Spiced Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

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There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of freshly baked cookies, particularly when they are warm, chewy, and packed with spices. These Spiced Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are not just any ordinary cookies; they are a delightful combination of hearty old-fashioned oats, plump raisins, and a medley of warming spices that will take your taste buds on a delightful journey. Whether you’re baking them for a cozy family gathering or simply to enjoy with a cup of tea, these cookies will not disappoint. Perfectly soft in the middle with just a hint of crispiness on the edges, they embody everything we love about homemade treats.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

This cookie recipe stands out for a multitude of reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal kitchen skills and just a handful of pantry staples. Second, the combination of spices elevates the traditional oatmeal raisin cookie to a new level, wrapping each bite in warmth and nostalgia. Not to mention, they’re versatile! You can customize them according to your preferences and they stay fresh for days. Once you take a bite, you’ll understand why these cookies will soon become a family favorite.

Ingredients

To make these delectable cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup butter-flavored vegetable shortening
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup quick oats
• 1 cup raisins

How To Make Spiced Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure that the cookies don’t stick and to make clean-up a breeze.

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and butter-flavored vegetable shortening. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add in the granulated sugar and light brown sugar, continuing to beat until everything is well combined and creamy.

Step 3: Mix in the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the two large eggs, ensuring they are at room temperature for easy mixing. Pour in the teaspoon of vanilla extract as well. Beat the mixture until everything is smoothly incorporated.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and salt until evenly mixed.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients with Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the texture light.

Step 6: Fold in Oats and Raisins

Carefully fold in the old-fashioned oats, quick oats, and raisins using a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix just until the oats and raisins are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers look set.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy your Spiced Oatmeal Raisin Cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of your favorite tea!

Expert Tips

To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly each time, consider the following expert tips:

• For best results, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. This helps achieve the perfect cookie texture.
• Chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes if you prefer thicker cookies. This helps prevent spreading.
• Feel free to add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for extra crunch and flavor.
• Use fresh spices for the best flavor. Ground spices can lose their potency over time, so check the freshness before using.

Variations and Customizations

These cookies are wonderfully adaptable, so don’t hesitate to get creative! Here are some variations and customizations you might enjoy:

• Substitute chocolate chips for raisins if you’re a chocolate lover or use a combination of both!
• Add dried cranberries or cherries for a fruity twist.
• Incorporate shredded coconut for a chewy texture and added flavor.
• Experiment with different spices like cardamom or allspice to suit your taste.

How to Store Leftovers

To keep your Spiced Oatmeal Raisin Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay delicious for about a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies! Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they can be kept in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes to recreate that freshly baked taste.

FAQ

Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?

Yes, you can substitute part of the granulated sugar with brown sugar to enhance the flavor and moisture of the cookies. Keep in mind that it may slightly alter the texture.

What type of oats should I use in this recipe?

This recipe calls for a combination of old-fashioned oats and quick oats. The old-fashioned oats provide heartiness while the quick oats add tenderness to the cookies. You can use either or a combination for the best results.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make gluten-free Spiced Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free, as cross-contamination may occur with regular oats.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

Cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden brown and the center looks slightly underbaked. They will continue to cook as they cool on the baking sheets, achieving that perfect chewy texture.

Conclusion

Baking Spiced Oatmeal Raisin Cookies is not only a delightful way to spend your time in the kitchen, but it also fills your home with the most inviting aromas that make everyone feel at home. With the perfect blend of spices and texture, these cookies are sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe repertoire. So, gather your ingredients and start baking — you’ll be rewarded with warm, spiced, and chewy cookies that are impossible to resist. Whether served at a gathering or enjoyed in solitude, these cookies are a treat for any occasion!

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