Oatmeal raisin cookies are a timeless classic that has been enjoyed for generations. These cookies are packed with wholesome oats, sweet raisins, and a delightful blend of spices, making them a favorite for kids and adults alike. Perfectly chewy with a hint of crispness around the edges, these cookies are ideal for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love These Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- Wholesome Ingredients: Made with rolled oats and raisins, these cookies are both delicious and nutritious.
- Perfect Texture: Chewy and soft on the inside with just the right amount of crispness around the edges.
- Simple to Make: With basic pantry staples, this recipe is easy to follow and comes together quickly.
- Versatile: Great for breakfast, a snack, or dessert – these cookies fit any time of the day.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by both kids and adults, these cookies are sure to disappear quickly.
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Ingredients
For 36 Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (plus more for greasing pans)
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom or ground ginger
- 3 cups rolled oats (not instant)
- 1 1/2 cups raisins
Optional Add-Ons
- Chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans) for added crunch
- Dark chocolate chips for a bit of indulgence
- Dried cranberries for a tangy twist
- A tablespoon of orange zest for a citrusy note
- Flaked coconut for extra texture
Step-by-Step Instructions for Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Preparing the Dough
- Cream the Butter and Sugars:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of dark brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the mixture, ensuring a light and tender texture. Creaming the butter and sugars usually takes about 5 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure even mixing.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
- Add 2 large eggs to the creamed mixture, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps maintain the airiness of the batter. Stir in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract until well combined. The vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies. Ensure the eggs are at room temperature to prevent curdling the butter mixture.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, a pinch of salt, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cardamom or ground ginger. This step ensures that the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which helps the cookies rise uniformly and adds a depth of flavor.
- Form the Dough:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough cookies, so mix until you see no more streaks of flour. The dough should be thick.
- Next, fold in 3 cups of rolled oats and 1 1/2 cups of raisins. Ensure the oats and raisins are evenly distributed throughout the dough by using a spatula to mix. This adds texture and sweetness to every bite.
Shaping and Baking the Cookies
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two baking sheets with butter or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Form the Cookie Balls:
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop the dough and form it into balls about the size of a walnut (roughly 1 inch in diameter). Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the cookies to prevent overbaking.
- Cool on Wire Rack:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and prevents them from breaking apart.
Storage and Serving
- Storage: Store the oatmeal raisin cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Ensure they are completely cooled before storing to maintain freshness and texture.
- Serving: These cookies are best served at room temperature. They pair wonderfully with a glass of milk, a cup of tea, or coffee. Perfect for any time of the day!
Tips for Success
- Soften the Butter: Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing. Room-temperature butter ensures even distribution and creates a smooth dough.
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Spoon and level the flour to avoid adding too much, which can result in dry cookies. Use a kitchen scale for the most accurate measurements.
- Don’t Skip Creaming: Creaming the butter and sugars well is key to achieving the ideal texture. Take your time to ensure this step is done properly.
- Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps to prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
- Check for Doneness: Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are golden and the centers are still slightly soft. They will continue to cook and set as they cool.
Variations
- Nutty Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
- Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: Mix in some dark chocolate chips for a delicious combination of chocolate and raisins.
- Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies: Substitute raisins with dried cranberries for a tangy twist.
- Coconut Oatmeal Cookies: Mix in some flaked coconut for added texture and flavor.
- Orange-Spiced Oatmeal Cookies: Add a tablespoon of orange zest to the dough for a delightful citrusy note.
In Conclusion
Oatmeal raisin cookies perfectly blend hearty oats with sweet raisins and just the right mix of warm spices. Their ease of preparation and universal appeal make them a beloved choice in any baking collection. Whether you’re whipping them up for a festive celebration, a special event, or simply for a cozy treat at home, these cookies always deliver a comforting and delicious experience. Enjoy your baking journey and indulge in some homemade goodness!