Introduction
There’s something truly comforting about a warm, crispy, and crunchy oatmeal raisin cookie. It’s a timeless treat that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also offers the nostalgic flavors of cinnamon, oats, and raisins in every bite. Whether you’re enjoying them with a glass of milk or on their own as a midday snack, these cookies are a perfect blend of texture and flavor. In this post, we’re going to show you how to make the ultimate crispy, crunchy oatmeal raisin cookies that will make you forget all about store-bought versions. These cookies are easy to prepare, full of flavor, and so satisfying!
Why You’ll Love Crispy Crunchy Oatmeal Cookies
Crispy, crunchy oatmeal raisin cookies have long been a favorite of cookie lovers. This recipe takes those classic flavors and enhances them with a perfect balance of crispy edges, soft centers, and chewy raisins. What’s even better is that these cookies are customizable to your liking—add nuts, switch out raisins for chocolate chips, or adjust the sweetness to your preference. These cookies don’t just deliver on flavor but also give you that satisfying crunch that makes them irresistible. Plus, they make a fantastic gift or a treat to have around the house, filling the air with the warm and inviting aroma of freshly baked cookies.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to bake the perfect crispy and crunchy oatmeal raisin cookies:
- 1 cup of unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup of brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup of white granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups of old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 1/2 cups of raisins
- 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts (optional)
Necessary Tools for Crispy Crunchy Oatmeal Cookies
To make this recipe, you’ll need the following tools:
- Electric mixer (or a hand mixer)
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper (optional for easy cleanup)
- Cooling rack
- Cookie scoop or spoon
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
While this oatmeal raisin cookie recipe is classic, there are plenty of ways to make it your own. Here are some ingredient swaps and additions you can try:
For a Nutty Crunch
- Replace walnuts with chopped pecans, almonds, or cashews for a different nutty flavor.
For a Healthier Version
- Use coconut oil instead of butter and swap the sugars for coconut sugar or maple syrup. You can also add flax seeds or chia seeds to boost the nutritional content.
Dried Fruits
- If you’re not a fan of raisins, swap them out for dried cranberries, cherries, or apricots for a different fruity twist.
Spices
- Moreover, feel free to experiment with other spices like nutmeg or ginger for added warmth and flavor.
Chocolate Lovers
- Replace raisins with chocolate chips or add half raisins and half chocolate chips for the best of both worlds!
Step-by-Step Instructions of Crispy Crunchy Oatmeal Cookies
Making these crispy oatmeal raisin cookies is easier than you might think. Here’s how to do it step by step:
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to combine.
5. Add the Dry Ingredients to the Wet Mixture
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until fully incorporated.
6. Add Oats and Raisins
Stir in the rolled oats and raisins (and walnuts, if you’re using them). Mix everything together until evenly distributed.
7. Scoop the Dough
Then, use a cookie scoop or spoon to form dough balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Later, space them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
8. Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and crispy. Then, keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary based on your oven.
9. Cool the Cookies
Once the cookies are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack.
Pro Tips for Success of Crispy Crunchy Oatmeal Cookies
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, avoid overmixing. Stir just until the dough comes together to keep the cookies light and crunchy.
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies retain their shape and gives them an extra crunch.
- Bake in Batches: If you have a lot of dough, bake the cookies in batches so they have room to spread without overcrowding.
- Check for Doneness: Since everyone’s oven is different, check the cookies at the 10-minute mark. You want them to be golden on the edges but still soft in the middle.
Moreover, enjoy the perfect balance of crispiness and chewiness with these Thin and Crispy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, packed with oats, raisins, and a hint of cinnamon in every bite.
Serving Suggestions
These crispy oatmeal raisin cookies are delicious on their own, but here are some fun ways to serve them:
- Pair them with a hot cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat.
- Crumble the cookies over vanilla ice cream or yogurt for a quick dessert.
- Make an ice cream sandwich by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies.
- Pack them as an afternoon snack for kids or as a gift in a cookie tin for friends and family.
Storing and Reheating
Storing
Place the cooled cookies in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week.
Freezing
If you want to keep them for longer, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag or container, where they’ll stay good for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Moreover, to enjoy them warm, microwave a cookie for 10-15 seconds, or reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.
Nutritional Information
Each cookie contains approximately:
- Calories: 130-150
- Fat: 6g
- Carbs: 20g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 10g
FAQs – Crispy Crunchy Oatmeal Cookies
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free. Just be sure the oats you use are certified gluten-free as well.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Rolled oats give the cookies a better texture, but if you only have quick oats, you can substitute them in a pinch.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough up to 2 days in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I add other dried fruits to these cookies?
Of course, dried cranberries, apricots, or cherries would work well in this recipe.
Why are my cookies soft instead of crispy?
The key to crispy cookies is baking them until the edges are golden brown. You can also try adding a bit more flour to the dough if needed.
Conclusion
These crispy, crunchy oatmeal raisin cookies are the perfect combination of chewy oats, sweet raisins, and a hint of cinnamon. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or gifting them to someone special, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. Moreover, with simple ingredients, easy-to-follow instructions, and plenty of customization options, this recipe is a must-try for cookie lovers everywhere.
Also, indulge in the delicate crunch and rich almond flavor of our Crispy Almond Florentine Lace Cookies – a perfect blend of elegance and sweetness in every bite.
