Oh, the joy of baking during the holiday season! There’s something so magical about filling your kitchen with warm, inviting scents that instantly put you in a festive mood. When I think of Christmas, my heart skips a beat at the thought of my all-time favorite treat: Christmas Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. They’re chewy, hearty, and so comforting, with just the right amount of sweetness from the raisins. I remember one holiday season when my whole family gathered in the kitchen, flour flying everywhere, laughter echoing off the walls, and those cookies baking away in the oven. The moment we pulled them out, the aroma was pure bliss. Trust me, these cookies are not just a treat; they’re a delicious way to spread holiday cheer and create lasting memories. So, let’s dive into making these delightful bites of joy!
Ingredients for Christmas Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Let’s gather everything we need to whip up these scrumptious cookies! Here’s a detailed list of ingredients, along with what each one does for our delightful treats:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This is the foundation of our cookies, giving them that rich, buttery flavor. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy creaming!
- 1 cup brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a lovely caramel flavor and keeps the cookies nice and chewy. Don’t pack it too tightly; just scoop and level it off!
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: This sugar balances the molasses in the brown sugar, contributing to a delightful sweetness and helping the cookies spread perfectly.
- 2 large eggs: Eggs are crucial for binding the ingredients together and giving our cookies a lovely, soft texture. Make sure they’re at room temperature too!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This is where the magic happens! Vanilla adds warmth and depth of flavor, making these cookies taste like a hug in every bite.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Flour gives structure to our cookies. We want a nice balance here, so be sure to measure accurately. I like to spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off for perfection!
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: This is our leavening agent, helping the cookies rise slightly during baking for that perfect texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A little salt enhances all the flavors in our cookies and balances the sweetness. Trust me, it’s a must!
- 3 cups rolled oats: Oats are the star of the show! They give the cookies a hearty, chewy texture that’s simply irresistible. I love using old-fashioned oats for that perfect bite.
- 1 cup raisins: Sweet, plump raisins add a burst of flavor and chewiness. Feel free to adjust this amount based on your taste—more raisins can only mean more yum!
Gather these ingredients, and we’re all set to make some holiday magic happen in the kitchen!
How to Prepare Christmas Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the process of creating these delightful cookies! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of warm, chewy cookies in no time!
Preheat and Cream Ingredients
First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because a properly preheated oven ensures even baking. While that’s warming up, let’s cream our butter and sugars together. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes should do the trick! The goal here is to incorporate air, which helps our cookies rise beautifully.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is super important! Mixing these dry ingredients thoroughly helps prevent any clumps of baking soda in your cookies, which could lead to uneven rising. You want to ensure a smooth blend before we combine them with our wet mixture.
Mixing Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now comes the fun part! Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar. I like to do this in three parts, mixing well after each addition. You’re aiming for a thick, dough-like consistency. Don’t worry if it looks a bit crumbly at first; it will come together beautifully once we add the oats and raisins!
Adding Oats and Raisins
Speaking of oats and raisins, let’s fold those in now! Gently stir in the rolled oats and raisins until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. Be careful not to overmix here—just combine until you can’t see any dry flour. This will help keep our cookies chewy and delicious!
Baking the Cookies
It’s time to shape our cookies! Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This gives them room to spread while baking. Pop the trays into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look set. Trust your nose—when that sweet, comforting aroma fills your kitchen, you’ll know they’re close!
Cooling and Storing
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This cooling step is key; it lets them firm up a bit. To store, keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to save some for later, they freeze wonderfully—just layer them in a container with parchment paper between each layer to keep them from sticking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about what you can expect from each of these delightful cookies! Here’s the estimated nutritional data per cookie, based on typical values:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
This is just an estimate, of course, and the actual values may vary based on specific brands and measurements you use. But hey, a little indulgence during the holidays is definitely worth it, right? Enjoy every chewy, sweet bite!
Tips for Success with Christmas Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
To make sure your Christmas Oatmeal Raisin Cookies turn out perfectly every time, I’ve got some pro tips that’ll elevate your baking game! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom make all the difference.
- Watch the baking time: Every oven is a little different, so start checking your cookies around the 10-minute mark. You want them to be golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool!
