Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that evokes feelings of home and happiness? Look no further! This Oatmeal Raisin Cookie recipe, using good old Quaker Oats, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's incredibly easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and delivers that perfectly chewy, delicious texture we all love. Forget those store-bought cookies – this homemade version is far superior, and you’ll be surprised how simple it is to whip up a batch of these delightful, healthy-ish cookies. This recipe is perfect for quick dinner ideas, satisfying sweet cravings, or even adding a special touch to your next gathering.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups Quaker Oats (old-fashioned rolled oats)
- 1 cup raisins (or chopped dried cranberries for a variation)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
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Cream Together: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer works great, but a hand mixer will do the job just fine.
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Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
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Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
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Stir in Oats & Raisins: Stir in the Quaker Oats and raisins until evenly distributed.
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Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
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Baking Time: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
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Cool & 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 Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened – this ensures proper creaming and a light and airy texture.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For even thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This also helps prevent spreading.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweet cookies, reduce the amount of sugar by ¼ cup.
Variations:
- Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for a delicious nutty twist.
- Chocolate Chunk Surprise: Swap out some of the raisins for chocolate chunks for a delightful chocolate oatmeal raisin cookie.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a warm, comforting flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. A general estimate would be around 150-200 calories, with varying amounts of fat, carbohydrates, and protein. For a more precise nutritional breakdown, use a nutrition calculator with the exact ingredients and measurements.
These Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are a perfect example of delicious and easy recipes for homemade cooking. They're a comforting classic, perfect for any occasion, and a testament to the joy of simple, delicious food. Enjoy!