Are you craving the comforting warmth of a classic oatmeal raisin cookie but need a gluten-free option? Look no further! This recipe delivers all the chewy goodness you love, without compromising on taste or texture. It's a perfect example of how delicious and easy healthy meals can be, making it ideal for busy weeknights or weekend baking fun. This recipe is a guaranteed hit for both homemade cooking enthusiasts and those just starting their culinary journey. Get ready to experience the best recipes – gluten-free style!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum)
- ½ cup rolled oats (certified gluten-free if needed)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup raisins (or a mix of raisins and cranberries for extra flavor)
Instructions:
Get Started: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Thoroughly combining the dry ingredients ensures even baking and prevents pockets of spice.
Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender cookie. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine: 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 the raisins. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.
Bake: 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 and the centers are still slightly soft.
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to set properly and prevents breakage.
Tips for the Best Gluten-Free Oatmeal Raisin Cookies:
- Use a good quality gluten-free flour blend: This is key to achieving the best texture.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing develops gluten (even in gluten-free flour) and can lead to tough cookies.
- Let the cookies cool completely: This prevents them from crumbling.
- Experiment with add-ins: Try adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried cherries.
Variations:
- Spiced Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom for an extra layer of warmth.
- Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips along with the raisins.
- Peanut Butter Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: Add ½ cup of peanut butter to the wet ingredients.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 150-180 Fat: 8-10g Carbohydrates: 20-25g Fiber: 2-3g Sugar: 10-12g Protein: 2-3g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
These gluten-free oatmeal raisin cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for sharing (if you can bear to part with them!). Enjoy!