The BEST Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
There’s something truly nostalgic about the aroma of freshly baked oatmeal raisin cookies wafting through the house. Not only are these cookies a delightful combination of chewy oats and sweet raisins, but they also remind us of home and warmth. Today, we’re diving into the world of baking to create The BEST Oatmeal Raisin Cookies you’ll ever taste. This recipe is packed with flavor, and the texture is simply unbeatable. Let’s get started!
Reasons to Love The BEST Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
There’s no shortage of reasons to adore these cookies:
- Chewy Texture: The old-fashioned oats give these cookies a wonderful chewiness that’s hard to resist.
- Sweetness from Raisins: The plump raisins add a burst of natural sweetness, balancing perfectly with the spices.
- Comfort Food: These cookies are reminiscent of childhood, making them the perfect comfort food for any occasion.
- Versatile Recipe: You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Simple Ingredients: With pantry staples, you can whip these up any day of the week.
What You’ll Gather
Before you embark on your baking adventure, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 heaping cup raisins
Toolbox for This Recipe
Make sure you have the following tools ready for a seamless baking experience:
- Mixing Bowls: A large bowl for the wet ingredients and another for the dry ingredients.
- Electric Mixer: An electric mixer will make creaming the butter and sugars effortless.
- Baking Sheet: A sturdy baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cookie release.
- Spoon or Cookie Scoop: For portioning out the cookie dough evenly.
- Oven: Preheated to ensure perfect baking.
The BEST Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: From Prep to Plate
Now, let’s get into the fun part! Follow these simple steps to make The BEST Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly from the moment they go in.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Set this bowl aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, and ½ cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of honey until well combined.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want your cookies to be tender and chewy.
Step 6: Stir in Oats and Raisins
Gently fold in 3 cups of old-fashioned oats and 1 heaping cup of raisins, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: Scoop the Dough
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This allows room for spreading while baking.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to set as they cool.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delicious cookies warm or at room temperature!
Seasonal Spins
Feel free to get creative with your oatmeal raisin cookies! Here are some fun twists you can try:
- Chocolate Chip Twist: Add a cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a sweet chocolatey flavor.
- Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Dried Fruit Medley: Substitute some of the raisins with dried cranberries or apricots for a fruity spin.
Slip-Ups to Skip
To ensure your cookies come out perfectly every time, keep these common mistakes in mind:
- Using cold butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. Cold butter won’t cream well with the sugars.
- Overmixing the dough: Mix just until the flour is incorporated to keep your cookies tender.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag to avoid dense cookies.
- Skipping the cooling time: Allowing the cookies to cool on the baking sheet helps them set and reduces the risk of breakage.
Prep Ahead & Store
Want to enjoy these cookies later? Here’s how to prep ahead and store them:
To prep ahead, you can make the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before scooping and baking.
For storage, keep baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just make sure to separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Top Questions & Answers
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Using quick oats will change the texture of the cookies, making them less chewy. Old-fashioned oats are recommended for the best results.
Can I substitute the raisins with other dried fruits?
Absolutely! Feel free to use dried cranberries, cherries, or even chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
The edges should be golden brown while the centers might look slightly underbaked. They will firm up as they cool.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re loving this recipe, you might also enjoy:
- Sally’s Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Healthy Oatmeal Cookies with Peanut Butter
- Easy Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookies
- Soft Batch Sugar Cookies
See You at the Table
Baking The BEST Oatmeal Raisin Cookies is not just about the end product; it’s about the joy of creating something delicious from scratch. Whether you’re sharing them with family, friends, or savoring them on your own, these cookies bring a sense of comfort and nostalgia that’s hard to beat. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let the magic happen. Happy baking!
The BEST Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract and honey.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the oats and raisins until evenly distributed.
- Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use softened butter for better creaming.
- Don't overmix the dough to keep cookies tender.
- Allow cookies to cool to set properly.
