Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Introduction

There’s something magical about oatmeal raisin cookies that brings warmth and comfort to every bite. These cookies have always been a staple in our household—especially during the colder months when we crave something sweet and wholesome. I remember the first time I made them: the house was filled with the scent of cinnamon and oats, and as soon as the cookies came out of the oven, my family rushed into the kitchen. The texture of the cookies was perfect—crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside—and the sweet raisins provided the ideal burst of flavor. They were an instant hit, and now, they’re a go-to recipe that everyone requests, whether for an afternoon snack or a special treat at a gathering.

Why You’ll Love Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Oatmeal raisin cookies are a comforting, nostalgic treat that combines the heartiness of oats with the sweetness of raisins. These cookies are not only delicious but also versatile, as you can customize them by adding in chocolate chips, nuts, or coconut for extra flavor. The texture is chewy with just the right amount of crispness around the edges. Plus, they’re easy to make, requiring no special ingredients or complicated techniques. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this oatmeal raisin cookie recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients

Before you begin baking, gather the following ingredients. These are the essentials for making the perfect oatmeal raisin cookies:

• 1 ½ cups shortening (or butter, depending on your preference)
• 2 cups brown sugar (packed)
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup water
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 6 cups uncooked oats (quick oats work best)
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 ½ cups raisins

Optional: For added variety and flavor, you can mix in:

• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup shredded coconut

Instructions

Making oatmeal raisin cookies is a simple process, and with just a few steps, you’ll have fresh, warm cookies ready in no time. Follow the instructions below:

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to fully preheat. This ensures that the cookies bake evenly from the start.

2. Cream the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the shortening (or butter), brown sugar, sugar, eggs, water, and vanilla until the mixture becomes light and creamy. This step is key to ensuring your cookies are soft and chewy. If you’re using butter, it should be softened to room temperature for the best results.

3. Add the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the oats, flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until everything is fully combined. The dough will be thick, but this is what makes these cookies so chewy and hearty.

4. Stir in Raisins

Once the dough is well-mixed, fold in the raisins. If you’re adding any optional ingredients like chocolate chips, nuts, or coconut, now is the time to stir them in.

5. Bake the Cookies

Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow room for spreading. For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop.

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 11 minutes. Then, rotate the pans from front to back and top to bottom to ensure even baking. Continue baking for another 4 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center.

6. Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time is important as it helps the cookies set and develop their chewy texture. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Here are the estimated nutrition facts for a standard oatmeal raisin cookie (based on a yield of 60 cookies):

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 95mg
• Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keep in mind that the nutritional content may vary depending on the exact ingredients you use, such as substituting butter for shortening or adding optional ingredients like chocolate chips or nuts.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes (depending on oven and cookie size)
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

This recipe is perfect for when you want something quick and satisfying. The prep time is minimal, and the bake time is short enough to have fresh cookies in less than an hour.

How to Serve

Here are some great ways to enjoy your freshly baked oatmeal raisin cookies:

• With a glass of milk: There’s nothing like dipping these chewy cookies into a glass of cold milk.
• For breakfast: Oatmeal raisin cookies are hearty enough to be a sweet breakfast treat alongside your coffee or tea.
• As a dessert: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple, indulgent dessert.
• In lunchboxes: These cookies are a perfect, easy-to-pack snack for kids’ lunches.
• Giftable treat: Place them in a decorative tin or jar for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Additional Tips

1. Use Room Temperature Butter: If you’re using butter instead of shortening, make sure it’s softened to room temperature before creaming it with the sugars. This helps the mixture come together smoothly.
2. Don’t Overmix the Dough: When you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in dense cookies.
3. Cool on the Baking Sheet: Let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and keeps them from breaking apart.
4. Customize with Add-ins: Feel free to add chocolate chips, walnuts, or shredded coconut to mix up the flavors. These ingredients pair wonderfully with the cinnamon and raisins.
5. Storage: Store your oatmeal raisin cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats? Yes, quick oats work perfectly in this recipe. They create a softer texture, while old-fashioned oats give a chewier texture.
2. Can I use margarine instead of shortening or butter? While margarine can be used, shortening or butter provides the best texture and flavor for oatmeal cookies.
3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
4. How can I make these cookies healthier? You can reduce the sugar content slightly or substitute with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. You can also add chia seeds or flax seeds for an extra nutritional boost.
5. What if I don’t like raisins? Feel free to substitute the raisins with dried cranberries, chocolate chips, or even chopped dates for a different twist.
6. How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much? To prevent spreading, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the dough hold its shape during baking.
7. Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
8. How do I know when the cookies are done? The cookies should be golden brown around the edges but still slightly soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool.
9. Can I add nuts to the dough? Absolutely! Walnuts or pecans are great additions and add a crunchy texture that pairs well with the oats and raisins.
10. How can I make the cookies thicker? You can slightly increase the amount of flour or reduce the amount of liquid (water or eggs). This will help create a thicker dough.

Conclusion

Oatmeal raisin cookies are the epitome of comfort food—perfectly chewy, subtly spiced, and filled with sweet raisins that complement the hearty oats. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a holiday party, or simply for an afternoon treat, these cookies will always be a crowd-pleaser. They’re easy to make, customizable, and full of flavor. With a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can enjoy a batch of homemade oatmeal raisin cookies that will have everyone coming back for more. Enjoy baking!

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