Description
Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Butter lovers rejoice! These rich oatmeal raisin cookies are baked with extra buttery goodness for a decadent treat.
Ingredients:
1 1/4 cups butter
1 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
3 cups rolled oats
3/4 cup golden raisins
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
Cream butter and sugars until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla.
Mix flour, baking soda, and cinnamon. Fold into wet ingredients.
Add oats and golden raisins. Drop onto the baking sheet.
Bake for 12-14 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect cookies every time. First, ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for optimal creaming. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is crucial for texture. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, thoroughly whisk together the flour, baking soda, and cinnamon. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Overmixing here leads to tough cookies. Using a sturdy spatula, fold in the rolled oats and golden raisins until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Use a cookie scoop or two spoons to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake one sheet at a time on the center rack for the best results.
Serving Suggestions
These chewy cookies are fantastic served warm with a cold glass of milk. For a dessert twist, crumble one over a bowl of vanilla ice cream or warm apple crisp. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or chai tea. For a festive platter, serve them alongside chocolate chip and peanut butter cookies.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Cream softened butter and sugars until fluffy. Mix in eggs and vanilla. Combine dry ingredients separately, then blend into wet mix. Fold in oats and raisins. Scoop dough onto a parchment-lined sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-14 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular raisins instead of golden raisins? Absolutely. Regular raisins work perfectly, though golden raisins are slightly milder and chewier.
My cookies spread too much. What happened? This usually means your butter was too warm or melted. Ensure it is softened but still cool to the touch. Also, check that your baking soda is fresh.
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes. You can refrigerate the dough, covered, for up to 72 hours. Chilled dough may require an extra minute of baking time.
How do I store these cookies to keep them soft? Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature with a piece of bread. The bread helps maintain moisture.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips? Definitely! Feel free to substitute 1/2 cup of the raisins with chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for a different variation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid using melted butter, as it will cause excessive spreading. Do not overmix the dough after adding the flour, as this develops gluten and creates a dense cookie. Ensure your baking sheet is cool before placing new dough on it, as a hot sheet will cause the cookies to start baking prematurely and spread unevenly. Finally, do not overbake; the cookies should look set around the edges but still soft in the center when you remove them from the oven.
Conclusion
These Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are a classic treat elevated by rich, buttery flavor. By following this enhanced guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can bake a consistently perfect batch that is soft, chewy, and utterly satisfying. They are a timeless cookie that is sure to please any crowd. Now, get baking and enjoy the delicious results!
