posted by blahgirl 06-14-102 8:09 PM
Chewy Oatmeal Cookies
Makes about 24 large cookies
2 sticks unsalted butter, softened but still firm
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 1/4 cups rolled oats (not quick)
1 1/4 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp allspice
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1 cup raisins OR 1 1/2 cups chopped dates
Heat oven to 350. Line cookies sheet with parchment.
Beat butter and sugar with a wooden spoon until pale yellow and very light. (this gives more body, texture -- don't use electric mixer). Add eggs and vanilla and beat until fluffy. Add oats and mix to combine.
In a separate bowl, whisk together remaining ingredients except raisins and fold them into the oatmeal mixture using a large rubber spatula or wooden spoon. Stir in raisins.
Place dough in heaping tablespoons on sheets and bake about 15 minutes, or until edges are brown. Rotate pan halfway through baking time for even browning. The cookies will still feel slightly undercooked and soft when removed from the oven. Slip parchment off of baking sheet and place on a cooling rack. Repeat with a new sheet of parchment until all dough baked.
Notes: 1. Do not overbake
2. Do not use quick-cooking oats, regular provide better texture
3. Once again, the only mistake would be to overbake them... you must force yourself to take them out when they still look raw and puffed or else they will harden and dry out as they cool -- We want soft, chewy cookies.