There’s something uniquely comforting about the aroma of freshly baked oatmeal raisin cookies wafting through the kitchen. It invokes a sense of nostalgia, bringing back memories of childhood and family gatherings. Recently, I decided to try my hand at baking a batch of oatmeal raisin cookies, infused with a hint of cinnamon for an extra layer of warmth and flavor. To my delight, the cookies turned out to be a hit with my family. Their soft, chewy texture paired with the sweet, plump raisins and the subtle spice of cinnamon made them irresistible. These cookies quickly became a family favorite, with requests for them to become a regular feature in our home-baked treat rotation.
Ingredients
To create these delightful oatmeal raisin cookies with cinnamon, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions
Follow these steps to bake your delicious oatmeal raisin cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the oats and raisins, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may appear slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Nutrition Facts
The following nutrition facts are based on a batch that yields approximately 24 cookies:
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories per serving: 150
Preparation Time
This recipe is both quick and easy, making it perfect for busy schedules or impromptu baking sessions. The preparation time is approximately:
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- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes
How to Serve
These oatmeal raisin cookies are versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
- With Milk: Serve these cookies warm with a glass of cold milk for a classic pairing that complements their flavors.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use the cookies as a base for ice cream sandwiches. Simply place a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies.
- Tea Time Treat: Pair these cookies with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a comforting afternoon snack.
- Gift Idea: Package a dozen cookies in a decorative tin or box as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends or family.
- School Snack: Include a couple of cookies in lunchboxes for a sweet and satisfying treat.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to ensure your oatmeal raisin cookies turn out perfectly every time:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting the recipe. This helps them to blend more smoothly and evenly with the other ingredients.
- Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too sticky or soft, consider chilling it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking. This can help the cookies hold their shape better.
- Use Fresh Raisins: To prevent your raisins from being too dry, opt for fresh ones. If they seem a bit dry, you can soak them in warm water for a few minutes before draining and adding them to the dough.
- Customize Your Cookies: Feel free to add nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for an extra crunch. Alternatively, you can substitute the raisins with chocolate chips if you prefer.
- Storing the Cookies: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
FAQ Section
Q: Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?
A: Yes, you can use quick oats, but the texture of the cookies may be slightly different. Old-fashioned oats provide a chewier texture, while quick oats will result in a softer cookie.
Q: What can I substitute for raisins if I don’t like them?
A: If you’re not a fan of raisins, you can substitute them with dried cranberries, chopped dates, or chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
Q: How do I ensure my cookies remain soft and chewy?
A: To keep your cookies soft and chewy, be sure not to overbake them. Remove them from the oven when the edges are golden, and the centers still look slightly underdone.
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Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can make these cookies gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensuring your oats are labeled gluten-free.
Q: Is it possible to make the dough ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.