as a snack or dessert, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to anyone who takes a bite. Their hearty texture and sweet taste make them a favorite for gatherings or a cozy night in.
Delicious Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
These cookies feature rolled oats and raisins, creating a satisfying texture and sweetness. The recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and yields about 24 cookies.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 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 rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Add Oats and Raisins: Fold in the rolled oats, raisins, and nuts if using until evenly distributed.
- Scoop and Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories: 150kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
