Oatmeal raisin cookies are more than just a sweet treat—they’re a comforting classic that evokes memories of home and hearth. With their chewy texture, warm spices, and sweet raisins, these cookies are a favorite for many. This recipe not only delivers on flavor but also makes a large batch, ideal for sharing or savoring throughout the week. Dive into this recipe to make the perfect batch of oatmeal raisin cookies!
Why Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Are Beloved
- Nostalgic Flavor: The combination of hearty oats and sweet raisins, complemented by warm cinnamon, creates a flavor profile that feels like a comforting hug in cookie form.
- Chewy and Satisfying: Thanks to the Crisco, these cookies maintain a soft and chewy texture that many cookie lovers crave.
- Versatile Customization: While the classic version is delightful, this recipe allows for easy customization with add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or coconut, so you can tailor them to your taste.
- Generous Yield: This recipe makes about 60 cookies, making it perfect for events, parties, or simply having a stockpile of homemade treats.
- Simple Ingredients: Using basic pantry staples, these cookies are easy to make and require no special equipment beyond standard kitchen tools.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 1/2 cups Crisco: This vegetable shortening ensures a tender and chewy cookie. It has a higher fat content than butter, which helps in maintaining the cookie’s softness and chewiness.
- 2 cups brown sugar: Adds depth of flavor with its rich, molasses-like sweetness. Brown sugar also helps keep the cookies moist.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and adds a bit of crunch to the cookie’s exterior.
- 2 large eggs: These provide structure and moisture to the dough, helping to bind all the ingredients together.
- 1/2 cup water: Adds additional moisture to the dough, ensuring the cookies are not too dry.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies with its warm, aromatic notes.
- 6 cups quick oats: Provide the hearty, chewy base for the cookies. Quick oats are preferred as they are finer and blend better into the dough.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Gives structure to the cookies and balances out the texture.
- 2 teaspoons salt: Enhances the flavors and offsets the sweetness of the sugars.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread, giving them the perfect texture.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy flavor that complements the oats and raisins beautifully.
- 1 1/2 cups raisins: Provide bursts of sweetness and chewiness throughout the cookie.
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup chopped nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a satisfying crunch and additional flavor.
- 1 cup chocolate chips: Adds richness and pairs well with the raisins and spices.
- 1 cup shredded coconut: Introduces a chewy texture and a hint of tropical flavor.
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cookies bake evenly and develop a golden brown color.
2. Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together 1 1/2 cups Crisco, 2 cups brown sugar, and 1 cup granulated sugar until creamy. This process should take about 2 minutes, resulting in a smooth, pale mixture.
- Add 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup water, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract to the mixture. Mix until fully incorporated, ensuring that the eggs are completely blended in.
- In a separate bowl, combine 6 cups quick oats, 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. Stir these dry ingredients until evenly distributed.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Fold in 1 1/2 cups raisins. Ensure the raisins are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- For optional add-ins, such as 1 cup chopped nuts, 1 cup chocolate chips, or 1 cup shredded coconut, fold these into the dough along with the raisins. This step adds variety and extra flavor to your cookies.
3. Bake the Cookies
- Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Place the dough mounds about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 11 minutes. After this time, rotate the pans from front to back and top to bottom to ensure even baking.
- Continue baking for an additional 4 minutes, then check the cookies. The edges should be golden brown, while the centers may still appear slightly soft.
4. Cool and Enjoy
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. This allows them to set and makes them easier to transfer.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from becoming soggy and ensures they maintain their chewy texture.
- Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
5. Serving Suggestions
- With a Glass of Milk: These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, making for a classic and satisfying snack.
- As a Lunchbox Treat: Perfect for packing in lunchboxes, these cookies offer a sweet break from the usual midday fare.
- At a Party: Serve them at gatherings or events to delight guests with a homemade touch.
6. Tips for Perfect Cookies
- Measure Accurately: Using measuring cups and spoons ensures the correct ratios of ingredients for consistent results.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your Crisco and eggs come to room temperature before mixing to achieve a better dough consistency.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
- Adjust Baking Time: Depending on your oven and the size of your cookies, you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.
- Cool Completely: Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack to prevent them from becoming soft and to maintain their chewy texture.
7. Variations and Customizations
- Nuts: Add 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: 1 cup of semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips can be added for extra sweetness and richness.
- Coconut: Add 1 cup of shredded coconut for a tropical twist and additional chewiness.
- Spices: Experiment with other spices like nutmeg or allspice to create a unique flavor profile.
Oatmeal raisin cookies
These classic cookies are packed with oats, raisins, and a hint of cinnamon. The perfect combination of flavors and textures will leave you craving more. Enjoy these special occasion treats for a sweet and satisfying snack.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cup crisco
2 cups brown sugar
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup water
2 tsp vanilla
6 cups of uncooked oats (quick)
2 1/2 cups flour
2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
1 1/2 cups raisins
Directions
- Heat oven to 350. Beat shortening, sugars, eggs, water, vanilla until creamy. Add combined remaining ingredients and mix. I Bake for 11 min, then rotate pans from front to back and top to bottom rack in the oven. Cook another 4 min and check to see if done. For variety add nuts, chocolate chips or coconut. Makes 60 cookies.
- Enjoy 🥰
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8. Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 80-100 calories per cookie, depending on size and add-ins.
- Fat: Contains a moderate amount of fat from the Crisco, making for a rich, chewy cookie.
- Sugar: These cookies are relatively high in sugar, providing a sweet treat that’s best enjoyed in moderation.
Enjoy baking and savoring these delicious oatmeal raisin cookies! Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just a comforting treat, they’re sure to be a hit.