Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

Oatmeal raisin cookies are a timeless treat loved by many for their chewy texture and the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. These cookies, made with hearty oats and a touch of cinnamon, are the perfect snack for a cozy afternoon or a lunchbox favorite. With the addition of raisins, these cookies offer a burst of sweetness and chewy texture in every bite. The combination of simple ingredients makes them easy to prepare, and the result is always a hit with family and friends.

This recipe will guide you through the simple steps of making your own homemade oatmeal raisin cookies. Whether you are a baking novice or an experienced baker, you will appreciate how straightforward and satisfying this recipe is.

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
• Total time: 35-40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups Crisco shortening
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 6 cups quick oats (uncooked)
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 1/2 cups raisins

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preparing the oven in advance ensures that your cookies bake evenly and turn out perfectly crisp on the outside while staying chewy on the inside.
2. Cream the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Crisco shortening, brown sugar, and white sugar. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer or by hand until it becomes light and fluffy. Add the eggs, water, and vanilla extract to the bowl, continuing to beat the mixture until it is smooth and well-combined. This is the foundation of your cookie dough, and it should have a creamy consistency.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon. Sifting the dry ingredients ensures that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough, which helps achieve a balanced flavor. Once the dry ingredients are sifted, slowly add them to the wet mixture, mixing continuously until fully incorporated.
4. Add the Oats and Raisins: Next, stir in the uncooked oats and raisins, making sure they are evenly spread throughout the dough. The oats will give the cookies their signature chewy texture, while the raisins will add natural sweetness and moisture.
5. Scoop the Dough: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Be sure to make the dough balls uniform in size so that the cookies bake evenly.
6. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking around the 10-minute mark. The cookies are ready when they are golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center.
7. Cool the Cookies: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Allowing them to cool completely will give them time to set and become perfectly chewy.

These oatmeal raisin cookies are the perfect blend of flavors and textures, offering a satisfying crunch and a chewy interior. The cinnamon, sugar, and raisins come together in a delicious harmony that is both nostalgic and comforting. Whether you are baking them for yourself or sharing them with loved ones, these cookies will surely be a crowd-pleaser.

The recipe is simple, requires minimal ingredients, and can be prepared in under 40 minutes. These oatmeal raisin cookies are perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to after-school snacks. Plus, they store well, so you can enjoy them for several days to come.

Baking these cookies is not just about creating a sweet treat; it’s also about bringing warmth and joy into your kitchen and home. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or with a glass of milk, these cookies will always be a delightful addition to your baking repertoire.