Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's both easy to make and incredibly delicious? Look no further! These raisin-filled oatmeal cookies are the perfect answer. They're a classic for a reason – the chewy oatmeal base perfectly complements the sweet bursts of juicy raisins, creating a flavor combination that's hard to resist. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face (and satisfy your sweet tooth!). This recipe is perfect for homemade cooking and makes a great quick dinner dessert.
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 rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking)
- 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 light and fluffy. This is easiest with an electric mixer, but you can certainly do it by hand if you're feeling strong!
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
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; a few lumps are okay.
Step 5: Stir in Oats and Raisins
Stir in the rolled oats and raisins until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
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 as they will spread slightly.
Step 7: Baking Time
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Step 8: Cooling and Enjoying
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your warm, delicious raisin-filled oatmeal cookies!
Tips for the Best Raisin-Filled Oatmeal Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened; this will help create a smoother, more evenly textured dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Adjust Raisins: Feel free to adjust the amount of raisins to your liking. You can also substitute other dried fruits, such as cranberries or chopped apricots.
- Add Nuts: For extra flavor and texture, consider adding ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Raisin Oatmeal Cookies: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips along with the raisins for a delightful twist.
- Spiced Raisin Oatmeal Cookies: Increase the cinnamon and nutmeg, or add a pinch of ginger or cloves for a warmer, spicier cookie.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on size and ingredients)
- Fat: Approximately 8-10g
- Sugar: Approximately 15-20g
These delicious and easy-to-make raisin-filled oatmeal cookies are perfect for any occasion. They're a great example of delicious dishes made with simple ingredients. Enjoy baking and sharing these tasty treats!