Christmas Cookies Galore: Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

I will always admire my mom for her skill in finding unique and fabulous recipes.  Sure, knowing which ingredients combine to make the best tasting treats could be a result of baking experimentation over the years, but I am pretty sure that it’s partly just a gift. She found this gem on a blog that didn’t even include a picture and was intrigued by the raisin-soaking tip (I promise you, it’s the secret to perfect oatmeal raisin cookies!).

I helped her make them for our Christmas celebration and they turned out to be delicious.  In fact, my boyfriend raved about them so much that I made him his own batch the very next day.

So here, I present to you, the only oatmeal raisin cookie recipe you will ever need. Happy baking!

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Makes 36-40 cookies

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup white sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons cinammon
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
3 cups oatmeal (quick cooking or old fashioned, not instant)
1 cup raisins
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Prep: The key is to soak the raisins. This makes all the difference in the world. Beat eggs and vanilla together and then add the raisins, stir. Soak for an hour or two. I just walked by a few times and stirred it while I waited.

Directions: Preheat to 350 F.  Cream butter and sugars with mixer. In a separate bowl combine flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg. Stir the dry ingredients until well blended. Add dry ingredients to creamed mixture and mix well. Now add in the egg and raisin mixture. Then add oatmeal and chocolate chips/nuts and combine well. Form into balls on cookie sheet. Bake 10 minutes.

Let cool on cookie sheet for 2-5 minutes or until firm enough to transfer to wire rack.

Recipe from Journey to Crunchville