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Irresistibly Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe for Comfort and Flavor

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Oatmeal raisin cookies are a beloved classic that many of us associate with childhood memories, cozy kitchens, and delicious aromas wafting through the air. Their warm, slightly chewy texture, the perfect blend of spices, and the sweetness of raisins make them a comforting treat, no matter the occasion. These cookies are a fantastic combination of soft, chewy goodness on the inside with a slight crispness on the edges. The oats provide a hearty texture, while the raisins add little pockets of sweetness in every bite, making them utterly irresistible. Whether you’re looking to bake something special for a gathering or simply treat yourself and your loved ones to something homemade and delicious, this oatmeal raisin cookie recipe is sure to satisfy every craving.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon apple pie spice (or 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon + 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg)
  • 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened (3 sticks)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups old-fashioned oats
  • 1 1/2 cups raisins

Instructions

  • Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets
    Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the ideal temperature for baking oatmeal raisin cookies, as it ensures they bake evenly and develop that perfect crisp edge. While the oven is heating up, prepare your baking sheets. Line several sheets with parchment paper to ensure that your cookies don’t stick and they bake evenly. The parchment paper also makes for easy cleanup afterward, as it prevents any residual cookie dough from getting stuck to the sheets.
  • Mix the Dry Ingredients
    In a medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and apple pie spice. If you don’t have apple pie spice on hand, you can substitute it with a mixture of cinnamon and nutmeg, as these spices are the foundation for the warm, aromatic flavor that defines oatmeal raisin cookies. Stir these dry ingredients together until they are fully combined, then set the bowl aside. The baking powder will help the cookies rise slightly, creating that perfect chewy texture, while the salt balances the sweetness of the sugars and raisins.
  • Cream the Butter and Sugars
    In a separate, larger mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and both the granulated sugar and brown sugar together on high speed for about 3-4 minutes. The goal here is to make the butter and sugars light and fluffy. This process will create a nice base for your cookie dough and help develop a rich, caramel-like flavor. Don’t rush this step—be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically to ensure the butter and sugar mixture is smooth and well-incorporated.
  • Add the Eggs and Vanilla
    Once the butter and sugar mixture is light and fluffy, add the eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each addition to ensure that the eggs are fully incorporated into the dough. After both eggs are mixed in, add the vanilla extract and beat until the mixture is smooth. The vanilla will add a subtle depth of flavor to the cookies, giving them a richer, more aromatic taste. The combination of eggs and vanilla in the dough contributes to the perfect chewy consistency in the final cookie.
  • Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
    Now that the wet ingredients are ready, it’s time to slowly add the dry ingredients to the mixture. Turn your electric mixer to low speed and gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Be careful not to overmix at this stage. Once the flour is just combined, scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is incorporated. Overmixing can result in a tough cookie, so the key is to mix just until the dry ingredients are blended into the wet ingredients.
  • Add the Oats and Raisins
    Next, turn the mixer to low and add in the old-fashioned oats and raisins. Mix just until the oats and raisins are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The oats will provide a chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the raisins, and the raisins will plump up slightly as they bake, offering little bursts of sweetness in every bite. You can also add in a pinch of cinnamon at this point if you love extra spice, but this is entirely optional. Once everything is well-mixed, you’re ready to shape the dough into cookies.
  • Shape the Cookie Dough
    Using a 1 1/2 tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the dough into equal-sized balls. Make sure to space the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. This spacing allows the cookies to spread slightly as they bake, resulting in a perfect, round shape. If you don’t have a cookie scoop, you can use two spoons to portion the dough, but the scoop ensures uniformity, so all your cookies will bake at the same rate.
  • Bake the Cookies
    Now it’s time to bake your oatmeal raisin cookies! Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes. The cookies are done when the edges are slightly golden brown, and the centers are still soft. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary. If you want extra-crispy edges, you can let them bake for a minute or two longer, but be careful not to overbake them, as they will harden once cooled.
  • Cool and Serve
    After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows the cookies to firm up slightly and makes them easier to move without falling apart. Once they’ve cooled completely, they’re ready to be served! Enjoy them fresh out of the oven for the ultimate indulgence, or store them in an airtight container to keep them soft and chewy for several days.

Notes

  • Butter Substitutes: If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can swap out the unsalted butter for coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute. This will create a slightly different flavor but still result in a soft, chewy cookie.
  • Sweetener Variations: You can experiment with different sugars, such as coconut sugar or maple sugar, for a more natural sweetness. These sugars will alter the flavor slightly but still provide a wonderful base for the cookies.
  • Add-ins: Feel free to get creative with add-ins! If raisins aren’t your thing, try using dried cranberries, dried apricots, or even chopped dates. Nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pecans also add a delightful crunch and flavor to the cookies.
  • Spices: If you enjoy a spicier cookie, increase the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even add a pinch of ground ginger. You can also experiment with other spices like cardamom or allspice to add complexity to the flavor.

Find it online: https://susanrecipes.com/irresistibly-chewy-oatmeal-raisin-cookies-the-ultimate-recipe-for-comfort-and-flavor/