Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

This chewy oatmeal raisin cookie recipe does make the best oatmeal raisin cookies... and that from someone who does not even like oatmeal raisin cookies!

What about you...do you like them? Maybe even love them??

If you do then you will love this oatmeal raisin cookie recipe.

Don't get me wrong...I don't hate them and I certainly can eat them but, the raisins kind of ruin it for me. I am just not fond of raisins. I even pick them out of my trail mix.

Yes, you are right...there is a story behind the making of this oatmeal raisin spice cookie recipe. It was developed for my husband who - on the other hand - likes...no loves... oatmeal raisin spice cookies.

Yes, store bought ones no less...from Trader Joe's.

One day, not having any chocolate chips - you KNOW how awful that is - and wanting to make cookies, I decided to make this soft oatmeal raisin cookie recipe.

I remembered my French grand-mother making lots of desserts with raisins and I liked them then. So what was the difference?

The difference was the extra time she lovingly took to prepare the raisins. So I did the same thing with my raisins for this chewy oatmeal raisin cookie recipe and it worked!

The first batch was a "not bad at all" from my husband and a "better than Trader Joe's" from the kids. I had more work to do,,,I could NOT have a store bought oatmeal raisin spice cookie taste better than homemade cookies...

Homemade is always best don't you think?

I thought so...and I agree with you!

The next batch - made the next day - was a "this is it...they are better!"

Yes!!! Success!

Even two neighbors - who also do not like oatmeal raisin cookies - found them to be very very good..."the best oatmeal raisin cookies ever!"

So oatmeal raisin cookie lovers - or not - give this recipe a try and then give me your feedback....yes, with pictures! You tell me if these are not the best oatmeal raisin cookies...ever - or at least better than Trader Joe's!

Ingredients For The Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Recipe

• 1 cup butter at room temperature
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs, well beaten
• 3 teaspoons vanilla extract - divided
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose unbleached flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon rum flavoring or rum - optional
• 3 cups old fashioned oatmeal - quick cooking oats are okay too
• 1 1/2 cups raisins
• 1 cup chopped walnuts - optional

Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

My Mamie's Secret

A few hours BEFORE you plan to make the cookies, place the raisins in a bowl with enough HOT water to cover them. Add 1 tsp. of vanilla extract and some rum extract.

Let sit until the raisins are big and plump.

Make Your Batch of The Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies:

1. In a bowl - or with a stand mixer - cream the butter with the white and brown sugar together.
2. Add the 2 eggs and cream again.
3. Add all the dry ingredients and the remaining 2 teaspoons of vanilla and mix until well blended.
4. Drain the raisins and add to the cookie dough along with the nuts. Mix well.
5. Place spoons full on an ungreased cookie sheet.
6. Bake at 350 degree for 10 to 15 minutes.
7. After removing them from the oven, wait 3 to 5 minutes before placing them on a cookie rack to cool.
8. For more cookie recipes click here. And for healthy recipes Click Here!