Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

• 1 1/2 cups raisins

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions

1.  Preheat Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Cream Butter and Sugars:

   • In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.

3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:

   • Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients:

   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

5. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients:

   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Stir in the oats, raisins, and walnuts (if using).

6. Shape the Cookies:

   • Drop heaping tablespoon-size balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

7. Bake:

   • Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft. Do not overbake; the cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet as they cool.

8. Cool:

   • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips:

• For chewier cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.

• If you prefer plumper raisins, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes before adding to the dough, then drain well.

• Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft and chewy.