Big Softies
Big Softies are tender, oatmeal raisin cookies packed with warm spices and sweet raisins, perfect for satisfying cravings and sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour boiling water over raisins and let stand for 10 minutes. Drain raisins, reserving 1/4 cup liquid.
- Sift together all-purpose flour, soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg into a bowl.
- Add shortening, sugar, eggs, and reserved liquid to the dry ingredients.
- Beat until smooth, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in raisins and oats.
- Chill dough.
- Drop by tablespoonfuls onto greased cookie sheets.
- Bake in a preheated moderate oven (350°) about 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a softer texture, try substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. If you prefer, you can use coconut oil instead of shortening for a healthier fat option. For a twist, mix in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough before chilling. Remember to keep the dough cold before baking to maintain the cookie's shape.
Serving Suggestions
These Big Softies are delightful served warm with a glass of milk or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also complement a hot cup of coffee or tea perfectly. For a fun dessert, crumble them over yogurt or use them to make a unique version of a Rice Krispie Treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Big Softies contains roughly 151 calories, with 1g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 10g fat.
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 other dried fruits instead of raisins?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, apricots, or cherries can be fantastic substitutes for raisins, adding a different flavor profile to the cookies. Just chop larger fruits into smaller pieces to ensure even distribution in the dough.
What can I do if the dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels overly sticky, try chilling it for a bit longer in the refrigerator. This will firm it up, making it easier to handle. You can also lightly flour your hands or the spoon when dropping the dough onto the cookie sheets.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when they are lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool on the baking sheet. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven.
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).