Best Raisin Oatmeal Cookies
Delicious raisin oatmeal cookies with warm spices and sweet raisins, perfect for satisfying cravings and sharing with friends and family during any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Simmer raisins in 1 cup water until plump, about 15 minutes.
- Drain raisins, reserving the liquid, and add enough water to make 1/2 cup.
- Mix shortening, eggs, sugar, and vanilla until well combined.
- Blend in the 1/2 cup raisin liquid.
- Stir in remaining ingredients: raisins, rolled oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Immediately remove cookies from the sheet and cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For a softer cookie, try using butter instead of shortening, though this may alter the texture slightly. If you're short on raisins, you can substitute with chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a different flavor profile. To enhance the spices, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon and cloves for a warmer taste. Ensure your baking soda is fresh for optimal rise.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delightful on their own or paired with a glass of cold milk. For an extra treat, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fun dessert. They also make a great addition to holiday cookie trays or as a sweet snack with coffee or tea. Consider pairing them with Aunt Verda'S Fruitcake Cookies for a festive variety.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to restore their freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Best Raisin Oatmeal Cookies contains roughly 1360 calories, with 18g protein, 188g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (53% of the Daily Value), iron (42% of the Daily Value), and protein (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2012mg per serving (87% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats, but the texture of the cookies may be slightly different. Quick oats absorb more moisture and can make the cookies a bit denser. If you prefer a chewier texture, stick with rolled oats.
How can I make these cookies healthier?
To make these cookies healthier, consider reducing the sugar by a quarter cup or substituting with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. You can also replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber while maintaining the cookie's structure.
What can I add to the dough for extra flavor?
You can enhance the flavor by adding chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, or even a handful of chocolate chips for a sweeter version. Dried fruits like chopped apricots or cherries can also add a nice twist to the classic raisin oatmeal cookie.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).