Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Recipe: A Deliciously Chewy Treat
Are you craving a warm, gooey, and intensely flavorful oatmeal raisin cookie? Look no further! This recipe delivers the perfect balance of chewy texture and sweet, comforting taste, guaranteed to satisfy your cookie cravings. We'll cover everything from ingredient selection to baking tips to ensure you achieve perfectly baked oatmeal raisin cookies every time.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields approximately 24 delicious oatmeal raisin cookies.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Using softened butter is crucial for achieving that perfect, creamy texture.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deeper caramel flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The structural base of your cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice.
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: A touch of warmth that complements the cinnamon.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 3 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned): The star of the show! Provides that signature oatmeal texture.
- 1 ½ cups raisins: Choose your favorite type – plump, juicy raisins will add extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions:
- Cream Together Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually Add Dry to Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Stir in Oats and Raisins: Gently fold in the rolled oats and raisins.
- Scoop and Bake: Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets. Leave some space between each cookie for spreading.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Perfect Oatmeal Raisin Cookie:
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): Chilling the dough for 30 minutes to an hour before baking will help prevent spreading and create thicker cookies.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweet cookies, reduce the amount of sugar by ¼ cup.
- Add Nuts: For extra texture and flavor, add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to experiment with other spices, such as cardamom or allspice.
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy these warm oatmeal raisin cookies with a tall glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They're perfect for any occasion, from casual snacking to holiday gatherings.
This recipe is your guide to creating truly delightful oatmeal raisin cookies. Follow these steps, experiment with variations, and enjoy the delicious results! Remember to share your baking creations and tag us – we’d love to see your perfectly baked oatmeal raisin cookies!
