Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

These Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are the perfect blend of chewy, sweet, and comforting flavors. With the warmth of cinnamon, the sweetness of raisins, and the nuttiness of optional walnuts or pecans, they make a delightful treat for any occasion. The melted butter gives them an irresistible richness, while the old-fashioned oats add that classic, hearty texture. These cookies are sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted (1½ sticks)
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 ½ cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 heaping cup raisins
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper—this helps ensure even baking and prevents sticking.
2. Melt and Cool Butter: Melt the butter and let it cool slightly. This step is crucial for achieving that soft, chewy texture.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt. Properly measuring the flour is important to avoid dense cookies.
4. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, cream together the melted butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until well combined. Add the cinnamon, vanilla, egg, and egg yolk, and beat the mixture for 2-3 minutes until it becomes light and creamy.
5. Combine: Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just blended. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in the oats, raisins, and optional nuts until evenly distributed.
6. Shape and Bake: Scoop out 1/4 cup balls of dough onto the parchment-lined cookie sheet. Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. If making smaller cookies, adjust the baking time accordingly.
7. Cool: Allow the cookies to rest on the cookie sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Tips

• Measuring Flour: To avoid dense cookies, fluff your flour before spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife.
• Parchment Paper: Baking on parchment paper ensures even heat distribution and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
• Sea Level Adjustment: If you’re baking at a higher altitude, you may need to adjust the baking time slightly to achieve the perfect texture.

Enjoy these cookies warm from the oven or store them in an airtight container to maintain their chewy texture!