Introduction
Classic oatmeal raisin cookies are a delightful treat loved by many for their chewy center and crispy edges. With the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, these cookies are not just delicious; they are also packed with hearty oats and plump raisins, making them a comforting choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
200g unsalted butter, softened
150g light brown sugar
100g granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
180g all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
220g rolled oats
150g raisins
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the oats and raisins until evenly distributed.
7. Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each cookie about 5 cm apart.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
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Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together 200g of softened unsalted butter, 150g of light brown sugar, and 100g of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture, ensuring to mix well after each addition. Next, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 180g of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid overmixing.
Step 6: Fold in Oats and Raisins
Gently fold in 220g of rolled oats and 150g of raisins until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet
Use a scoop or spoon to drop dollops of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring that each cookie is spaced about 5 cm apart.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges become golden brown and the centers are set.
Step 9: Cool the Cookies
After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10: Enjoy or Store
The cookies can be enjoyed warm, or they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Notes
Storage Tips
For optimal freshness, store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use rolled oats or quick oats, but rolled oats provide a chewier texture.
Sugar Adjustments
Feel free to adjust the sugar levels to your taste; reducing the sugar will make the cookies less sweet.
Adding Nuts
For added texture, consider incorporating chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies pair wonderfully with milk or coffee for a delightful treat.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their freshness and chewy texture.
Refrigerator
If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate the cookies for up to 2 weeks. Ensure they are in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer
For long-term storage, freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment paper between layers. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these oatmeal raisin cookies warm with a glass of milk or a cup of tea. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. You can also crumble them over yogurt for a tasty breakfast or snack. Consider serving with dried fruits or nuts on the side for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information
Each cookie (based on a yield of 24 cookies) contains approximately:
– Calories: 150 kcal
– Total Fat: 6g
– Saturated Fat: 4g
– Cholesterol: 25mg
– Sodium: 50mg
– Total Carbohydrates: 22g
– Dietary Fiber: 1g
– Sugars: 8g
– Protein: 2g
Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and quantities used.
Ingredient Substitutions
– **Butter**: Use coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce for a dairy-free alternative.
– **Brown Sugar**: Substitute with coconut sugar or maple syrup (reduce other liquid ingredients accordingly).
– **Granulated Sugar**: Consider using honey or agave syrup, keeping in mind adjustments in liquid content.
– **Eggs**: For a vegan option, replace each egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a chia/flaxseed egg.
– **Rolled Oats**: Steel-cut oats can be used, but they will add a chewier texture.
– **Raisins**: Swap with chocolate chips, cranberries, or nuts for different flavors and textures.
Cook Techniques
Creaming Butter and Sugars
Creaming butter with sugars incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in a lighter cookie texture. Ensure your butter is softened for easier blending.
Mixing Wet Ingredients
Add eggs one at a time and mix thoroughly after each addition to ensure an even consistency, which is crucial for proper leavening.
Whisking Dry Ingredients
Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon together to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices, preventing clumping in the final batter.
Folding in Oats and Raisins
Gently fold in rolled oats and raisins to the dough. This technique helps maintain the integrity of the oats and avoids overmixing, which could lead to tough cookies.
Proper Spacing on Baking Sheet
Scoop the dough onto the baking sheet with sufficient space (about 5 cm apart) to allow for spreading during baking, ensuring even cooking.
Monitoring Baking Time
Keep an eye on the cookies towards the end of the baking time. Remove them when the edges are golden and the center is set for the perfect chewy texture.
Cooling Process
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up before transferring to a wire rack. This helps prevent them from breaking apart.
FAQ
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Quick oats can be used, but they will result in a thinner cookie. Rolled oats provide a chewier texture.
What can I substitute for raisins?
You can substitute raisins with chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or nuts, depending on your preference.
How do I store cookies to keep them fresh?
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag.
Can I make these cookies without eggs?
Yes, you can use flax eggs or applesauce as an egg substitute for a vegan option, adjusting the ratio as needed.
Why are my cookies flat?
Flat cookies may result from using melted butter, not enough flour, or overmixing. Ensure to follow the steps for creaming and measuring accurately.
Can I add spices or other flavorings to the cookies?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or ginger, or add extracts like almond for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Indulging in these classic oatmeal raisin cookies is a delightful experience, combining chewy centers with crispy edges. The harmonious blend of oats, plump raisins, and warm spices creates a comforting treat perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own. Whether fresh out of the oven or stored for later, these cookies are sure to bring joy to any occasion.
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Add a twist to the classic recipe by incorporating semi-sweet chocolate chips along with raisins for a rich, chocolatey flavor.
Nutty Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Enhance the texture and flavor by adding chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the dough for a delightful crunch.
Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies
Substitute half of the raisins with dried cranberries for a fruity tartness that complements the sweetness of the cookies.
Coconut Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Mix in shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical flair and extra chewiness in every bite.
Spiced Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the cookie dough along with the cinnamon for an extra layer of warm spice.
Harvest Oatmeal Cookies
Incorporate a mix of fall ingredients, such as diced apples or pumpkin puree, for a seasonal twist on the classic recipe.