Description
Classic oatmeal cookies from Joy of Cooking embody warm, homemade comfort with hearty rolled oats and sweet raisins. Crisp edges and chewy centers invite bakers to create a nostalgic treat that delights generations of cookie lovers with simple, wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups (260 grams / 9.2 ounces) old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 ½ cups (195 grams / 6.9 ounces) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (225 grams / 8 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature
Sweeteners and Binding Agents:
- 1 cup (200 grams / 7.1 ounces) light brown sugar (firmly packed)
- ⅓ cup (65 grams / 2.3 ounces) granulated white sugar
- 2 large eggs (100 grams / 3.5 ounces out of shell), at room temperature
- 1 cup (140 grams / 4.9 ounces) dark or golden raisins
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon (4 grams / 0.14 ounces) pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon (4 grams / 0.14 ounces) baking soda
- 1 teaspoon (4 grams / 0.14 ounces) kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare two baking sheets by lightly greasing them or lining with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together white and brown sugars with softened butter until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Incorporate eggs and pure vanilla extract into the sugar-butter mixture, blending until smooth and fully integrated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until a consistent dough forms without overmixing.
- Gently fold in rolled oats and plump raisins, distributing them evenly throughout the cookie dough.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop approximately 1/4 cup (60 grams) of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.
- Slightly flatten each cookie mound with the back of a spoon to create a more uniform shape, ensuring approximately 1/2 inch (1.25 centimeters) thickness.
- Place baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 13-16 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through to ensure even browning.
- Cookies are ready when edges turn golden brown and centers remain slightly soft and tender.
- Allow cookies to rest on baking sheets for 3-4 minutes to firm up, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Soften butter beforehand to ensure smooth, even mixing without lumps.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the most authentic, hearty texture for this classic treat.
- Gentle mixing prevents tough, dense batter – stop stirring as soon as ingredients are combined.
- Chocolate chips or chopped nuts add delightful crunch and extra flavor to the basic recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg