Delicious Irish Oatmeal Cookies for Your Sweet Cravings
Greetings, fellow baking enthusiasts! Today, I am thrilled to introduce you to a cherished recipe that has been passed down in my family for generations. Are you ready for the ultimate indulgence in oatmeal raisin cookies? Get ready to experience the magic of Irish Oatmeal Cookies with Raisins and Walnuts!
As a chef specializing in British cuisine, I can tell you that there is something special about Irish oats. They are known for being especially wholesome and flavorful, making them the perfect choice to create a chewy delicious cookie. These cookies are full of old fashioned oats, raisins, and walnuts that will provide you with a hearty and satisfying snack at any time of the day.
So grab your apron, butter and flour your cookie sheets, and let’s get baking! Trust me; your taste buds will thank you for it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love oatmeal raisin cookies, then you’ll absolutely adore these Irish oatmeal cookies with raisins and walnuts! Trust me, as a chef who specializes in British cuisine, I know a thing or two about what makes a great cookie.
One of the main reasons why you’ll love this recipe is the use of Irish oatmeal. It’s not your typical oatmeal, as it has a coarser texture and a nuttier flavor that really elevates the taste of these cookies. Plus, it’s a healthier choice compared to regular old-fashioned oats.
And let’s not forget about the plump raisins and crunchy walnuts that add both texture and depth of flavor to every bite. The sweetness from the raisins perfectly balances out the nuttiness from the oats and walnuts, creating a chewy and delicious cookie that will have you reaching for seconds (or thirds!).
But what truly sets this recipe apart is the addition of cinnamon and vanilla, which give the cookies an extra layer of warmth and complexity. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of Irish whiskey into the dough for a boozy kick that will make these cookies even more irresistible.
So, if you’re looking for THE BEST Irish oatmeal cookie recipe, look no further than this one right here. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked on these soft and chewy delights.
Ingredient List
Here is a list of ingredients you will need to make these delicious Irish Oatmeal Cookies with Raisins and Walnuts:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1 ½ cups butter flavor Crisco
- 4 eggs
- 2 tsp. vanilla
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 6 cups old-fashioned oats (not quick-cooking or instant)
- 3 cups raisins
- 1 cup walnut pieces
These are the best Irish oatmeal cookies and this wholesome recipe calls for quality ingredients such as old-fashioned oats, raisins, and walnuts for that perfect crunch.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to start baking these mouth-watering Irish Oatmeal Cookies With Raisins and Walnuts Recipe. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of cookies ready to be devoured within no time.
Step 1: Prep Time
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease the cookie sheet using coconut oil.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine together 1 cup of old-fashioned oats, 1 and ¾ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Stir in 3/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts and 1-1/4 cups raisins until all ingredients are well blended.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another large bowl, beat together 1 cup unsalted butter, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, and 3/4 cup brown sugar using an electric mixer until creamy. Beat in two eggs (one at a time) and then add one tablespoon vanilla extract to it. Mix it well after adding each ingredient.
Step 4: Combine Wet And Dry Ingredients
Gradually stir in the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredient mixture until combined. Fold in dry ingredients using a spatula.
Step 5: Scoop The Dough Onto The Baking Sheet
Using a scoop or spoon, drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto prepared sheets, spacing them about 2 inches (5 cm) apart.
Step 6: Bake
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are slightly golden brown on the outside but still moist on the inside. Let cool on the sheets for few minutes before transferring them to the wire racks.
Step 7: Serve
Serve the Irish Oatmeal Cookies With Raisins and Walnuts Recipe warm with a glass of milk or with a cup of hot Irish whiskey.
Enjoy your freshly baked cookies!
Substitutions and Variations
The great thing about cookies is that they’re easy to modify and experiment with. Here are some substitution and variation ideas for this delicious oatmeal raisin cookie recipe:
1. Swap in different dried fruit: Don’t like raisins? You can easily swap them out for another dried fruit, such as cranberries, cherries, or apricots.
2. Use different nuts: Can’t find walnuts or just prefer a different type of nut? You could substitute almonds, pecans, or even hazelnuts for a slightly different flavor profile.
3. Try gluten-free flour: If you’re gluten-intolerant or just looking to avoid wheat flour, you could try using a gluten-free flour like almond flour or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour.
4. Use coconut oil instead of shortening: If you’re trying to avoid using shortening in your baking, you could substitute it with coconut oil instead. This will give your cookies a subtle coconut flavor.
5. Add chocolate chips: If you’re a chocolate lover, consider adding some chocolate chips to the mix. Just make sure to reduce the amount of raisins or nuts accordingly.
No matter what substitutions you make to this recipe, I recommend sticking to the old-fashioned oats for the best texture and flavor. And don’t be afraid to get creative with your mix-ins – there’s no such thing as too many delicious ingredients in a cookie!
Serving and Pairing
These Irish Oatmeal Cookies With Raisins and Walnuts are perfectly delicious all on their own, but they’re even better with a complementing drink. I love pairing these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a nice cup of tea. The creamy texture of milk helps balance out the chewiness of the cookie, while tea enhances the warm cinnamon and vanilla spices in the cookie.
For an adult-friendly pairing, try serving these cookies with a glass of Irish whiskey. The warm notes of Irish whiskey make it the perfect accompaniment to this classic Irish dessert. Alternatively, if you’re feeling adventurous, serve these cookies with a shot of espresso or latte for a sweet morning pick-me-up.
When it comes to presentation, you can showcase these cookies in so many ways! Stack them elegantly on a platter for a fancy presentation or casually drop them onto a plate when guests come over – either way, they will be irresistible.
