Are you craving the warm, comforting embrace of a perfectly baked cookie? Look no further! This Oatmeal Raisin Walnut Cookie recipe is a delicious twist on a classic, offering a wholesome and satisfying treat that's perfect for any occasion. Forget those store-bought cookies – this easy recipe lets you create homemade goodness from scratch, ensuring every bite is packed with flavour and love. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, these cookies are incredibly simple to make, and the results are undeniably delicious. Get ready to indulge in a taste of pure comfort!
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 salt
- 3 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking)
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup walnut pieces, chopped
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is easily done with an electric mixer, but you can also achieve great results with a good old-fashioned hand mixer or even a strong arm and a wooden spoon! Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 2: Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents, resulting in perfectly risen cookies.
Step 3: 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. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Step 4: Add the oats, raisins, and walnuts: Stir in the rolled oats, raisins, and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
Step 5: Bake the cookies: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
Step 6: Bake to perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as ovens can vary.
Step 7: 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. Enjoy these warm, gooey, and delightful Oatmeal Raisin Walnut Cookies!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Cookies:
- Softened butter is key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This ensures proper creaming and a tender cookie texture.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the dough (optional): For thicker cookies with crispier edges, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Adjust baking time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Raisin Walnut Cookies: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a decadent twist.
- Spiced Oatmeal Raisin Walnut Cookies: Add ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg or allspice for a warm, aromatic flavour.
- Gluten-Free Oatmeal Raisin Walnut Cookies: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Protein: 2-3g
These values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used. This recipe provides a delicious and relatively healthy treat, perfect as part of a balanced diet. Enjoy your homemade Oatmeal Raisin Walnut Cookies! They're a fantastic quick dinner idea for a comforting dessert or a perfect addition to your healthy meal plan. This easy recipe makes homemade cooking a breeze, allowing you to create delicious dishes that everyone will love. These truly are some of the best recipes out there for simple, delicious cookies.