Oatmeal Raisin cookies
Oatmeal raisin cookies are a classic and beloved type of cookie known for their chewy texture and delightful combination of flavors. They feature rolled oats that provide a hearty and slightly chewy texture, complemented by sweet and plump raisins that add natural sweetness and bursts of flavor.
The cookie dough is made with a base of all-purpose flour, butter, a mix of brown and white sugar, and leavening agents like baking powder and baking soda. A touch of cinnamon or nutmeg often enhances the warm and comforting flavor profile. These cookies are a timeless favorite, perfect for enjoying as a sweet treat or snack.
Table of contents
History of oatmeal raisin cookies
Oats and raisin cookies, also known as oatmeal raisin cookies, have a history rooted in the rich traditions of American baking. While it’s challenging to pinpoint an exact date of origin, we can trace their development through several key milestones:
Oatmeal Cookies:
- Oats have been cultivated for thousands of years, but they were initially consumed primarily as a hot cereal. The idea of incorporating oats into cookies likely originated in the United States during the 19th century.
Early Oatmeal Cookie Recipes:
- Early recipes for oatmeal cookies were simple, featuring oats, sugar, butter, and often some spices. These cookies were rustic and hearty, suitable for both breakfast and snacks.
- The Quaker Oats Company played a significant role in popularizing oat-based recipes, including oatmeal cookies. Their recipes were printed on oatmeal canisters, making them widely accessible to American households.
Raisin Inclusion:
- The addition of raisins to oatmeal cookies likely evolved as bakers sought to introduce more flavor and sweetness to the cookies. Raisins were a natural choice because they provided sweetness without the need for excessive sugar.
Mid-20th Century Popularity:
- Oatmeal raisin cookies gained popularity in the mid-20th century, becoming a staple in American home baking. They were often enjoyed as a comforting and relatively healthy snack.
Variations and Innovations:
- Over time, variations of oatmeal raisin cookies emerged, with some recipes including spices like cinnamon and nutmeg or adding chopped nuts to enhance flavor and texture.
Today, oatmeal raisin cookies continue to be a beloved classic in American baking. They have also gained international recognition and are enjoyed worldwide. The combination of hearty oats and naturally sweet raisins creates a cookie that strikes a delightful balance between comfort and flavor. While the exact history may be somewhat elusive, the enduring popularity of oatmeal raisin cookies attests to their status as a timeless and comforting treat.
Tips and tricks
Baking perfect oatmeal and raisin cookies requires attention to detail. Here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve delicious results:
1. Use Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats provide a desirable texture for oatmeal cookies. Avoid instant oats, as they can make the cookies overly soft.
2. Properly Measure Ingredients: Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure accurate measurements of ingredients, especially flour. Too much flour can make cookies dry and crumbly.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Creaming softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy is a crucial step. This helps create a tender and well-structured cookie.
4. Add Eggs Gradually: When adding eggs, do so one at a time and mix well after each addition. This ensures even incorporation and a smoother batter.
5. Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Use a spatula or wooden spoon for the final mixing to avoid overworking the dough.
6. Incorporate Raisins Last: Gently fold in the raisins or any mix-ins at the end to prevent them from breaking apart or coloring the dough.
7. Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for about 30 minutes before baking helps prevent the cookies from spreading excessively in the oven. It also enhances flavor development.
8. Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier.
9. Uniformly Sized Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or your hands to shape the cookie dough into uniform-sized portions. This ensures even baking and a consistent appearance.
10. Flatten Slightly: After placing the cookie dough on the baking sheet, gently flatten each cookie with the back of a fork or your fingers. This helps achieve the classic cookie shape and texture.
11. Cool on a Wire Rack: Transfer the baked cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from becoming too soft on the bottom due to residual heat.
Substitutes and variations
Oatmeal raisin cookies are a versatile treat, and there are several substitutes and variations you can explore to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are some ideas:
1. Egg Substitutes:
- If you’re vegan or have an egg allergy, you can use egg substitutes like applesauce, mashed bananas, yogurt, silken tofu, or commercial egg replacers. These options provide moisture and binding properties similar to eggs.
