Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

These soft, chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are a classic treat packed with wholesome oats, sweet raisins, and warm spices. Perfectly balanced between sweet and slightly spiced, these cookies are easy to make and perfect for snacking, gifting, or enjoying with a glass of milk. Plus, they’re made with simple pantry ingredients you likely already have on hand!

Ingredients

• 1½ cups Crisco (vegetable shortening)
• 2 cups brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup water
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 6 cups quick-cooking oats (not instant or old-fashioned)
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1½ cups raisins (optional: plump them by soaking in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Cream the Sugars and Shortening

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the Crisco, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

1. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
2. Mix in the water and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Step 5: Fold in Oats and Raisins

1. Stir in the quick-cooking oats, mixing until evenly distributed.
2. Gently fold in the raisins (if you soaked them, pat them dry with a paper towel before adding).

Step 6: Scoop and Shape

1. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
2. Flatten the dough balls slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.

Step 7: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers appear set. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
2. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

1. Once cooled, serve the cookies as-is or store them in an airtight container for later. Pair with a glass of milk or a hot cup of tea for a cozy treat.

Tips for Success

• Raisin Tip: If you’re not a fan of raisins, substitute them with dried cranberries, chopped dates, or chocolate chips for a different twist.
• Oat Texture: Quick-cooking oats are essential for this recipe to ensure the cookies hold together properly. Avoid using old-fashioned or steel-cut oats, as they will result in a different texture.
• Chilling the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before scooping and baking.
• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze well—place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Oatmeal Raisin Cookies strike the perfect balance between soft, chewy, and slightly crisp edges. Loaded with sweet raisins and hearty oats, they’re a comforting treat that’s both satisfying and nostalgic. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, meal prepping snacks, or simply craving something homemade, these cookies are sure to delight. Dive into this timeless classic and savor every bite!