Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that evokes memories of home-baked goodness? Look no further! This recipe for chewy oatmeal raisin cookies takes a classic Better Homes and Gardens approach, elevating a familiar favorite into a truly delicious and satisfying experience. These aren't your grandma's oatmeal raisin cookies (unless your grandma was a baking wizard!). We've tweaked the recipe for maximum chewiness and flavor, making them perfect for a cozy night in or a delightful afternoon snack. Get ready to enjoy the best homemade cookies you've ever tasted!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins (or a mix of raisins and cranberries for added flavor!)
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is where a stand mixer comes in handy, but a good old-fashioned hand mixer works just as well. The key is to get those sugars fully incorporated.
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.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
Stir in oats and raisins: Stir in the rolled oats and raisins until evenly distributed.
Bake the cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the baking time – ovens vary!
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. Once cool, enjoy these delicious, chewy oatmeal raisin cookies!
Tips for Perfect Cookies:
- Softened butter is key: Make sure your butter is truly softened; this helps create a lighter, chewier cookie.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies.
- Chill the dough (optional): For even chewier cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too thin.
- Adjust sweetness to taste: If you prefer less sweet cookies, reduce the amount of sugar by ¼ cup.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Raisin: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips along with the raisins for a delicious twist.
- Nutty Oatmeal Raisin: Incorporate ½ cup of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts.
- Spiced Oatmeal Raisin: Add a pinch of allspice or cloves for a warmer, spicier flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-180
- Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 15-20g
These easy recipes are perfect for quick dinner ideas, and these healthy meals are also great for homemade cooking. They're a delicious dish and definitely one of the best recipes out there. Enjoy making these chewy oatmeal raisin cookies—a recipe sure to become a family favorite!