Christmas oatmeal raisin cookies: soft, chewy, and festive. They are easy to make with raisins, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Customize them with nuts, chocolate, or cranberries.
Christmas Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: A Delightful Holiday Treat
The holiday season is synonymous with delightful treats and delicious sweets. And one classic holiday cookie that never fails to bring joy and warmth to our hearts is the Christmas Oatmeal Raisin Cookie. With its perfect blend of wholesome ingredients and festive flavors, these cookies are a must-have during the yuletide season. In this article, we will delve into the delightful world of Christmas Oatmeal Raisin Cookies and discover what makes them so special.
The Perfect Combination of Health and Indulgence
Traditional Flavors with a Festive Twist
What sets Christmas Oatmeal Raisin Cookies apart from their regular counterparts is the addition of festive flavors that make them truly special. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves are often incorporated into the cookie dough, infusing the cookies with a warm and comforting aroma that instantly brings to mind cozy winter evenings by the fireplace. The combination of these spices creates a unique flavor profile that perfectly complements the sweetness of the raisins and enhances the overall taste of the cookies.
Homemade Goodness for the Holidays
One of the joys of the holiday season is the opportunity to bake and share homemade treats with loved ones. Christmas Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are a wonderful choice for holiday baking as they are relatively easy to make and require simple pantry staples. The process of mixing the ingredients, shaping the dough, and watching the cookies turn golden brown in the oven fills the kitchen with warmth and spreads a sense of anticipation for the festive season. Plus, the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house is simply irresistible!
A Versatile Delight for All Occasions
Let’s make Christmas Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup (170g) butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (165g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups (160g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 3/4 cups (250g) rolled oats
- 1 cup (150g) raisins
Preparation:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugars with an electric mixer until creamy.
- Add eggs and vanilla and beat well.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and beat until well combined.
- Stir in oats and raisins with a wooden spoon or a spatula.
- Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between them.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy your oatmeal raisin cookies or store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
Conclusion
Christmas Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines the goodness of oats and raisins with the warm and comforting flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. These cookies offer a healthier alternative to other festive desserts, while still delivering on taste and indulgence. Whether enjoyed during Christmas or throughout the year, these homemade cookies are sure to bring joy to every bite.
FAQs
Can I substitute raisins with other dried fruits in the recipe?
Yes, you can certainly experiment with other dried fruits such as cranberries, chopped dates, or even dried cherries to add a unique twist to your Christmas Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! There are various gluten-free flour alternatives available, such as almond flour or gluten-free oat flour, which can be used as a substitute for all-purpose flour in the recipe.
Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to three months. Simply shape the dough into individual cookie balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the cookie dough balls into a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, Christmas Oatmeal Raisin Cookies can stay fresh for up to a week. However, their deliciousness often leads to them being devoured much sooner!
Can I add nuts to the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans make an excellent addition to these cookies, adding a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to each bite. Simply fold in the nuts along with the raisins before shaping the dough into cookies.
