Beth's Spicy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies 🍪✨

These delightful cookies pack a warm and comforting flavor with a hint of spice that makes them irresistible! They’re perfect for sharing with friends, family, or just treating yourself. The combination of oats and raisins gives these cookies a chewy texture, while the spices add a cozy aroma that will fill your kitchen. Consider enjoying them with a glass of milk or a cup of tea! 🥛☕

Ingredients

For the cookies

• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 1/2 cup butter-flavored shortening
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup raisins

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking sheets.

2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, butter-flavored shortening, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

   🥄 Mixing the butter and sugars well will ensure your cookies rise properly and have that delightful texture!

3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Gradually stir this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.

4. Fold in the rolled oats and raisins.

5. Using a rounded teaspoon, drop dollops of dough onto ungreased cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

6. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are light and golden, being careful not to overbake.

   ⏰ Keep an eye on them, as they will continue to firm up and set as they cool!

7. Let the cookies cool on the sheets for 2 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

   🍪 They won’t last long—store in an airtight container to keep them fresh!

Variations

• Nutty Twist: Add 1 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for an extra crunch!
• Chocolate Delight: Mix in 1 cup of chocolate chips for a rich take on this classic recipe.
• Dried Fruit: Substitute raisins with your favorite dried fruit like cranberries, cherries, or apricots for a different flavor profile.
• Spice it Up: Add more warming spices like nutmeg or ginger for an even spicier kick.

Enjoy baking, and happy eating! 🍽️❤️