Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

While I have been having a wonderful time with our challenge of trying new recipes, there are some foods and recipes that I find myself craving every now and then.  The classics that you never grow tired of even after decades of having them in your recipe box. 

Oatmeal cookies are that kind of recipe.  They are the type of cookie that seems to be seeped in tradition yet they are free of holiday associations.  They are homey, simple, classic, and open to fresh interpretations without losing their foundation.  Me? I like them with a bit of extra spice and either raisins with dried cranberries or chocolate chips. 

They are worth baking and sharing time and time again.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

1/2 pound butter (2 sticks), softened to room temperature
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 - 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
1/2 teaspoons salt
3 cups oats (you can use quick or old fashioned, uncooked - I prefer quick)
1 cup raisins Or 1/2 cup raisins with 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in a bowl and set aside.

Beat the butter and sugars until creamy.  Add eggs; beat well.

Stir the flour combination in with the butter and eggs mixture; mix well.

Stir in the oats and the raisins.

Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for 1 minute on the cookie sheet before removing to a wire rack.

Makes about 4 dozen.

Enjoy!

~ Tara

Comments

[RebelSam]

Mmm...them cookies look like a real good dessert after dinner tonight. Say, we're going to grill up a possum my Ma found on the side of the road this morn, what kind of wine y'all reckon we pair with it?

[Tara & Dan]

Mike, err make that RebelSam, I would go with the benedictine... :) Maybe you can make us grilled possum when you visit at Christmas?