Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: A Classic Treat for Any Occasion
When it comes to timeless comfort food, few treats can compare to the humble oatmeal raisin cookie. With its chewy texture, warm spices, and sweet bursts of raisins, this classic cookie is a beloved favorite for all ages. Whether you’re baking a batch to enjoy with a cup of tea on a cozy afternoon or packing them in lunchboxes for an on-the-go snack, oatmeal raisin cookies never disappoint. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to whip up a batch of these delicious cookies from scratch. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and let’s get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup butter, softened
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups rolled oats
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Soak Raisins: Place the raisins in a small bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them soak for about 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry with paper towels. This step helps plump up the raisins and prevent them from drying out during baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well combined. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in Oats and Raisins: Gently fold in the rolled oats and soaked raisins until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop and Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingertips.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your homemade oatmeal raisin cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite hot beverage!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Add Nuts: For extra crunch and flavor, feel free to add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the cookie dough.
- Substitute Spices: If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, you can experiment with other warm spices like nutmeg or ginger.
- Make Them Chewier: For extra chewy cookies, try using old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats.
- Drizzle with Glaze: For a sweeter touch, you can drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?
- While instant oats can be used in a pinch, rolled oats provide a better texture and chewiness to the cookies. If you only have instant oats on hand, consider pulsing them in a food processor a few times to break them down slightly before using them in the recipe.
2. How should I store leftover cookies?
- Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cookies for longer storage. Just be sure to thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
3. Can I make these cookies keto-friendly?
- Yes, you can make keto-friendly oatmeal raisin cookies by substituting almond flour or coconut flour for the all-purpose flour, and using a low-carb sweetener such as erythritol or stevia in place of granulated and brown sugar.
4. Can I omit the raisins?
- Of course! If you’re not a fan of raisins, you can simply leave them out or substitute them with other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped apricots.
5. Can I make smaller or larger cookies?
- Absolutely! Adjust the size of the cookie dough balls accordingly to make smaller or larger cookies. Just keep in mind that baking times may need to be adjusted accordingly.
In conclusion, oatmeal raisin cookies are a timeless classic that never fails to delight. With their chewy texture, sweet raisins, and warm spices, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or store them for later, they’re sure to bring a smile to your face with every bite. So why not whip up a batch of these homemade treats today and share them with family and friends? They’re guaranteed to be a hit!
