Oatmeal Raisin Breakfast Cookies
Highlighted under: Delightful Bakes
I absolutely love starting my day with these Oatmeal Raisin Breakfast Cookies! They are a delicious and nutritious option that perfectly blends the hearty flavor of oats with the natural sweetness of raisins. Making them is not only easy but also allows me to customize the ingredients based on what I have at home. Whether it's adding nuts or swapping out raisins for cranberries, these cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed on the go for breakfast or as a delightful snack at any time of day.
When I first tried making Oatmeal Raisin Breakfast Cookies, I was amazed by how simple the process was! I started by mixing the oats with my favorite spices and sweeteners, which created a lovely aroma in my kitchen. I realized that letting the dough rest for just 15 minutes before baking helps the cookies hold their shape better and enhances the flavors!
One tip I'll share is that using a mix of old-fashioned oats and quick oats creates the perfect texture—a bit chewy but still crumbly enough to break apart easily. Trust me, these cookies have become a staple in my home, and they're always a hit with family and friends!
Why You'll Love These Cookies
- Nutritious ingredients that kickstart your day right
- Chewy texture with a hint of spice in every bite
- Perfectly portable for busy mornings
The Importance of Oats
Oats are a key ingredient in these breakfast cookies, providing not only a hearty texture but also a wealth of nutritional benefits. They are rich in fiber, which helps maintain steady energy levels throughout the morning. In fact, the soluble fiber in oats can aid in digestion and contribute to cardiovascular health. This recipe utilizes rolled oats for a chewy consistency that holds up well during baking, ensuring each cookie remains satisfying and substantial.
When incorporating oats, make sure to use rolled or old-fashioned oats rather than instant oats. Instant oats can lead to a mushier texture, which doesn’t work well for cookies. If you want to experiment, try substituting half of the oats with oat flour for a slightly different texture while still keeping that nutritious base.
Sweetness and Spice Balance
The combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar in this recipe not only adds sweetness but also depth of flavor. Brown sugar contributes moisture due to its molasses content, which helps keep the cookies chewy and prevents them from becoming too dry. This is especially important during baking, as a balance of sugars can significantly affect the final texture and taste of the cookies.
Adding ground cinnamon brings warmth and complexity to the flavor profile of the cookies. If you want to elevate this aspect further, consider incorporating a pinch of nutmeg or even ginger for a spiced twist. These spices complement the sweetness of the raisins beautifully, creating a symphony of flavors that resonate with traditional oatmeal cookies.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Combine Mixtures
Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients, then fold in the raisins until evenly distributed.
Scoop the Dough
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the Cookies
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.
Pro Tips
- For an extra crunch, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the mix. Also, feel free to substitute half the flour for whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
Making Ahead and Storage
These oatmeal raisin breakfast cookies can be made ahead and stored to enjoy throughout the week. Once baked, let them cool completely on a wire rack before transferring them to an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about a week at room temperature and can also be refrigerated for extended freshness. If you prefer them warm, simply microwave them for 10-15 seconds before serving.
For longer storage, these cookies freeze exceptionally well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. This method prevents sticking, allowing you to grab a cookie or two whenever you desire a quick breakfast or snack. They can be reheated directly from frozen, typically taking about 20-25 seconds in the microwave.
Variations and Customizations
One of the great things about these breakfast cookies is their versatility. Feel free to switch out the raisins for other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped apricots, which can provide a different kind of sweetness and texture. If you're in the mood for a little crunch, add some chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans—these not only enhance the flavor but also contribute healthy fats.
You can also experiment with the spices based on your preferences. Adding a splash of almond extract instead of vanilla can provide an interesting twist, while a handful of chocolate chips can make them a decadent treat. Just be cautious with the quantity—you want the base flavors to shine through, so balance is key.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, you can substitute quick oats, but the texture will be slightly different.
→ How should I store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
→ Can I make these cookies vegan?
Sure! Substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use coconut oil instead of butter.
→ Is it possible to replace raisins with other dried fruits?
Absolutely! You can replace raisins with cranberries, apricots, or any dried fruit of your choice.
Oatmeal Raisin Breakfast Cookies
I absolutely love starting my day with these Oatmeal Raisin Breakfast Cookies! They are a delicious and nutritious option that perfectly blends the hearty flavor of oats with the natural sweetness of raisins. Making them is not only easy but also allows me to customize the ingredients based on what I have at home. Whether it's adding nuts or swapping out raisins for cranberries, these cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed on the go for breakfast or as a delightful snack at any time of day.
Created by: Rowena Clarke
Recipe Type: Delightful Bakes
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
For the Cookies
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup raisins
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients, then fold in the raisins until evenly distributed.
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.
Extra Tips
- For an extra crunch, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the mix. Also, feel free to substitute half the flour for whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 2g