Zesty Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Recipe Category: Drop Cookies
Cuisine: American
Difficulty: Easy
Description
These are not your typical oatmeal raisin cookies—these are elevated with vibrant citrus zest and a delightful spice mix that will have your tastebuds dancing. With a chewy texture from the oats, a subtle citrus tang from the orange and lemon zest, and a comforting sweetness from the raisins and molasses, these cookies are the perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. They come together in just 30 minutes and offer the option of adding nuts like walnuts and pecans, giving everyone the perfect choice. These cookies might even become your new go-to, surpassing your love for chocolate chip cookies!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Raisins | 3/4 cup |
| Unsalted Butter | 1/2 cup (softened) |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 tsp |
| Orange Zest | 1 tbsp |
| Lemon Zest | 1/2 tbsp |
| Granulated Sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Brown Sugar (packed) | 1/2 cup |
| Molasses | 1/4 cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Quick-Cooking Oats | 1 1/2 cups |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1 1/4 cups |
| Baking Powder | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp |
| Ground Cinnamon | 1/2 tsp |
| Ground Ginger | 1/4 tsp |
| Pecans (optional) | 1/2 cup |
| Walnuts (optional) | 1/2 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximately 1 cookie)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 114.3 kcal |
| Total Fat | 4.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 19.5 mg |
| Sodium | 50.7 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 17.2 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.7 g |
| Sugars | 8.8 g |
| Protein | 1.8 g |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Raisins
In a small saucepan, bring a few tablespoons of orange juice to a boil. Add the raisins and stir them gently. Cover the saucepan with a lid and remove it from heat. Let the raisins sit for about 15 minutes to absorb the juice and plump up. Once they’ve softened, drain any remaining juice and set them aside.
Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients
While the raisins are soaking, begin creaming together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and the oils in a large mixing bowl. Add in the vanilla extract, orange zest, and lemon zest. Beat this mixture until it’s light, fluffy, and well-blended, making sure that the butter and sugar are fully incorporated.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Molasses
Add the two large eggs to the creamed mixture, one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed in before adding the next. Then, stir in the molasses until the mixture is smooth and uniform. The molasses will contribute a deep, rich flavor that complements the spices and oats in the cookies.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground ginger. The sifting ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and will contribute to a lighter, airier cookie dough.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently as you go. It’s important to mix thoroughly so that there are no flour pockets left, but be careful not to overmix, as this could result in a denser cookie.
Step 6: Add Oats, Raisins, and Nuts
Now, fold in the quick-cooking oats and the drained raisins. These will provide texture and chewiness. If you’re including nuts, add the chopped pecans and walnuts at this point and stir until they are evenly distributed through the dough.
Step 7: Chill the Dough
For best results, refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking, ensuring they hold their shape and stay chewy on the inside.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them on the baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each cookie dough ball with the back of a spoon to help them spread evenly as they bake.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers may appear slightly soft, but they will firm up as the cookies cool.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these zesty oatmeal raisin cookies with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a perfect treat.
Tips for Perfect Zesty Oatmeal Raisin Cookies:
- Raisin Alternatives: Feel free to swap out raisins for other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped dates for a different twist.
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step—it helps the dough firm up, preventing the cookies from spreading too thin during baking.
- Nuts: You can use a mix of nuts or choose just one type depending on your preference. Walnuts and pecans both work wonderfully in this recipe.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake—every oven is different. Start checking for doneness around the 10-minute mark.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just be sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Reviews & Ratings
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Total Reviews: 2
“These cookies are absolutely delightful! The citrus zest adds such a fresh twist, and the molasses gives them a deep, rich flavor. I love the option of adding nuts, and they were gone in no time. Highly recommend!”
“My new favorite oatmeal cookie recipe! The texture is perfect, chewy with a slight crisp around the edges. Will definitely be making these again soon!”
Conclusion
These Zesty Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are a fantastic alternative to your typical cookie, offering a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and citrus zest. They’re easy to make, and with the option to add nuts, they’re adaptable to anyone’s taste. Whether you’re a fan of the classic oatmeal cookie or someone looking for a refreshing twist, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.
