Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

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

1. 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.
2. Chewy and Satisfying: Thanks to the Crisco, these cookies maintain a soft and chewy texture that many cookie lovers crave.
3. 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.
4. Generous Yield: This recipe makes about 60 cookies, making it perfect for events, parties, or simply having a stockpile of homemade treats.
5. 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.

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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.