Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that evokes childhood memories and satisfies your sweet tooth? Look no further than these delightful Quaker Oatmeal Raisin Cookies! This easy recipe uses readily available ingredients and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for both beginner bakers and experienced cooks seeking a quick and delicious dessert. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of warm spices and gooey raisins – it's a baking experience you won't want to miss!
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
- 3 cups Quaker Oats (old-fashioned rolled oats)
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions:
Step 1: Cream Together the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect cookie texture. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined before moving to the next step.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the spices and leavening agent.
Step 4: 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, as this can result in tough cookies.
Step 5: Stir in Oats and Raisins
Stir in the Quaker Oats and raisins. A gentle fold is all you need to incorporate these ingredients evenly.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Leave some space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
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!
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Quaker Oatmeal Raisin Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Ensure your butter is truly softened; this will help create a smooth and creamy cookie dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweet cookies, reduce the amount of sugar by ¼ cup.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips along with the raisins.
- Nutty Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: Stir in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Spiced Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: Increase the cinnamon and add a pinch of cloves or allspice for a warm, spiced flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Saturated Fat: 5-6g
- Sugar: 15-20g
These delicious and easy-to-make Quaker Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy them with a glass of milk, coffee, or your favorite beverage! They also make a great homemade gift for friends and family. Happy baking!