Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are a beloved treat that perfectly balance hearty oats, sweet raisins, and a touch of warm spices. They’re soft, chewy, and just the right amount of sweet, making them a nostalgic favorite for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon snack or a special occasion, these cookies are a delicious choice. Let’s dive into this classic recipe.

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### **Ingredients:**

– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 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
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

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### **Directions:**

1. **Preheat the Oven**

– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

2. **Cream Butter and Sugars**
– In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This process takes about 2–3 minutes.

3. **Add Eggs and Vanilla**
– Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, until well combined.

4. **Mix Dry Ingredients**
– In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

5. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**
– Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix to keep the cookies tender.

6. **Incorporate Oats and Raisins**
– Stir in the oats, raisins, and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

7. **Scoop and Shape**
– Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

8. **Bake**
– Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. The cookies will firm up as they cool.

9. **Cool**
– Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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### **Serving and Storage Tips:**

– **Serving Suggestions:** Oatmeal Raisin Cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee, or as part of a dessert platter.
– **Storage:** Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
– **Freezing Dough:** You can also freeze the unbaked dough. Scoop the dough onto a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

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### **Variations:**

1. **Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies:** Replace raisins with chocolate chips or a mix of dark and milk chocolate.
2. **Cranberry Almond Oatmeal Cookies:** Swap raisins for dried cranberries and add slivered almonds for a tangy, nutty twist.
3. **Gluten-Free Version:** Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
4. **Spiced Oatmeal Cookies:** Add a pinch of ground nutmeg, cloves, or ginger to enhance the spice profile.
5. **Healthier Option:** Substitute half of the butter with applesauce and use honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar.