When you crave a cozy and heartwarming treat, few things can top the classic chewy oatmeal raisin cookies with walnuts. These cookies are rich in texture, with the comforting bite of oats, the sweetness of raisins, and the crunch of walnuts. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet afternoon at home or sharing them with friends and family, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
In this article, we’ll delve into this beloved recipe, provide all the essential details, and even explore a few variations to tailor it to your preferences. Not only will you learn how to make the perfect chewy oatmeal raisin cookies with walnuts, but you’ll also get tips for tweaking the recipe to match your taste!
What is Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies with Walnuts?
Chewy oatmeal raisin cookies with walnuts are a variation of the classic oatmeal cookie. The addition of raisins and walnuts gives the cookies a balance of sweetness and nuttiness, with the oats providing a hearty texture. The secret to their chewiness lies in the careful balance of ingredients and the technique used during baking, ensuring that they stay soft and tender on the inside, while the edges develop a slight crisp.
Origin of Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies with Walnuts
Oatmeal cookies date back to the early 20th century and have been a staple in many homes, particularly in North America. While the origins of oatmeal cookies are somewhat unclear, they gained popularity during the Great Depression as a way to make the most of simple pantry staples. The combination of oats, raisins, and walnuts was likely a natural evolution, with raisins providing sweetness and walnuts adding texture. Over the years, many variations have emerged, but the chewy version remains one of the most beloved.
Ingredients for Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies with Walnuts
The beauty of this recipe lies in the simplicity and wholesome ingredients that come together to create a delightful treat. Here’s what you’ll need to make about 24 cookies:
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) brown sugar (light or dark)
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 cups (270g) old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup (150g) raisins
- ¾ cup (75g) chopped walnuts
Step-by-Step Directions for Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies with Walnuts
Here’s a detailed guide on how to prepare the perfect chewy oatmeal raisin cookies with walnuts:
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer and beat on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
5. Add the Oats, Raisins, and Walnuts
Stir in the old-fashioned rolled oats, raisins, and chopped walnuts. Ensure that these ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough, so every cookie has a good mix of oats, raisins, and walnuts.
6. Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)
For the perfect chewy texture, it’s recommended that you chill the dough for 30 minutes in the fridge. This step helps the dough firm up and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
7. Scoop and Bake
Once the dough has chilled, use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to drop rounded portions of dough (about 2 tablespoons per cookie) onto the prepared baking sheets. Space the dough mounds about 2 inches apart.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, but the centers are still slightly soft. Don’t worry if the centers seem undercooked—they will continue to firm up as the cookies cool.
8. Cool and Serve
After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them fresh, or store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
Variations on Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies with Walnuts
While the classic combination of oats, raisins, and walnuts is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to mix things up! Here are a few ideas for customizing your cookies:
1. Swap the Raisins for Other Dried Fruits
If you’re not a fan of raisins, you can easily substitute them with other dried fruits like cranberries, cherries, or even apricots. These alternatives bring their own unique sweetness and tartness to the cookies.
2. Add Chocolate Chips
For a richer treat, consider adding chocolate chips to the dough. You can use semi-sweet, dark, or even white chocolate chips for a delightful twist on the classic cookie.
3. Use Pecans Instead of Walnuts
If you prefer the flavor of pecans, feel free to swap them in place of the walnuts. Pecans have a slightly sweeter and milder flavor, which can create a softer taste profile in the cookies.
4. Make Them Gluten-Free
To make gluten-free oatmeal raisin cookies with walnuts, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure that the oats are certified gluten-free as well, as regular oats can sometimes be cross-contaminated with gluten.
FAQs About The Recipe
Q1: Can I freeze the dough for later?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough! Simply portion it into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze the dough for 1-2 hours, then transfer it to a zip-top bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, bake the cookies directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Q2: Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
While quick oats can be used, they may result in a slightly different texture. Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the chewy, hearty texture that makes these cookies so special, so using them is recommended for the best result.
Q3: How can I make these cookies softer?
To make your cookies even softer, use more brown sugar and slightly less granulated sugar. The extra moisture from the brown sugar helps create a softer texture.
Q4: Can I add coconut to these cookies?
Yes, you can add unsweetened shredded coconut to your oatmeal cookies for an extra layer of flavor. About ½ cup should be sufficient for a subtle coconut taste.
Conclusion
In conclusion, chewy oatmeal raisin cookies with walnuts are a perfect combination of sweet, nutty, and hearty flavors that everyone will love. By following the simple yet effective steps outlined in this recipe, you can bake the most perfect batch of cookies that will impress anyone who tries them. Whether you’re making them for yourself or sharing them with others, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
From the ingredients to the baking process, every detail plays a crucial role in creating that perfect chewy texture and balanced flavor. So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and enjoy baking these delightful treats. Happy baking!
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Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies with Walnuts — A Cozy, Hearty Delight!
- Total Time: 27 mins
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chewy oatmeal raisin cookies with walnuts are a variation of the classic oatmeal cookie. The addition of raisins and walnuts gives the cookies a balance of sweetness and nuttiness, with the oats providing a hearty texture. The secret to their chewiness lies in the careful balance of ingredients and the technique used during baking, ensuring that they stay soft and tender on the inside, while the edges develop a slight crisp.
Ingredients
1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200g) brown sugar (light or dark)
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp salt
3 cups (270g) old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup (150g) raisins
¾ cup (75g) chopped walnuts
Instructions
Preheat oven:
Set to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream butter and sugars:
In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Add wet ingredients:
Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
Combine dry ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Gradually add this to the butter mixture until just combined.
Add oats, raisins, and walnuts:
Stir in rolled oats, raisins, and walnuts until evenly distributed.
Chill the dough (optional but best for chewy cookies):
Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape.
Scoop and bake:
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough (about 2 tablespoons each) onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
Bake 10–12 minutes, or until edges are golden but centers still look slightly soft.
Cool:
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
These chewy oatmeal raisin cookies are even better the next day as the flavors meld together! For a little twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or swapping raisins for dried cranberries or chocolate chips. They make a perfect treat with your morning coffee or an afternoon snack for the whole family.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
Keywords: Chewy oatmeal cookies with raisins and walnuts, oatmeal raisin cookies, walnut oatmeal cookies, soft oatmeal raisin cookies, homemade oatmeal cookies with walnuts
