Made oatmeal raisin cookies Recipe

If you’ve never made oatmeal raisin cookies from scratch before, get ready for a treat that’s so much more than the sum of its parts. These cookies offer a beautiful balance of soft, chewy oats, pockets of juicy raisins, and the rich, caramel depth of brown sugar—all wrapped around a hint of warm cinnamon. With a recipe that comes together easily and fills your kitchen with the coziest aroma, you’ll understand exactly why “made oatmeal raisin cookies” are a genuine crowd-pleaser and a heartfelt favorite for everyday baking or special occasions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of made oatmeal raisin cookies starts with a straightforward pantry lineup, yet each ingredient plays a starring role. Let’s break down what you’ll use, and why these picks really make your cookies shine.

• Crisco (1 1/2 cups): This gives the cookies a delightfully tender texture and keeps them soft for days.
• Brown Sugar (2 cups): Adds depth, moisture, and a slight caramel note that elevates every bite.
• Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Gives the perfect amount of sweetness and helps achieve crisp edges.
• Eggs (2): Essential for binding and adding structure to the dough.
• Water (1/2 cup): A surprisingly important ingredient for hydration and chewiness.
• Vanilla Extract (2 tsp): Adds warm, subtle aromatic flavor that ties everything together.
• Quick Oats (6 cups, uncooked): The heart of the cookie—choose quick oats for a soft chew and even texture.
• All-Purpose Flour (2 1/2 cups): Provides structure without being too dense or heavy.
• Salt (2 tsp): Brightens and balances all the sweet and warm flavors.
• Baking Soda (1 tsp): Responsible for just the right amount of lift, so your cookies don’t turn out flat.
• Cinnamon (2 tsp): The secret behind the classic aroma that says “comfort” in every bite.
• Raisins (1 1/2 cups): Soft, sweet jewels tucked into every bite for flavor and chewiness.
• Optional Mix-Ins (nuts, chocolate chips, coconut): Add your favorite twist—these cookies are happily customizable.

How to Make Made oatmeal raisin cookies

Step 1: Cream the Wet Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, so it’s good and hot by the time your dough is ready. In a large mixing bowl, beat the shortening (Crisco), both sugars, eggs, water, and vanilla extract together until everything is smooth and creamy. This step creates the backbone of flavor and ensures that your cookies will stay moist and plush—absolutely essential for classic made oatmeal raisin cookies.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon. This even coating makes sure that each oat is perfectly seasoned and that the leavening and spices will be distributed throughout the dough. When you blend it all together later, you won’t end up with sad bites lacking cinnamon, or pockets of salt.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be gentle—overmixing can toughen the cookies. At this stage, the dough will look thick and hearty, which is exactly what you want. Now, fold in the raisins and any other fun mix-ins you love, like nuts or chocolate chips.

Step 4: Portion and Bake the Cookies

Scoop the dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing each about two inches apart. These cookies don’t spread much, so you can shape them slightly with your fingers for a uniform look. Bake for 11 minutes, then rotate the pans front to back and upper to lower racks for even baking. Give them another 4 minutes, then check for doneness: the edges should look set, but the centers might look just a touch soft. Made oatmeal raisin cookies finish setting up as they cool, so don’t overbake!

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This quick pit stop helps set their shape without losing all that dreamy softness. As they cool, the luxurious oat-and-raisin scent will fill your kitchen and bring everyone running.

How to Serve Made oatmeal raisin cookies

Garnishes

To give your made oatmeal raisin cookies a lovely visual flair, try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dash more cinnamon on top right before baking. If you’re serving for guests, a tiny drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate over the cooled cookies makes for an elegant (and extra-tasty) finish.

Side Dishes

These cookies shine alongside anything creamy and cold—think tall glasses of milk, rich hot chocolate, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dreamy dessert sandwiches. Pair them with a fresh fruit salad or a platter of cheeses if you want something a little more grown-up at your snack table.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange stacks of made oatmeal raisin cookies in a vintage cookie jar, wrap them in parchment and ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift, or pile them high on a cake stand for a brunch spread. For a fun twist, make ice cream sandwiches with your favorite scoop between two cookies, or crumble them over Greek yogurt for a sweet and hearty parfait.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, made oatmeal raisin cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Slip a slice of sandwich bread into the container to help keep your cookies soft—the bread will get stale while your cookies stay perfectly chewy!

Freezing

If you’d like to save some for later, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. They keep their flavor and texture beautifully for up to 3 months. You can also freeze portions of unbaked dough, so you’re never more than a few minutes away from fresh-baked comfort.

Reheating

To revive that freshly-baked magic, pop a cookie (or several) in a 300°F oven for a few minutes, or microwave for 10–15 seconds. The oats and raisins will turn soft again, and the cookies will fill your kitchen with that inviting bakery smell all over again.

FAQs

Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?

Yes, you can! Old-fashioned oats will give the cookies a slightly heartier, more textured bite. The cookies may be a little thicker and chewier, which many people love.

Can I substitute butter for the Crisco?

Absolutely. Butter will add a different richness and a subtle buttery flavor, but the texture of your made oatmeal raisin cookies may be just a tad crisper at the edges.

How do I keep my raisins soft and juicy in the cookies?

If your raisins seem a bit dry, soak them in warm water or a little orange juice for 10 minutes, then drain well before adding. This keeps them plump and juicy when baked into your cookies.

Can I halve or double this recipe?

Definitely! This recipe adapts well—halve it for a small batch, or double it for a big gathering. Just make sure your mixing bowl is big enough for all those glorious oats if you go for a double batch.

What other mix-ins work well in made oatmeal raisin cookies?

Try chopped walnuts, pecans, shredded coconut, white chocolate chips, or a handful of dark chocolate chunks. Even a pinch of orange or lemon zest can add a fresh twist to the classic flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving comfort and a little homemade nostalgia, there’s nothing like these made oatmeal raisin cookies to deliver. Whip up a batch and share them—trust me, they never last long. Go ahead and make them your own, and savor the moments (and the smiles) they bring!

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