Introduction: Why Oatmeal Raisin Cookies?
When it comes to cookies, there are plenty of varieties to choose from. But there’s something about oatmeal raisin cookies that just hits differently. Maybe it’s the chewy texture, the spiced flavor, or the fact that they’re made from wholesome ingredients like oats and raisins. Whatever the reason, oatmeal raisin cookies are a classic favorite that never goes out of style.
If you’re looking to make your own batch of oatmeal raisin cookies, you’re in luck. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also easy to make and customize to your liking. Whether you prefer them soft and chewy or crispy and crunchy, with extra raisins or a touch of cinnamon, this recipe will guide you through the process of making the perfect oatmeal raisin cookies.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make oatmeal raisin cookies from scratch. From choosing the right ingredients to mixing the dough and baking the cookies, we’ve got you covered. So grab your apron and let’s get started on making these chewy and spiced homemade delights.
Ingredients for Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Dry Ingredients
The dry ingredients for making oatmeal raisin cookies are:
| 2 cups all-purpose flour |
| 1 tsp baking soda |
| 1 tsp ground cinnamon |
| 1/2 tsp salt |
Mix these dry ingredients in a bowl and set aside for later use.
Wet Ingredients
The wet ingredients for making oatmeal raisin cookies are:
| 1 cup unsalted butter, softened |
| 1 cup brown sugar, packed |
| 1/2 cup granulated sugar |
| 2 large eggs |
| 2 tsp vanilla extract |
| 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats |
| 1 1/2 cups raisins |
Cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat until well combined. Mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients mixture to the butter mixture and mix until well combined. Stir in the rolled oats and raisins until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop the dough using a cookie scoop or spoon and drop onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy!
Preparation
Making oatmeal raisin cookies is an easy and delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Before you start baking, make sure you have all the ingredients and equipment you need. This recipe makes about 24 cookies, so adjust the measurements accordingly if you want to make more or fewer cookies.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking to the sheet and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of unsalted butter and 1/2 cup of brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
Step 4: Combine the Mixtures
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix the dough, or the cookies will be tough. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
Step 5: Add Raisins and Oats
Stir in 1 cup of raisins and 1 cup of old-fashioned oats until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, form the dough into balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten the balls slightly with the palm of your hand or the back of a spoon.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the centers are set. Do not overbake the cookies, or they will be dry. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Now that you know how to make oatmeal raisin cookies, you can enjoy them warm from the oven or store them in an airtight container for up to a week. These chewy and spiced homemade delights are perfect for a snack, dessert, or gift.
Tips and Tricks for Making Perfect Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
If you want to make delicious, chewy, and spiced oatmeal raisin cookies, then you need to follow these tips and tricks:
Tip 1: Use Old-Fashioned Oats
When making oatmeal raisin cookies, it’s best to use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats. Old-fashioned oats are thicker and provide a better texture to the cookies. Moreover, old-fashioned oats absorb more liquid and give a chewy texture to the cookies. Quick oats, on the other hand, can make the cookies dry and crumbly.
Tip 2: Chill the Dough
Chilling the dough is essential when making oatmeal raisin cookies. Chilling the dough for at least an hour before baking will help the cookies keep their shape and prevent them from spreading too much. Moreover, chilling the dough allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more flavorful cookie.
Tip 3: Use Parchment Paper
Using parchment paper is a great way to prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet. Parchment paper also makes cleanup easier. When using parchment paper, make sure to space the cookies out evenly to allow for proper air circulation.
Tip 4: Store the Cookies Properly
After baking the cookies, it’s important to store them properly to keep them fresh. Place the cookies in an airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. To thaw frozen cookies, simply remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for a few hours.
By following these tips and tricks, you can make delicious, chewy, and spiced oatmeal raisin cookies that everyone will love. Happy baking!
Conclusion
Making oatmeal raisin cookies is a fun and delicious activity that can be enjoyed by anyone. With the right ingredients and steps, you can create chewy and spiced homemade delights that will satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your friends and family.
One of the keys to making perfect oatmeal raisin cookies is using high-quality ingredients. Choose old-fashioned rolled oats, unsalted butter, and fresh raisins for the best flavor and texture. Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt and some spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to enhance the taste of your cookies.
Another important factor to consider is the baking time and temperature. Be sure to preheat your oven to the correct temperature and bake the cookies for the right amount of time to achieve the desired texture. Overbaking can result in dry and hard cookies, while underbaking can lead to soft and gooey ones.
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations of oatmeal raisin cookies. You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried cranberries to the dough, or substitute some of the ingredients with healthier alternatives like coconut oil or almond flour.
- Follow the recipe carefully and use high-quality ingredients for the best results
- Pay attention to the baking time and temperature to achieve the desired texture
- Try different variations of oatmeal raisin cookies to discover your favorite flavor combinations
With these tips and tricks, you can make delicious and satisfying oatmeal raisin cookies that will become a favorite treat in your household. Enjoy!