These oatmeal raisin cookies are perfect for bake sales, dinner parties or just as a casual treat in the middle of the day. They are soft, chewy and flavorful – sure to please everyone’s taste buds, whether paired with milk or whiskey!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
These Irish oatmeal cookies are not only delicious, but they can also be made ahead of time and stored for later. If you want to prepare the dough in advance, simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and chill it for up to 24 hours before baking. This will allow the flavors of the ingredients to meld together, resulting in an even tastier cookie.
When it comes to storing your baked cookies, make sure they have completely cooled before placing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to one week. You can even freeze these cookies for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating leftover cookies is easy and will bring back that fresh-baked taste. Simply place them on a baking sheet and warm them up in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about five minutes. Alternatively, you can pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds, but this may result in slightly softer cookies.
For an extra indulgent treat, try serving these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The ice cream will melt into the warm cookie, creating a delectable dessert that everyone will love.
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making the perfect Irish oatmeal cookies with raisins and walnuts, every detail counts. Here are some tips to help ensure that your batch of cookies turns out just right.
First and foremost, make sure to measure your ingredients precisely. Baking is a science, and even the slightest variation in measurements can throw off the taste and texture of your cookies. Use measuring cups and spoons instead of eyeballing it.
Additionally, be sure to cream the butter, sugar, and shortening together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie.
When stirring in the dry ingredients, do not overmix. Over-mixing can cause the flour to develop too much gluten, resulting in a tough cookie. It’s also important to add in the oats, raisins, and walnuts last so they don’t get crushed during the mixing process.
To prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before scooping onto a baking sheet. It’s also best to bake only one pan of cookies at a time to ensure even baking.
Another tip is to rotate the baking sheet halfway through cooking so that each cookie is cooked evenly. And when removing them from the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This will help them firm up without becoming too brittle.
Lastly, store your Irish oatmeal cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for up to three months. To make them extra chewy again before serving, simply pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or heat in a 300-degree oven for 5-10 minutes.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make chewy delicious Irish oatmeal cookies with raisins and walnuts that everyone will love!
FAQ
Now that you have all the necessary information to make delicious Irish Oatmeal Cookies with Raisins and Walnuts, it’s time to address some frequently asked questions. These questions will help you troubleshoot any issues you may face while preparing this cookie recipe. So before you start baking these scrumptious cookies, read on to get answers to all your questions.
Should you soak raisins before baking cookies?
If you want to add an extra burst of flavor to your dough, try this handy trick: let the raisins soak in a mixture of egg and vanilla before adding them in. By doing so, the raisins will become plump and positively bursting with flavor.
Why are my oatmeal raisin cookies so dry?
Are you having trouble with your oatmeal raisin cookies turning out dry? If you’re using quick oats or measuring the ingredients incorrectly, it could be the culprit. You want to make sure you’re using the right measuring techniques and baking the cookies soon after mixing. In this guide, I’ll share my tips and tricks for creating perfectly moist oatmeal raisin cookies.
Why do my oatmeal cookies get hard?
When making cookies, it’s important to avoid overmixing the dough as this can overwork the gluten in the flour and cause the cookies to turn out tough. If the recipe does not specifically state to use an electric mixer, it’s best to mix the dry ingredients with a wooden spoon. Additionally, it’s important not to simply scoop flour directly from its container into a measuring cup, as this can cause the flour to become compressed and lead to inaccurate measurements.
How do you keep oatmeal raisin cookies from going flat?
To ensure perfectly baked cookies, it is important to cool the baking sheets for a few minutes before placing the cookie dough on them. This will prevent the dough from melting and spreading too quickly. Instead of waiting for them to cool down naturally, you can speed up the process by running them under room temperature water. Once no longer hot to the touch, dry them off and your cookies will be ready to go on the sheets.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, these Irish Oatmeal Cookies with Raisins and Walnuts are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With its chewy and delicious texture, it’s perfect for any occasion. The rich flavors of the oats, raisins and walnuts coupled with the aroma of cinnamon make this cookie irresistible.
Not only is this recipe easy to make with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, but it’s also versatile enough to allow for substitutions and variations. You can mix in chocolate chips or coconut flakes to add a different twist to your cookies.
Moreover, you can make the cookies ahead of time and store them easily without affecting their taste or texture. These cookies also pair well with a cup of coffee, tea or even Irish whiskey.
Whether you’re new to baking or an experienced baker looking for a new recipe to try out, I highly recommend making these Irish Oatmeal Cookies with Raisins and Walnuts. Trust me; they’ll quickly become a family favorite.
Irish Oatmeal Cookies With Raisins and Walnuts Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups raisins
- 3 -4 tablespoons Irish whiskey (or water)
- 1 cup Butter Flavor Crisco or 1 cup shortening
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 cups old fashioned oats or 2 1/4 cups mccann's quick-cooking irish oatmeal
- 1 1/4 cups broken walnut pieces
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar, for tops of cookies (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Place raisins into a small saucepan, add the whiskey or water and bring to the boil over medium high heat, stirring constantly. Off the heat, cover and set aside to steep.
- In a large bowl, use a wooden spoon to cream together the shortening, sugars, eggs, and vanilla.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt with a wire whisk.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the shortening mixture, mixing with a wooden spoon.
- Stir in the oats, then blend in the raisins and the walnuts; mix well.
- Use a cookie scoop or drop by heaping teaspoonfuls 2-inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Place some granulated sugar in a small bowl. Moisten the bottom of a small glass in water and dip into sugar, then press the glass gently onto the top of each cookie to slightly flatten.
- Bake in preheated 350F oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly golden brown around the edges and centers are set--do NOT over bake.
- Let cookies cool 1 minute on cookie sheet, then use a spatula to carefully remove warm cookies to wire rack to completely cool. DO NOT leave cookies on cookie sheet longer than a minute or two, or they will become stuck.
- Store in an airtight container or freezer bag; these cookies freeze well.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.