Oatmeal Raisin Cookie
A cookie made from oats and raisins.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
The oatmeal raisin cookie's history is intertwined with the rise of processed oats and the growing popularity of home baking in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Quakers played a key role in popularizing oats. The cookie is a relatively modern creation, drawing upon earlier recipes for oatcakes and raisin-studded baked goods.
The oatmeal raisin cookie is often seen as a comforting, home-style treat, frequently associated with childhood memories and the aroma of a freshly baked batch. It's a popular choice for snacks, desserts, and potlucks.
Home Baking Tradition
Oatmeal raisin cookies are a staple of American home baking, often passed down through generations. They represent warmth, family, and the act of creating something from scratch.
Snack and Dessert
Widely available commercially, they are also appreciated as a simple, wholesome treat compared to other more decadent cookies.
The oatmeal raisin cookie offers a comforting blend of sweet, nutty, and chewy textures. Cinnamon and vanilla are common flavor additions, complementing the earthiness of the oats and the sweetness of the raisins.
The dominant flavors are the wholesome, slightly nutty taste of the oats, combined with the concentrated sweetness and chewiness of raisins. Brown sugar contributes a molasses-like depth, while spices like cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and complexity. Vanilla extract enhances the overall sweetness and aromatic profile. The buttery base provides richness and helps bind the ingredients together. Variations may include nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
Soaking the Raisins
Soaking the raisins in warm water or rum before adding them to the dough plumps them up, preventing them from drying out during baking and resulting in a moister cookie.
Chilling the Dough
Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight) helps to prevent the cookies from spreading too thin during baking. It also allows the flavors to meld together and intensifies the overall taste.
Using Rolled Oats
Using old-fashioned rolled oats provides the best texture. Quick oats can make the cookies too soft, while steel-cut oats are too coarse.
Browning the Butter
Browning the butter (carefully) before adding it to the dough adds a nutty, caramel-like flavor that elevates the cookie's taste. However, be cautious not to burn the butter.
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