2. Vegan Butter:
- To make oatmeal raisin cookies vegan, replace regular butter with plant-based alternatives like vegan margarine or coconut oil.
3. Gluten-Free Flour:
- If you’re following a gluten-free diet, use a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour instead of regular all-purpose flour.
4. Sugar Alternatives:
- Reduce sugar content by using alternatives like coconut sugar, maple syrup, or honey (if not strictly vegan) for a different sweetness profile.
5. Nut Additions:
- Enhance texture and flavor by adding chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds to your oatmeal raisin cookies.
6. Chocolate Chips:
- Create a fusion of flavors by substituting raisins with chocolate chips for oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.
7. Dried Fruits:
- Experiment with different dried fruits such as cranberries, chopped apricots, or dates to vary the flavor and texture.
8. Spice Variations:
- Change up the spices for unique flavor profiles. Try adding ground ginger, cloves, or cardamom for a twist on traditional oatmeal raisin cookies.
9. Nut Butter:
- Use almond butter or peanut butter in place of some or all of the butter for added richness and nutty flavor.
10. Whole Grains:
- Incorporate other whole grains like quinoa or barley flakes alongside oats for added nutrition and texture.
By exploring these substitutes and variations, you can tailor your oatmeal raisin cookies to meet specific dietary needs or simply to enjoy a fresh take on this classic treat.
Equipments and ingredients
Oven for home
This is one of the best oven we recommend using in home.
Stand mixer
Stand mixer provides even creaming and mixing of ingredients and convenient to use.
Recipe for Oatmeal raisin cookies
Oats and raisins cookies recipe
Oats and raisins cookies are made from Oats, raisins, refined flour, Baking powder, egg, milk and mixed , baked and served with milk. Usually preferred in morning breakfast and tea snacks.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Measure all the ingredients correctly with proper measurements.
Sieve the refined flour( Maida ) along with baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon powder and keep aside.
Mix little flour on oats and raisins and keep aside.
Beat the egg along with vanilla essence and milk and keep aside.
Grease a baking tray and keep ready.
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Cream the butter or whisk butter till it gets soft and creamy, add brown sugar gradually and cream or whisk till smooth.
Slowly add the egg mixture and whisk or cream the butter.Â
Last add the flour mixture and fold it with butter and form a dough.Â
Add the raisins and oats mixed with flour and combine it nicely and rest for 10 minutes.
Scoop or roll a ball ( 30g – 40g ) from thick cookie batter in a baking tray and bake at 160 degree celsius for 20-25 minutes.
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Serving Size 30g
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 553kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20g31%
- Saturated Fat 11.4g58%
- Cholesterol 85mg29%
- Sodium 152mg7%
- Potassium 400mg12%
- Total Carbohydrate 88g30%
- Dietary Fiber 3.9g16%
- Sugars 46.9g
- Protein 8.2g17%
- Calcium 8 mg
- Iron 18 mg
- Vitamin D 77 IU
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Creaming is method used in bakery where the butter is creamed using hands and all the ingredients are incorporated using hands.
The reasons for mixing or dusting little flour in the oats and raisins is to evenly spread the ingredients through the cookies. Otherwise they will settle it at the bottom of the cookie.
Frequently asked questions
What are oatmeal raisin cookies?
Oatmeal raisin cookies are a type of cookie made with rolled oats, raisins, and a blend of other ingredients. They are known for their chewy texture and sweet, comforting flavor.
Can I use instant oats in oatmeal raisin cookies?
While you can use instant oats, traditional rolled oats are often preferred because they provide a heartier texture. Instant oats may make the cookies softer.
Can I substitute raisins with other dried fruits in oatmeal cookies?
Absolutely! You can substitute raisins with other dried fruits like cranberries, chopped apricots, or dates to create different flavor variations.
Can oatmeal raisin cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes, you can make gluten-free oatmeal raisin cookies by using a gluten-free flour blend and ensuring that your oats are certified gluten-free.