Are you craving a taste of the South? Then look no further! These oatmeal cookies, inspired by the queen of Southern cooking herself, Paula Deen, are the perfect blend of chewy, sweet, and utterly irresistible. They're incredibly easy to make, perfect for beginner bakers, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. This recipe offers a delicious and comforting treat that's perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight snacks to holiday gatherings. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this simple yet satisfying recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking)
- 1 cup raisins (optional, but highly recommended!)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
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 together the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer is ideal for this step, but a hand mixer works just fine too! Take your time; the more air you incorporate, the lighter and fluffier your cookies will be.
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 ingredients to wet 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 optional ingredients: Stir in the rolled oats, raisins (if using), and nuts (if using).
Scoop onto baking sheets: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
Bake until golden brown: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them; ovens vary, so start checking around the 10-minute mark.
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 and Variations:
- For chewier cookies: Use less flour. Start with 2 ¾ cups and add more only if the dough is too sticky.
- For crispier cookies: Use more flour. Add up to 3 ½ cups, adding one tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
- Add chocolate chips: A classic combination! Add 1-2 cups of chocolate chips along with the oats and other mix-ins.
- Make them gluten-free: Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for the regular flour.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of ginger or cloves for an extra warm flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your cookies and the additions you make. However, a general estimate would be around 200-250 calories, with varying amounts of fat, sugar, and carbohydrates. For a more precise calculation, you can use a nutrition calculator with the specific ingredients and amounts you used.
These delicious oatmeal cookies are a true taste of Southern hospitality. They're easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for sharing (although you might find it hard to resist eating them all yourself!). Enjoy this simple recipe and let the sweet aroma fill your home with warmth and happiness!