- Adjust the raisins: If you’re a raisin lover, feel free to add a bit more! But if you’re not a fan, you can swap them out for chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a festive twist. It’s all about making the recipe your own!
- Chill the dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking. This gives you a thicker, chewier cookie that holds its shape beautifully.
- Use old-fashioned oats: For that perfect chewy texture, stick with old-fashioned rolled oats instead of quick oats. Quick oats can make the cookies too soft, while rolled oats give them that hearty bite we love.
- Don’t overmix: When you’re combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them to be tender and delightful!
- Store properly: To keep your cookies fresh, remember to store them in an airtight container. If you want to keep them for longer, layer them with parchment paper and freeze. They’ll taste just as good when you pull them out later!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a cookie-baking superstar this holiday season. Happy baking!
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- Quick to prepare—whip up a batch in just about 27 minutes!
- Deliciously chewy texture with the perfect balance of sweetness from the raisins.
- Festive and heartwarming, making them perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
- Great for sharing—these cookies are a hit with family and friends!
- Versatile—easily customizable with different mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
- Fill your home with the delightful aroma of baking cookies, creating a cozy atmosphere.
- Perfect for gifting—wrap them up in a festive tin for a homemade holiday treat!
- Just the right amount of nostalgia to remind you of cozy family moments spent baking together.
FAQ About Christmas Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Got questions about making the best Christmas Oatmeal Raisin Cookies? Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered! Here are some common questions I hear, along with my answers to help you out:
How should I store my cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to a week! If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them—just layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Can I substitute the raisins?
Absolutely! If raisins aren’t your thing, you can swap them for chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even chopped nuts. It’s all about personal preference, so feel free to get creative!
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky, don’t fret! You can add a bit more flour—just a tablespoon at a time—until it reaches a workable consistency. But be cautious; too much flour can make the cookies tough!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time and chill it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before shaping and baking, as it will be easier to handle.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
While you can use quick oats if that’s what you have, I recommend sticking with old-fashioned rolled oats for that perfect chewy texture. Quick oats can make the cookies a bit too soft, but they’ll still taste delicious!
What if I want to add spices?
Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the flavor of your cookies beautifully! I’d suggest starting with 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.
How do I know when my cookies are done?
Your cookies are ready when the edges are golden brown and the centers look set but still soft. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a little underbaked when you take them out!
Hopefully, these FAQs give you the confidence to tackle your Christmas Oatmeal Raisin Cookies! Remember, baking is all about having fun and experimenting, so enjoy the process and happy baking!
Serving Suggestions for Christmas Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Now that you’ve baked up a delicious batch of Christmas Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, let’s talk about how to elevate your cookie experience! These chewy delights are perfect on their own, but pair them with a few accompaniments for a truly festive treat.
- Warm Beverages: Nothing complements these cookies better than a steaming cup of hot cocoa or spiced apple cider. The sweetness of the cookies pairs perfectly with the warmth of these drinks, making it a cozy pairing.
- Ice Cream: Try serving your cookies with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. The cold creaminess contrasts beautifully with the chewy texture of the cookies, creating a delightful dessert experience!
- Festive Platter: Arrange your cookies on a beautiful holiday platter alongside other treats like gingerbread men, peppermint bark, or holiday nougat. It makes for a stunning centerpiece at any gathering!
- Milk: You can’t go wrong with a classic glass of milk! Whether it’s dairy or a plant-based alternative, dunking your cookie into milk is a nostalgic experience that brings back childhood memories.
- Cheese Board: For a fun twist, add your cookies to a cheese board with some sharp cheddar or creamy brie. The contrast of flavors is surprisingly delightful and will impress your guests!
These suggestions will surely enhance your holiday cookie experience, making your Christmas Oatmeal Raisin Cookies even more enjoyable. So gather your loved ones, serve up your creations, and soak in the festive spirit!
Print
Christmas Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: 7 Sweet Holiday Delights
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Christmas oatmeal raisin cookies.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract; mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture.
- Stir in oats and raisins.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool on wire racks.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Cookies can be frozen for later use.
- Adjust raisins based on preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Christmas Oatmeal Raisin Cookies