There's something uniquely comforting about the scent of oatmeal raisin cookies baking in the oven. These cookies blend the hearty texture of oats with the sweet, chewy bursts of raisins, creating a perfect treat that feels both wholesome and indulgent. Ideal for afternoon tea, a snack, or a homemade gift, oatmeal raisin cookies are a staple that never goes out of style. In this blog post, we'll walk you through an easy, traditional recipe for making these timeless treats at home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is well incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Mixing the Dough
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in the rolled oats and raisins with a wooden spoon or spatula until evenly distributed.
Baking the Cookies
- Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Ensure they are spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. The cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet as they cool.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Especially the butter and eggs, as this helps in achieving a uniform mix and prevents splitting or curdling.
- Chill the Dough: If your kitchen is warm or if you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking.
- Raisin Soaking: Optionally, soak the raisins in warm water for 10 minutes to plump them up, then drain and pat dry before adding to the dough.
- Customize: Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits for variety.
📝 Note: If you find your cookies spreading too much, consider using less granulated sugar or adding an extra tablespoon of flour to the mix.
Homemade oatmeal raisin cookies are not just a treat to eat; they evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth, reminding us of simpler times and family gatherings. This easy recipe ensures you can recreate that comfort in your own kitchen without much fuss. Whether it's for a special occasion or just because, these cookies will surely bring a smile to anyone who tastes them.
Why do my oatmeal raisin cookies turn out flat?
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Flat cookies can result from using too much sugar or baking soda, or not allowing the dough to chill before baking. Try reducing the sugar slightly or adding an extra tablespoon of flour for a thicker, chewier cookie.
Can I freeze oatmeal raisin cookie dough?
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Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Are oatmeal raisin cookies healthier than other cookies?
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Oatmeal raisin cookies can be considered healthier in the sense that oats provide fiber and have less sugar than some other cookie varieties. However, they still contain sugar and butter, so moderation is key.
