There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. When it comes to the classic cookie lineup, Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookies deserve a place at the top. With their chewy texture, sweet bursts of raisins, and the wholesome goodness of oats, they are the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or packing them in a lunchbox, these cookies are bound to bring a smile to your face. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Why It Deserves a Spot
Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are not just another cookie; they are a nostalgic reminder of home, warmth, and love. The perfect balance of sweetness from the brown sugar and granulated sugar, combined with the hearty oats and plump raisins, creates a deliciously satisfying bite. These cookies are ideal for sharing, making them a favorite for gatherings and bake sales. Plus, they are simple to make, which is always a bonus for busy bakers!
What You’ll Gather
To whip up a batch of these delectable cookies, here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup (226g) butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup (213g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup (198g) granulated sugar
- 2 (100g) eggs
- 1 tablespoon (14g) vanilla extract
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (89g) quick-cooking oats
- 1 teaspoon (4g) sea salt
- 3/4 teaspoon (4g) baking soda
- 1 1/2 cups (224g) raisins
Gear Up: What to Grab
Before you start baking, make sure you have the following kitchen essentials:
- Mixing bowls: A large bowl for mixing wet ingredients and another for dry.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements are key to this recipe.
- Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet to hold your cookies as they bake.
- Parchment paper: This will help prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Whisk or electric mixer: For mixing the ingredients thoroughly.
How to Prepare Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Let’s get into the fun part—baking these delicious cookies! Follow these steps for the perfect Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and get that perfect golden color.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using a whisk or an electric mixer, cream the ingredients together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Pour in the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, quick-cooking oats, sea salt, and baking soda. This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt throughout the flour.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies.
Step 6: Fold in the Raisins
Gently fold in the raisins until they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each cookie. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look slightly underdone.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
Make It Year-Round
These cookies are perfect for any season! Here are some ways to enjoy them throughout the year:
- Fall: Add a pinch of cinnamon for a cozy autumn flavor.
- Winter: Consider mixing in some chopped nuts for added crunch and heartiness.
- Spring: Substitute raisins with dried cranberries or cherries for a fruity twist.
- Summer: Try adding shredded coconut for a tropical vibe.
Easy-to-Miss Gotchas
When making your Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, keep these potential pitfalls in mind:
- Make sure your butter is softened, not melted. This will ensure the right texture.
- Measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off; packing it down can lead to dry cookies.
- Don’t skip chilling the dough! Letting the dough rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes can enhance the flavors.
- Watch the baking time closely; cookies can go from perfect to overbaked in just a minute!
Make Ahead Like a Pro
Want to prepare for a busy week? Here are some tips on how to make your Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookies ahead of time:
- Cookie Dough: You can scoop the dough onto the baking sheet and freeze the unbaked cookies. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag and bake directly from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
- Baked Cookies: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Prepare the dry ingredients ahead of time and store them in an airtight container, so they’re ready to go when you want to bake.
FAQ
Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick-cooking oats?
Yes, you can substitute old-fashioned oats for quick-cooking oats. Just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly chewier.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is at room temperature, not melted. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can also help prevent excessive spreading.
Can I substitute the raisins with another ingredient?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap raisins for chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even nuts for a different flavor profile.
What should I do if my cookies turn out dry?
If your cookies are dry, it may be due to overbaking or using too much flour. Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately and check the cookies a minute or two before the recommended baking time.
If you’re inspired to bake more, check out these delightful recipes:
Next Steps
Now that you have the recipe for Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, it’s time to get baking! Gather your ingredients, invite a friend, and enjoy the process of creating these scrumptious treats. Don’t forget to share your baking adventures and any tweaks you make to the recipe. Happy baking!
Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, quick-cooking oats, sea salt, and baking soda.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Gently fold in the raisins until evenly distributed.
- Drop rounded balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened, not melted for the right texture.
- Measure flour carefully to avoid dry cookies.
- Chill dough for at least 30 minutes for better flavor.
- Watch baking time to prevent overbaking.
