Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: A Classic Treat

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Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: A Classic Treat

Oatmeal raisin cookies are a beloved classic, combining the wholesome chewiness of oats with the natural sweetness of raisins. These cookies have a long history, originating from Scottish oat cakes and evolving into a popular American favorite. The combination of hearty oats, warm cinnamon, and plump raisins creates a comforting and satisfying treat enjoyed by all generations.

This recipe yields about 60 cookies, perfect for sharing with family and friends or storing for a sweet snack throughout the week. You can also add nuts, chocolate chips, or shredded coconut to enhance the flavor and texture.

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups Crisco (vegetable shortening)
  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup water
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

  • 6 cups quick oats (uncooked)
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 ½ cups raisins

Instructions

1. Preparing the Dough

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the shortening, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, water, and vanilla until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until well incorporated.
  5. Fold in the raisins (and any optional add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or coconut).

2. Shaping and Baking the Cookies

  1. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  2. Bake for 11 minutes, then rotate the pans from front to back and switch racks (top to bottom) in the oven.
  3. Continue baking for another 4 minutes, then check for doneness. The cookies should be lightly golden brown with a slightly soft center.
  4. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

The History of Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Oatmeal cookies trace their roots back to Scottish oat cakes, a simple and hearty baked good eaten as a staple in many households. When Scottish immigrants brought oats to the United States, they began incorporating them into baked goods, leading to the development of the oatmeal cookie.

The addition of raisins became popular in the early 1900s when Quaker Oats began printing an oatmeal cookie recipe on their packaging, encouraging home bakers to use their oats in creative ways. Over time, the oatmeal raisin cookie became a household favorite, often viewed as a “healthier” cookie due to the fiber-rich oats and natural sweetness of raisins.

Texture and Formation of the Cookies

The perfect oatmeal raisin cookie has a chewy center with slightly crisp edges. The oats provide a hearty, slightly nutty texture, while the raisins add bursts of sweetness. The use of shortening instead of butter in this recipe results in a lighter, softer texture.

For thicker cookies, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.

For crispier cookies, flatten the dough slightly before baking and extend the bake time by 1-2 minutes.

Conclusion

Oatmeal raisin cookies are a timeless classic that continues to bring warmth and nostalgia to every bite. Whether enjoyed with a glass of milk, a cup of tea, or as a snack on the go, these cookies provide the perfect balance of chewy, sweet, and spiced flavors.

They are also versatile, allowing you to customize them with nuts, chocolate chips, or coconut to suit your taste. Bake a batch and share them with loved ones—it’s a recipe that brings joy to any occasion!

Would you like recommendations on how to store them or creative variations on the recipe?

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